Cloud Architect

Title: Cloud Architect Location: Lansing, MI (2-days onsite, 3-days remote Hybrid schedule) Note: This is a W2 contract position; C2C and 3 rd party candidates will NOT be considered This position serves as a Cloud Application Architect, orchestrating the placement and interaction of application components to meet the agency business requirements, while also satisfying the often-conflicting requirements of sustainability, cost control, standardization, security, compliance, and strategic alignment, primarily for the IT system modernization initiatives. This position must ensure that cloud infrastructure is properly integrated with COTS packages, Software as a Service, Web Services, and other federal, state, and local government applications and services, both internal and external. This position will provide technical expertise and leadership to application development staff, promoting usability, security, mobility, maintainability, and reusability. This position must be able to function with a minimum of direct supervision, and requires a high degree of direct contact with department program managers and project/technology oversight groups. This position works as a part of a team of architects/designers with additional support staff. As the Cloud Application Architect, this position is strategically responsible for the design and interaction of the client enterprise level application architecture, code libraries, middleware, and services components. This Architect will lead the migration to a services-based architecture; compiles and designs architectural models of current and proposed applications across the client enterprise; performs design reviews across the client organization; leads the evaluation of vendor software targeted for possible integration into the applications or environment; defines and manages the IT application design methodology; surveys external emerging developments in application design and methodologies, and evangelizes new techniques, technologies, and standards; manages the development and maintenance of the client application architecture environment; and consults with application designers on how to implement enterprise architecture components and resolve issues. This position serves as the team's chief Cloud SME, enforcing best practices in cloud implementation and deployment while complying with client policies and procedures. Job Duties: Develop and manage enterprise level architecture for all IT systems and projects within the scope of responsibility; plan, develop, and administer architectural practice related policies and procedures Provide application architecture expertise as it relates to the development and integration of applications, security, middleware, services, database design, development methodologies, and tools Lead and coordinate with other technical resources in the overall application design, implementation, and integration of applications with other existing applications/technologies/data sources on multiple platforms within the agency Develop strategic goals required to ensure that the overall application architecture is in compliance with client development methodology best practices Consult with application designers on proper application design and use of enterprise services Compile and design application architectural models across the client enterprise for use internally and in conjunction with third party technology partners; models are of two types, including Enterprise Models, that depict the entire client enterprise and its inter-relationships internally and with the state enterprise architecture, and Reference Models, that depict recommended and approved application designs, which can serve as a template for future projects Perform architecture design reviews across the organization as a part of the Enterprise Architecture Core Team Define, implement, and maintain the IT application architecture design methodology and best practices Lead the effort towards services-based development and implementation Survey external emerging development methodologies, and evangelize new technologies, standards, and methodologies that will have a positive impact on the quality of applications and services Ensure the implementation of security standards in application architectures, designs, and coding practices; be familiar with, provide research for, and documentation and input (when applicable) to Enterprise Security policies and standards Plan, develop, and administer application design-related policies and procedures to promote high quality, accurate, and reusable application designs Provide technical leadership, guidance, and direction to application architects, database administrators, and programmer/analyst(s) supporting application design, database architecture, and the design and overall application and service architecture functions in client agencies Develop and maintain application-level architecture components and design repositories (i.e. code libraries, middleware, services, database, and development tools); manage projects related to application component design and development practice Perform business and technical requirements analysis for client enterprise level code libraries, middleware, services, database, and development tools Oversee the design and validation of client enterprise level application components, APIs, and related databases Oversee and approve the development of, and changes to, the application architecture to ensure proper execution of the design Provide technical support to application designers in the use of the enterprise service environment and development methodologies Provide "practical" technical solutions to the development team to solve complex application development problems Lead appropriate change control boards Contribute to the development of testing plans, scenarios, and test data to ensure compliance and fit with the overall application architecture Manage application architecture components and documentation versions using established development and management processes and tools Manage associated projects to develop client enterprise level application architecture components and objects Review the security of application components and services Act as the IT Architect SME, covering the scope of responsibility on client enterprise application integration projects Act as liaison and direct the use of EA Solution Patterns and Reference Models with existing and proposed solutions within the area of responsibility, including assisting in creating EA Solution Assessments Participate with the EA Core Team in the exchange of architectural best practices, the development and review of EA Roadmaps, and the review of EA Solution Assessments from across the enterprise. Perform code library, middleware, services support, as required Ensure the installation, configuration, testing, and implementation of the applications follow the architecture guidelines, including the proper operation of applications Participate in the development and implementation of processes that improve efficiency and enhance productivity Provide leadership, consultation, and expertise on special teams and projects, as assigned Ensure relevant administrative functions are complete and accurate Provide coding guidance, validation, and quality control of other senior and junior developers' programming work Handle other individual tasks related to the duty, as assigned Job Qualifications: 5+ years of total expertise in the use of most suitable cloud architecture frameworks and tools for agency systems, and how to adapt them to specific project context and needs; ability to collaborate with other architects and developers for framework and tool recommendations in cloud environments required Experience with and knowledge of .NET, HTML, XML, SQL, SOAP, REST, PowerShell, IaC, Microsoft Azure, and Function Apps required Experience writing and implementing Infrastructure as Code (IaC) required Experience with Microsoft Azure, web-based, and client server-based systems architecture required Proficiency in Microsoft VISIO and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) Experience in analysis, design, programming, testing, implementing, and supporting web-based applications in Microsoft/Windows platform. (ASP.NET, framework 4.8 or higher, .Net 6 or higher) Experience with observability and distributed tracing Experience with advanced cloud application development and integration techniques A strong understanding in relational database concepts, database concepts, telecommunication concepts, secure coding concepts, secure authorization concepts, and web services Experience designing, creating, and maintaining distributed applications, leveraging a microservices architecture Knowledge/training in object-oriented analysis, design, and programming Knowledge of cloud application and database development and access methods Thorough knowledge of the various aspects of complex cloud application development environments and practices Considerable knowledge of cloud application development architecture, framework, and tools, including the ability to gather and analyze facts, define problems, and recommend solutions Thorough knowledge and ability to recommend technical solutions to business problems Thorough knowledge of business requirements, network-based application orchestration, controls, auditing, and enablement of system administration, database management, and application development Ability to troubleshoot application issues under pressure Ability to prepare detailed written instructions and documentation; ability to effectively make oral and written reports and presentations, and prepare clear and concise documentation. Ability to resolve complex problems in a timely manner and seeks optimum solutions; ability to use precedents in making decisions . click apply for full job details