Senior Azure Cloud Architect

We are seeking a Senior Azure Cloud Architect with deep experience across on-premises infrastructure, Azure migration, hybrid networking, security and governance, disaster recovery, FinOps, and Azure operations.

The ideal candidate will have a strong traditional infrastructure foundation combined with hands-on Azure architecture expertise. This individual will lead the assessment, planning, design, migration, and operationalization of enterprise workloads from on-premises environments to Microsoft Azure.

This role requires demonstrated experience designing Azure Landing Zones, hybrid cloud connectivity, migration roadmaps, governance frameworks, BCP/DR solutions, cost optimization strategies, and enterprise Azure operational models.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field, with 15+ years of infrastructure/cloud experience and strong hands-on Azure architecture experience.
• Strong background in enterprise on-premises infrastructure, including Windows Server, virtualization (VMware/Hyper-V), compute, storage, patching, capacity planning, performance management, and infrastructure modernization.
• Proven experience leading on-premises-to-Azure migration assessments and implementations, including Azure Migrate, workload discovery/readiness, migration strategy (rehost/replatform/refactor), migration planning, and risk mitigation.
• Strong expertise designing Azure Landing Zones and hybrid networking, including VNets, ExpressRoute, Site-to-Site VPN, Hub-and-Spoke architecture, network segmentation, DNS, firewalls, and load balancing.
• Hands-on experience with Azure security and governance, including Microsoft Entra ID, RBAC, Azure Policy, Key Vault, Defender for Cloud, security controls, and compliance/governance frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience designing Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery solutions, including Azure Site Recovery, backups, RTO/RPO, resiliency, and DR/failover testing.
• Experience with Azure FinOps and cost optimization, including cost visibility, budgeting, rightsizing, Reserved Instances/Savings Plans, and cloud cost governance.
• Strong Azure operational and automation experience using Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, Azure DevOps, Terraform/Bicep/ARM, PowerShell, CI/CD, monitoring, incident management, and operational automation.

Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance

• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off

• 401(k) plan and contributions

• Long-term/Short-term Disability

• Paid Parental Leave

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Work model:

At Cognizant, we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible, and we are here to support a healthy work-life balance though our various wellbeing programs. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a hybrid role requiring 4 days a week at client site either in Montpelier, VT or Addison, Texas.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you’re engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.

We're excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don't hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

“Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.