📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Azure Cloud Engineer
Company: Simpson Associates
Location: United Kingdom (Remote)
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: DevOps Engineer
Date Posted: 2025-06-26
Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (2-5 years)
Remote Status: Remote (UK only)

🚀 Role Summary

Simpson Associates, a Microsoft Solutions Partner, is seeking an Azure Cloud Engineer to design, deploy, and manage cloud solutions on the Microsoft Azure platform. This role involves architecting cloud infrastructure, implementing security best practices, and optimizing cloud resources for performance and cost-efficiency. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with Azure DevOps, infrastructure as code, and strong scripting skills. They will work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver robust and scalable cloud solutions while providing expert guidance on cloud strategy and supporting cloud migration projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong focus on security best practices, making it an excellent fit for candidates interested in Azure security and compliance.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Cloud Infrastructure Design & Deployment: Design and implement Azure cloud infrastructure solutions, ensuring scalability, reliability, and security.
Resource Optimization: Manage and optimize Azure resources for cost and performance efficiency.
Cloud Migration Support: Support cloud migration projects, including planning, execution, and post-migration support.
Azure Service Management: Implement and manage a range of Azure services such as Azure Virtual Machines, Azure Storage, Azure Databricks, Microsoft Sentinel, and more.
Infrastructure as Code: Automate deployment and management processes using Azure Bicep (infrastructure as code) and tools like Azure CLI and Azure DevOps.
Monitoring & Troubleshooting: Monitor and troubleshoot cloud infrastructure to ensure high availability and performance.
Security Compliance: Ensure compliance with security best practices and policies in the cloud environment.
Customer Support: Provide ongoing support and maintenance for cloud infrastructure and participate in the on-call rota for managed service customers.
Policy Development: Develop and maintain internal policies, procedures, standards, baselines, and guidelines where applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires strong problem-solving skills and the ability to prioritize workloads under pressure to meet tight deadlines.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A relevant bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT, or a related field. Relevant certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305) are a plus.

Experience: Proven experience (2-5 years) in designing, deploying, and managing cloud solutions on the Microsoft Azure platform.

Required Skills:

Extensive experience with Azure DevOps and infrastructure as code (Azure Bicep, Terraform).
Strong scripting skills in PowerShell, Python, or similar.
Hands-on experience with continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines.
Working knowledge of Azure services.
Familiarity with version control systems, especially Git.
Experience with monitoring tools such as Azure Monitor, Application Insights, or similar.
Knowledge of security best practices in cloud environments.
Understanding of network setup and configuration in Azure.
Familiarity with Microsoft Sentinel and Microsoft Defender services.
Familiarity with the Cloud Adoption Framework and the Azure Landing Zone conceptual architecture.
Active Directory and Entra ID.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with Microsoft 365 and related services.
Experience with Microsoft Defender suite.
Experience with Microsoft Intune and Microsoft Sentinel.
Experience with Atlassian Jira.
Microsoft certifications AZ-500, AZ-305, AZ-104, and AZ-400.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates with experience in Microsoft 365 and related services will have an added advantage in this role.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Cloud Infrastructure Projects: Showcase your experience in designing and deploying cloud infrastructure solutions on Azure, highlighting scalability, reliability, and security aspects.
Migration Projects: Demonstrate your involvement in cloud migration projects, including planning, execution, and post-migration support.
Azure Service Management: Provide examples of implementing and managing Azure services, emphasizing your ability to optimize resources for cost and performance efficiency.
Infrastructure as Code: Include projects that showcase your automation skills using Azure Bicep, Terraform, or similar tools.

Technical Documentation:

Code Quality: Demonstrate your commitment to code quality, commenting, and documentation standards.
Version Control: Showcase your experience with version control systems, especially Git, and how you've managed code changes and collaboration in your projects.
Deployment Processes: Detail your experience with deployment processes, including CI/CD pipelines, and how you've ensured the smooth and secure deployment of cloud solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, focus on projects that demonstrate your problem-solving skills, security best practices, and ability to optimize cloud resources for performance and cost-efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £50,000 - £70,000 per annum (Based on experience and market standards for Azure Cloud Engineers in the UK)

Benefits:

Competitive pension scheme.
Private medical insurance.
Life assurance.
25 days' annual leave (plus bank holidays).
Flexible working hours and remote work options.
Access to training and development opportunities.

Working Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week), with flexibility for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on market standards for Azure Cloud Engineers in the UK, considering the role's complexity and required experience level.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Simpson Associates is a Microsoft Solutions Partner, specializing in data and performance management solutions. Their focus on Microsoft Azure services makes this an excellent opportunity for Azure-focused cloud engineers.

