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Job Title: Cloud Architect
Location: Dallas, TX, or Remote
Job Type: Full-Time (flexible)
Job Summary: Our client is seeking an experienced Cloud Architect to design, implement, and manage cloud-based solutions with a focus on Google Cloud Platform (GCP). The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in cloud foundations, infrastructure as code (IaC) using Terraform, and building scalable, secure, and cost-efficient cloud architectures. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to align cloud strategies with business objectives, ensuring robust and innovative solutions.
Key Responsibilities
- Cloud Architecture Design: Architect and deploy scalable, secure, and highly available cloud solutions on GCP, leveraging services like Compute Engine, GKE, Cloud Storage, BigQuery, and Cloud Functions.
- Cloud Foundation Setup: Establish and maintain cloud foundations, including identity and access management (IAM), networking (VPC, subnets, firewalls), and governance policies to ensure compliance and security.
- Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Develop and manage IaC using Terraform to automate provisioning, configuration, and management of cloud resources, ensuring consistency and repeatability.
- Solution Optimization: Optimize cloud environments for performance, cost, and reliability, using tools like GCP’s Cost Management and Monitoring suites.
- Collaboration and Leadership: Work with DevOps, engineering, and product teams to integrate cloud solutions into CI/CD pipelines and support application deployments.
- Security and Compliance: Implement best practices for cloud security, including encryption, logging, monitoring, and adherence to industry standards.
- Migration and Modernization: Lead cloud migration projects, including lift-and-shift, re-platforming, and re-architecting current systems to cloud-native solutions.
- Documentation and Training: Create detailed architecture diagrams, technical documentation, and provide guidance to teams on cloud best practices.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- 6+ years of experience in cloud architecture, with at least 3 years focused on GCP.
- Proven expertise in designing and implementing cloud foundations (IAM, networking, governance).
- Extensive hands-on experience with Terraform for IaC, including writing and maintaining complex modules.
- Experience with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and orchestration in GCP environments.
- Demonstrated success in cloud migration and modernization projects.
- Deep knowledge of GCP services (e.g., Compute Engine, GKE, Cloud Run, BigQuery, Pub/Sub).
- Proficiency in Terraform for IaC, including state management and modular design.
- Familiarity with CI/CD tools (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions) and integration with cloud environments.
- Strong understanding of networking concepts (VPC, VPN, CDN, load balancing).
- Expertise in cloud security practices, including IAM roles, service accounts, and encryption.
- Scripting proficiency in Python, Bash, or Go for automation tasks.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Excellent communication and collaboration abilities to work with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Ability to lead projects and mentor junior team members.
- Experience with multi-cloud or hybrid cloud architectures (e.g., AWS alongside GCP).
Preferred Qualifications
- Certifications such as: Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect, Google Cloud Professional DevOps Engineer, HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate
- Knowledge of observability tools like Stackdriver, Prometheus, or Grafana for monitoring cloud environments.
- Familiarity with serverless architectures and event-driven design.
- Experience implementing cost optimization strategies in GCP, such as committed use discounts or sustained use discounts.
- Advanced degrees or certifications are a plus.