Cloud Architect - Azure

About the Client Our client is a fast-growing FinTech start-up on a mission to redefine how people and businesses interact with financial services. With innovation, agility, and security at their core, they are building cutting-edge cloud-native solutions that deliver seamless digital experiences for their customers. To fuel the next stage of their growth, they are seeking an experienced Azure Cloud Architect to join their team and shape the future of their cloud infrastructure.Role Overview The Azure Cloud Architect will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining secure, scalable, and high-performing cloud solutions in Microsoft Azure. This individual will work closely with engineering, product, and security teams to ensure the client’s cloud environment supports rapid innovation while meeting stringent regulatory and compliance standards common in financial services. This is a hands-on leadership role—ideal for someone who thrives in a start-up environment, enjoys solving complex technical challenges, and is passionate about building systems that scale.Key Responsibilities • Architecture & Design: Define and own the Azure cloud architecture strategy, ensuring scalability, security, and resilience of FinTech applications. • Implementation & Delivery: Lead the design and deployment of cloud-native applications, microservices, and containerized workloads (AKS, Docker, etc.). • Security & Compliance: Implement best practices in identity and access management, data security, encryption, and regulatory compliance (PCI-DSS, SOC 2, GDPR, etc.). • DevOps & Automation: Champion Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) using tools like Terraform, Bicep, or ARM templates. Drive CI/CD pipeline design for rapid, reliable releases. • Performance & Cost Optimization: Monitor system health and optimize resource utilization to balance performance, reliability, and cost efficiency. • Collaboration: Partner with engineering and product teams to translate business needs into robust technical solutions. • Innovation: Stay ahead of emerging cloud technologies, recommending new tools and approaches that accelerate innovation.Qualifications Must-Have: • Proven experience as a Cloud Architect or Senior Engineer, with expertise in Microsoft Azure. • Strong background in designing cloud-native applications and distributed systems. • Hands-on experience with Kubernetes (AKS), Docker, and container orchestration. • Solid knowledge of networking, firewalls, load balancing, and API management in Azure. • Expertise in DevOps, automation, and Infrastructure-as-Code (Terraform, Bicep, ARM). • Strong grasp of security and compliance frameworks relevant to financial services (PCI, SOC 2, GDPR). • Experience with CI/CD tools (GitHub Actions, Azure DevOps, or similar). • Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to thrive in a fast-paced start-up environment. Nice-to-Have: • Experience with data platforms (Azure Synapse, Databricks, or Cosmos DB). • Familiarity with financial services platforms, payment systems, or digital banking solutions. • Knowledge of AI/ML integration in cloud environments. • Prior start-up experience and comfort with ambiguity.What the Client Offers • Opportunity to shape the cloud strategy of a high-growth FinTech start-up. • Competitive salary with equity options. • Flexible work arrangements (remote-friendly). • Health, dental, and vision benefits. • A fast-moving, collaborative, and innovative culture where your work makes an impact.