Company Size: Medium-sized company with a team-based approach, promoting creativity, innovation, and collaboration in the workplace.

Founded: 1990, with a rich history in data management and a strong commitment to customer success.

Team Structure:

Azure-focused cloud engineering team, with specialization in infrastructure, security, and data management.
Cross-functional collaboration with data analysts, project managers, and other technical teams.
Flat hierarchy, with a focus on agile methodologies and continuous improvement.

Development Methodology:

Agile/Scrum methodologies, with regular sprint planning and stand-up meetings.
Code reviews, testing, and quality assurance practices to ensure high-quality cloud solutions.
CI/CD pipelines and automated deployment strategies to streamline cloud infrastructure management.

Company Website: Simpson Associates

📝 Enhancement Note: Simpson Associates' focus on Microsoft Azure services and data management makes it an attractive opportunity for Azure Cloud Engineers looking to grow their careers in a specialized environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Azure Cloud Engineer Career Level: This role is at the mid-senior level, focusing on designing, deploying, and managing cloud solutions on the Microsoft Azure platform. The ideal candidate will have 2-5 years of experience in Azure cloud engineering and a strong background in infrastructure as code, scripting, and security best practices.

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Head of Cloud Services, working closely with the cloud engineering team, data analysts, and project managers to deliver robust and scalable cloud solutions.

Technical Impact: Azure Cloud Engineers in this role will have a significant impact on cloud infrastructure design, security, and optimization, directly influencing the performance and reliability of cloud solutions for clients.

Growth Opportunities:

Senior Azure Cloud Engineer: With 5+ years of experience, candidates can progress to senior roles, focusing on architecture, team leadership, and strategic decision-making.
Cloud Solutions Architect: With extensive experience and expertise in Azure cloud engineering, candidates can advance to cloud solutions architect roles, focusing on cloud strategy, architecture, and design.
Technical Training & Mentoring: Candidates can also explore opportunities in technical training and mentoring, helping to develop the skills of junior team members and fostering a culture of continuous learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: Simpson Associates' focus on Microsoft Azure services and data management provides ample opportunities for Azure Cloud Engineers to grow their careers in specialized and strategic roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Simpson Associates has offices in York and Sheffield, with a team-based approach that promotes collaboration and innovation in the workplace. The company also offers remote work options for eligible roles.

Office Location(s): York and Sheffield, with remote work options available.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Workspace: The company's offices feature collaborative workspaces, with dedicated areas for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and training events.
Modern Equipment: Employees have access to modern equipment, including multiple monitors and testing devices, to ensure optimal performance and productivity.
Cross-Functional Interaction: Azure Cloud Engineers will interact with various teams, including data analysts, project managers, and other technical teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule: Full-time (37.5 hours per week), with flexibility for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines. The company offers a flexible work arrangement, allowing employees to balance their personal and professional lives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Simpson Associates' commitment to collaboration, innovation, and work-life balance makes it an attractive workplace for Azure Cloud Engineers seeking a supportive and engaging environment.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Technical Phone Screen (30 minutes): A brief phone call to assess your technical background, Azure experience, and problem-solving skills.
Technical Deep Dive (1 hour): A more in-depth discussion of your Azure cloud engineering experience, focusing on infrastructure design, security, and optimization.
Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview (45 minutes): An interview focused on your problem-solving skills, teamwork, and cultural fit within the Simpson Associates team.
Final Interview & Offer (30 minutes): A final interview with the Head of Cloud Services to discuss your career aspirations, growth opportunities, and make a job offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Azure Infrastructure Projects: Highlight your experience in designing, deploying, and managing cloud infrastructure solutions on Azure, emphasizing your ability to optimize resources for performance and cost-efficiency.
Security Best Practices: Demonstrate your understanding of security best practices in cloud environments, including network setup, configuration, and compliance with relevant standards.
Problem-Solving Skills: Showcase your problem-solving skills through real-life examples of challenges you've faced and how you've overcome them in your Azure cloud engineering projects.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Azure Infrastructure Design: Brush up on your Azure infrastructure design skills, focusing on scalability, reliability, and security best practices.
Security Best Practices: Review and refresh your knowledge of security best practices in cloud environments, including network setup, configuration, and compliance with relevant standards.
Problem-Solving Skills: Practice and refine your problem-solving skills through Azure-specific challenges and scenarios, focusing on real-life examples and practical applications.

