Cloud Architect Lead II

Description We are looking for an experienced Cloud Architect Lead II to strengthen cloud security architecture and engineering efforts for a Long-term Contract position based in Providence, Rhode Island. This role focuses on securing enterprise cloud platforms through hands-on automation, architectural guidance, and close partnership with cloud engineering, development, and operations teams. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in Azure scripting, cloud security design, and operational risk reduction across modern infrastructure environments.

Responsibilities:

• Build and refine secure cloud architecture solutions across enterprise platforms with an emphasis on resilient design, strong configuration standards, and scalable security controls.
• Develop and maintain Azure-based automation and scripting solutions that improve cloud security operations, enforcement, and response capabilities.
• Perform detailed security reviews of cloud infrastructure, applications, and platform components, then translate findings into practical remediation plans.
• Partner with engineering, development, and DevOps teams to embed secure deployment and configuration practices throughout the cloud lifecycle.
• Direct cloud-focused incident response activities, support readiness exercises, and help strengthen response procedures for emerging threats.
• Oversee access control and privileged account practices for cloud resources to align with established security frameworks and industry guidance.
• Advise internal stakeholders on cloud security standards, governance expectations, and architectural decisions that reduce organizational risk.
• Support container and platform security initiatives through hands-on administration, monitoring, and control implementation.
• Identify opportunities to improve cloud resource efficiency while balancing performance, security, and cost considerations.
• Mentor less experienced team members by sharing technical guidance, reviewing work, and encouraging sound security engineering practices. Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• At least 10 years of cybersecurity and cloud experience supporting the configuration, protection, and operation of cloud applications and infrastructure.
• Strong hands-on background in Azure scripting and cloud automation with a coding-focused approach to security engineering.
• Demonstrated experience designing secure cloud environments and conducting assessments against recognized compliance and security frameworks.
• Knowledge of Microsoft cloud security technologies, including Microsoft 365 services, Microsoft Defender for Cloud, and identity or endpoint management tools.
• Practical expertise in cloud access governance, privileged account management, and security monitoring within enterprise environments.
• Experience working with container security controls and modern cloud security practices such as secure configuration management and incident response.
• Strong communication, planning, and leadership abilities with the capacity to collaborate across technical teams and support entry-level staff.

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