We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Systems and Azure Cloud Engineer to lead the design, deployment, optimization, and cost management of Azure networking and infrastructure for Windows Virtual Machines. This role will focus on creating scalable, secure, and cost-effective solutions while ensuring robust performance. Candidates with experience in Azure File Share, Microsoft 365 management, and acquisitions and migrations using tools like BitTitan and Quest are strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

• Azure Virtual Machine Management:
• Design, deploy, and maintain Windows Virtual Machines in Azure, ensuring scalability, performance, and high availability.
• Automate VM provisioning, updates, and configuration using tools like PowerShell, Terraform, or ARM templates.
• Azure Networking:
• Architect, configure, and maintain Azure Virtual Networks (VNETs), including VNET Peering, NSGs, and ExpressRoute or VPN Gateways for hybrid environments.
• Optimize network performance and troubleshoot issues related to connectivity, bandwidth, and latency.
• Implement and manage Azure load balancers, Application Gateways, and Azure Firewall for secure and efficient resource access.
• Acquisitions and Migrations:
• Lead system and user migration efforts during acquisitions, ensuring seamless integration with existing environments.
• Utilize tools like BitTitan and Quest to migrate email, files, Active Directory objects, and other resources efficiently.
• Standardize processes for merging IT environments, including directory services, application platforms, and collaboration tools.
• Develop strategies for reducing downtime and ensuring compliance during migrations.
• Cost Optimization and Planning:
• Develop strategies for cost-efficient design of Azure infrastructure, identifying opportunities to reduce expenses while maintaining performance.
• Continuously monitor Azure resource usage and implement cost-saving measures, such as right-sizing VMs, automating shutdown/start schedules, and leveraging Reserved Instances.
• Provide recommendations to optimize cloud spending based on data-driven insights and best practices.
• Hybrid Cloud Connectivity:
• Manage hybrid network solutions connecting on-premises infrastructure to Azure using site-to-site VPNs, ExpressRoute, and other tools.
• Ensure seamless integration of hybrid workloads, addressing networking challenges and ensuring compliance with company policies.
• Monitoring and Optimization:
• Use tools like Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and Network Watcher to monitor infrastructure performance and detect potential issues.
• Proactively optimize resource usage and implement automation to enhance efficiency.
• Security and Governance:
• Implement secure access controls for Azure resources using Azure RBAC, NSGs, and Azure Policies.
• Design disaster recovery and backup solutions for Azure VMs and networking components.
• Plus Skills (Preferred):
• Manage Azure File Shares to support shared storage requirements for Windows VMs and hybrid environments.
• Oversee Microsoft 365 environments, including Exchange Online, Teams, and SharePoint, to ensure effective collaboration and communication solutions.

• Azure Networking Expertise:
• Advanced experience with Azure Virtual Networks, NSGs, load balancers, and VPN/ExpressRoute configurations.
• Knowledge of Azure networking best practices and troubleshooting.
• VM Infrastructure Management:
• Strong experience managing Windows Virtual Machines on Azure, including provisioning, maintenance, scaling, and backups.
• Expertise in using automation tools like PowerShell, Terraform, or Ansible for Azure infrastructure tasks.
• Acquisitions and Migrations:
• Proven experience with system and user migrations during acquisitions.
• Proficiency in using migration tools such as BitTitan and Quest to streamline processes.
• Cost Optimization and Planning:
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement cost-effective cloud solutions in Azure.
• Experience analyzing and optimizing cloud spending using Azure Cost Management tools.
• Hybrid Cloud Management:
• Hands-on experience connecting and managing hybrid workloads across on-premises and Azure environments.
• Automation and Optimization:
• Proficiency in automating deployments and performance monitoring using Azure-native tools.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with Azure File Share for shared storage management.
• Experience managing Microsoft 365 services (e.g., Exchange Online, Teams, SharePoint).
• Certifications such as Azure Solutions Architect Expert or Azure Administrator Associate.
• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).