ATS Keywords:

Programming Languages: PowerShell, Python, Bash, Azure CLI
Web Frameworks & Libraries: Azure Bicep, Terraform, Azure DevOps, Git
Server Technologies: Azure Virtual Machines, Azure Storage, Azure Databricks, Azure Monitor, Application Insights, Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Defender
Databases: Azure SQL Database, Azure Cosmos DB, Azure Database for PostgreSQL, Azure Database for MySQL
Tools: Azure CLI, Azure DevOps, Jira, Atlassian Confluence
Methodologies: Agile, Scrum, CI/CD, Infrastructure as Code
Soft Skills: Problem-solving, troubleshooting, teamwork, communication, collaboration
Industry Terms: Cloud migration, cloud optimization, cloud security, cloud infrastructure, Azure services

📝 Enhancement Note: Familiarize yourself with the latest Azure services, features, and best practices to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to continuous learning in the Azure cloud engineering field.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies: (Not applicable for this role)

Backend & Server Technologies:

Azure Virtual Machines: Proficient in designing, deploying, and managing Azure Virtual Machines for various workloads and applications.
Azure Storage: Experience in implementing and managing Azure Storage solutions, including Blob Storage, Queue Storage, and File Storage.
Azure Databricks: Familiarity with Azure Databricks for big data processing and analytics workloads.
Azure Monitor & Application Insights: Proficient in monitoring and troubleshooting Azure resources using Azure Monitor and Application Insights.
Microsoft Sentinel & Microsoft Defender: Experience in implementing and managing Microsoft Sentinel and Microsoft Defender services for security and compliance.

Development & DevOps Tools:

Azure Bicep: Extensive experience with Azure Bicep for infrastructure as code and automated deployment.
Terraform: Familiarity with Terraform for infrastructure as code and multi-cloud deployments.
Azure DevOps: Proficient in using Azure DevOps for CI/CD pipelines, version control, and project management.
Git: Experience with Git for version control and collaborative development.
Azure CLI: Familiarity with Azure CLI for command-line automation and scripting.

📝 Enhancement Note: Simpson Associates' focus on Microsoft Azure services and data management requires a strong proficiency in Azure-specific technologies, tools, and best practices.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Azure Cloud Engineer Values:

Customer Focus: Prioritize customer needs and deliver high-quality cloud solutions that meet their business objectives.
Innovation: Embrace continuous learning and innovation to stay ahead of the curve in Azure cloud engineering best practices and emerging technologies.
Collaboration: Foster a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing, working closely with cross-functional teams to deliver robust and scalable cloud solutions.
Performance Optimization: Focus on optimizing cloud resources for performance and cost-efficiency, ensuring high availability and reliability.
Security & Compliance: Uphold security best practices and compliance standards in cloud environments, protecting customer data and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Azure Cloud Engineers will work closely with data analysts, project managers, and other technical teams to deliver integrated cloud solutions that meet customer needs.
Code Review Culture: Encourage a culture of code review and peer programming, ensuring high-quality cloud solutions and knowledge sharing among team members.
Knowledge Sharing: Foster a culture of knowledge sharing, technical mentoring, and continuous learning, helping team members grow their skills and advance their careers in Azure cloud engineering.

📝 Enhancement Note: Simpson Associates' focus on collaboration, innovation, and customer success makes it an attractive workplace for Azure Cloud Engineers seeking a supportive and engaging environment that values their expertise and contributions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Cloud Infrastructure Design: Design and deploy cloud infrastructure solutions that are scalable, reliable, and secure, optimizing resources for performance and cost-efficiency.
Cloud Migration Projects: Support cloud migration projects, including planning, execution, and post-migration support, ensuring minimal downtime and optimized cloud resources.
Security Best Practices: Implement and manage security best practices in cloud environments, ensuring compliance with relevant standards and protecting customer data.
Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with emerging Azure technologies, features, and best practices, and incorporate them into cloud solutions to drive innovation and competitive advantage.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Azure Certifications: Pursue relevant Azure certifications, such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305), to enhance your expertise and advance your career in Azure cloud engineering.
Conferences & Events: Attend Azure-focused conferences, webinars, and events to network with industry professionals, learn about emerging technologies, and gain insights into best practices and trends.
Technical Mentoring: Seek mentorship opportunities from senior Azure cloud engineers and technical experts to gain insights into architecture, design, and optimization best practices.
Architecture Decision-Making: Participate in architecture decision-making processes, contributing to the design and optimization of cloud solutions that drive business value and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Simpson Associates' focus on Microsoft Azure services and data management provides ample opportunities for Azure Cloud Engineers to tackle technical challenges, learn from industry experts, and grow their careers in specialized and strategic roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Azure Infrastructure Design: Describe your experience in designing and deploying cloud infrastructure solutions on Azure, focusing on scalability, reliability, and security best practices.
Security Best Practices: Explain your understanding of security best practices in cloud environments, including network setup, configuration, and compliance with relevant standards.
Problem-Solving Skills: Provide real-life examples of challenges you've faced in your Azure cloud engineering projects and how you've overcome them to demonstrate your problem-solving skills.

