Cloud Solutions Architect 2 (Contractor) - 529701772

RESPEC is seeking an experienced, senior-level Cloud Solutions Architect to lead enterprise IT modernization and cloud transformation initiatives for a major Texas state healthcare agency. In this role, you will serve as the technical authority driving Data Center Operations (DCO) delivery, modernizing mission-critical legacy applications, and transitioning on-premises systems to resilient public, private, and hybrid cloud environments. Working closely with executive leadership, enterprise architects, and cross-functional engineering teams, you will architect, secure, and deliver scalable cloud solutions that directly enhance public health services across Texas.

Core Responsibilities

As our Lead Cloud Solutions Architect, you will spearhead strategic initiatives supporting both project delivery and steady-state operations. You will design comprehensive architectural blueprints, network topologies, and technical specifications that align complex state business requirements with modern cloud architectures across AWS, Azure, or GCP. Your hands-on leadership will guide systems analysis, user requirement assessments, and the planning and execution of seamless cloud migrations.

In addition to high-level architecture, you will build and enforce automated deployment pipelines and robust Infrastructure as Code (IaC) frameworks utilizing Terraform, Ansible, and container technologies. You will design, develop, and administer highly scalable cloud systems, ensuring strict adherence to healthcare data governance, identity and access management, and HIPAA compliance standards. Collaborating within Agile/Scrum teams, you will troubleshoot complex distributed systems, oversee technical training for staff on emerging cloud tools, and establish enterprise best practices to ensure on-time, high-quality deliverables.

Required Technical Experience

To be considered for this role, candidates must demonstrate a minimum of 7+ years of progressive, verifiable experience across the following core technical domains:

• Enterprise Cloud Architecture & Platforms: Hands-on design, implementation, and administration of cloud solutions across AWS, Microsoft Azure, or GCP, with a comprehensive grasp of IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS delivery models, cloud-native analytical tools, and cloud network topology design.
• DevOps, Kubernetes & Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Deep expertise in CI/CD pipeline implementation, containerization, microservices deployment, and Kubernetes cluster architecture, scaling, and maintenance. Proven mastery of IaC and automation using Terraform, Ansible, AWS CloudFormation, Azure Resource Manager (ARM) templates, and Kubernetes Helm.
• Scripting, Automation & Config Languages: High proficiency in shell scripting and CLI tooling (Bash, Korn, PowerShell, Cloud CLI) alongside imperative and declarative configuration languages (YAML, JSON, HCL, Ruby).
• Security, Governance & Systems Analysis: Strong background in enterprise data governance, cloud security posture management, and compliance alignment. Deep analytical skills for evaluating system constraints, diagnosing defects, and architecting solutions for large-scale software development, data warehousing, and performance management initiatives.
• Observability & Agile Leadership: Experience integrating cloud operations and observability platforms (such as Dynatrace, Sysdig Secure/CNAPP, AWS CloudWatch, Azure Monitor, or GCP Cloud Operations), combined with proven experience leading technical workgroups, establishing standard operating procedures, and driving Scrum ceremonies under demanding project timelines.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates possessing advanced background in the following areas will be strongly prioritized

• 8+ Years of Advanced Engineering: Proven track record architecting enterprise hybrid/cloud platforms, complex database services (relational, NoSQL, SQL, Oracle), data lakes, and enterprise ETL/ELT data ingestion pipelines.
• 5+ Years of Emerging Technologies & Big Data: Practical knowledge of deploying and configuring major cloud provider AI/ML services, as well as architecting high-throughput big data processing frameworks.

Work Model

• Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days remote per week, with 2 mandatory on-site days every Thursday and Friday). Work arrangement is subject to client policy.
• Primary Office Location: 701 W. 51st Street, Austin, TX 78751.
• Geographic Requirement: Candidates must currently reside within a 50-mile radius of Austin, TX . Relocation candidates will not be considered.
• Schedule: Standard business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM CT. Occasional pre-approved evening or weekend work may be required for critical system releases.

• All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
• All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.