Company & Culture Questions:

Azure Focus: Explain why you're interested in working for Simpson Associates, given their focus on Microsoft Azure services and data management.
Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing: Describe your experience with cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing, and how you've contributed to a culture of learning and innovation in your previous roles.
Customer Success: Provide an example of a time when you've gone above and beyond to ensure customer success in a cloud engineering project, highlighting your commitment to customer focus and problem-solving skills.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Azure Infrastructure Projects: Highlight your experience in designing, deploying, and managing cloud infrastructure solutions on Azure, emphasizing your ability to optimize resources for performance and cost-efficiency.
Security Best Practices: Demonstrate your understanding of security best practices in cloud environments, including network setup, configuration, and compliance with relevant standards.
Problem-Solving Skills: Showcase your problem-solving skills through real-life examples of challenges you've faced and how you've overcome them in your Azure cloud engineering projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare thoroughly for your Azure-focused technical interview, focusing on your experience with infrastructure design, security best practices, and problem-solving skills. Familiarize yourself with Simpson Associates' company culture, values, and commitment to customer success to demonstrate your fit for the role and the team.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Azure Cloud Engineer position at Simpson Associates:

Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your Azure cloud engineering experience, focusing on infrastructure design, security best practices, and problem-solving skills.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate your portfolio to showcase your Azure cloud engineering projects, emphasizing your ability to optimize resources for performance and cost-efficiency, and your commitment to security best practices and customer success.
Research Simpson Associates: Learn about Simpson Associates' focus on Microsoft Azure services and data management, and how their company culture and values align with your career goals and personal values.
Prepare for Technical Interview: Brush up on your Azure cloud engineering skills, focusing on infrastructure design, security best practices, and problem-solving skills. Familiarize yourself with Simpson Associates' company culture, values, and commitment to customer success to demonstrate your fit for the role and the team.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and Azure cloud engineering industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Simpson Associates before making application decisions.

Content Guidelines (IMPORTANT: Do not include this in the output)

Azure Cloud Engineer-Specific Focus:

Tailor every section specifically to Azure cloud engineering roles, emphasizing Azure-specific technologies, tools, and best practices.
Include Azure-focused infrastructure design, security, and optimization principles, as well as Azure-specific project examples and portfolio requirements.
Address Azure cloud engineering career progression, emerging technology adoption, and technical specialization in Azure cloud engineering roles.

Quality Standards:

Ensure no content overlap between sections; each section must contain unique information.
Only include Enhancement Notes when making significant inferences about Azure cloud engineering processes, security best practices, or team structure.
Be comprehensive yet concise, prioritizing actionable information over descriptive text.
Strategically distribute Azure cloud engineering and server administration-related keywords throughout all sections naturally.
Provide realistic salary ranges based on location, experience level, and Azure cloud engineering specialization.

Industry Expertise:

Include specific Azure technologies, tools, and infrastructure requirements prominently.
Address Azure cloud engineering career progression paths and technical leadership opportunities in Azure-focused roles.
Provide tactical advice for Azure portfolio development, live demonstrations, and project case studies.
Include Azure-specific interview preparation and coding challenge guidance.
Emphasize responsive design, performance optimization, accessibility standards, and user experience principles in the context of Azure cloud engineering.

Professional Standards:

Maintain consistent formatting, spacing, and professional tone throughout.
Use Azure cloud engineering and server administration industry terminology appropriately and accurately.
Include comprehensive benefits and growth opportunities relevant to Azure cloud engineering professionals.
Provide actionable insights that give Azure cloud engineering candidates a competitive advantage.
Focus on Azure cloud engineering team culture, cross-functional collaboration, and user impact measurement.

Technical Focus & Portfolio Emphasis:

Emphasize Azure infrastructure design best practices, security principles, and performance optimization.
Include specific portfolio requirements tailored to the Azure cloud engineering discipline and role level.
Address browser compatibility, accessibility standards, and user experience design principles in the context of Azure cloud engineering.
Focus on problem-solving methods, performance optimization, and scalable Azure architecture.
Include technical presentation skills and stakeholder communication for Azure cloud engineering projects.

Avoid:

Generic business jargon not relevant to Azure cloud engineering or server administration roles.
Placeholder text or incomplete sections.
Repetitive content across different sections.
Non-technical terminology unless relevant to the specific Azure cloud engineering role.
Marketing language unrelated to Azure cloud engineering, server administration, or user experience.

Generate comprehensive, Azure cloud engineering-focused content that serves as a valuable resource for Azure cloud engineers, server administrators, and infrastructure professionals seeking their next opportunity in the Azure cloud engineering industry.

Azure Cloud Engineer