📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Cloud Architect
Company: Internet Vikings
Location: Sliema, Sliema, Malta
Job Type: Hybrid
Category: DevOps Engineer
Date Posted: 2025-02-20
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: On-site/Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

Design and Optimize Cloud Infrastructure: Lead the architecture of virtualized environments, ensuring scalability, reliability, and security. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate cloud solutions into production environments.
Guide Cloud Automation: Drive the automation of cloud infrastructure provisioning, monitoring, and management through best practices and tools. Improve operational efficiency by leading cloud optimization efforts.
Ensure Cloud Security and Compliance: Maintain cloud security posture and ensure compliance with best practices, including ISO27001 requirements. Document cloud architecture and processes for internal stakeholders and compliance purposes.
Mentor and Lead: Provide leadership and mentorship to other engineers in the Engineering team. Engage with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to understand cloud requirements and ensure alignment with business goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a high level of expertise in cloud architecture and infrastructure management. Candidates should have a strong background in cloud technologies and a proven track record of driving cloud optimization and security.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Cloud Architecture and Design: Design, implement, and optimize cloud infrastructure solutions. Define and manage cloud infrastructure standards, including networking and storage strategies.
Virtualized Environments Management: Lead and oversee the architecture of virtualized environments, leveraging tools such as VMware vSphere, Cloud Director, NSX, and vSAN.
Collaboration and Integration: Work closely with other teams to ensure smooth deployment and integration of cloud solutions into production environments. Troubleshoot and resolve complex cloud-related issues, minimizing downtime and improving operational reliability.
Cloud Security and Compliance: Maintain cloud security posture and ensure compliance with best practices, including ISO27001 requirements. Document cloud architecture and processes for internal stakeholders and compliance purposes.
Mentorship and Leadership: Provide leadership and mentorship to other engineers in the Engineering team. Engage with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to understand cloud requirements and ensure alignment with business goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong focus on cloud security, compliance, and documentation. Candidates should have a solid understanding of cloud security best practices and experience working with ISO27001 requirements.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field is preferred. Relevant certifications, such as VMware Certified Professional (VCP) or Certified Cloud Architect (CCA), are a plus.

Experience: Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience working with VMware infrastructure products and a good understanding of networking principles. Experience with enterprise backup products and direct customer interaction is also valuable.

Required Skills:

Proven expertise in VMware vSphere, Cloud Director, NSX, and vSAN
Strong understanding of networking principles and enterprise backup products
Experience with Proxmox is a plus
Problem-solving attitude and adherence to best practices
Ability to work according to ITIL processes and drive change within the area of expertise
Comfortable with direct customer interaction and stakeholder management

Preferred Skills:

Experience with cloud security best practices and ISO27001 requirements
Familiarity with Kanban methodology and Atlassian software suite
Knowledge of cloud automation tools and scripting languages (e.g., Terraform, Ansible, PowerShell)
Experience with cloud providers (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform)

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates with a strong background in cloud architecture, security, and automation will be well-suited for this role. Experience with cloud providers and automation tools is a plus.

📊 Cloud Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Cloud Architecture Projects: Include projects that demonstrate your expertise in cloud architecture, design, and optimization. Highlight your ability to lead and oversee the architecture of virtualized environments using tools such as VMware vSphere, Cloud Director, NSX, and vSAN.
Cloud Security and Compliance Projects: Showcase your experience in maintaining cloud security posture and ensuring compliance with best practices, including ISO27001 requirements. Include examples of cloud architecture documentation for internal stakeholders and compliance purposes.
Cloud Automation Projects: Demonstrate your ability to drive the automation of cloud infrastructure provisioning, monitoring, and management. Highlight your experience with cloud automation tools and scripting languages (e.g., Terraform, Ansible, PowerShell).

Technical Documentation:

Cloud Architecture Diagrams: Provide clear and concise diagrams illustrating your cloud architecture designs. Include networking and storage strategies, as well as integration with production environments.
Cloud Security and Compliance Reports: Include reports demonstrating your understanding of cloud security best practices and ISO27001 requirements. Highlight your experience in maintaining cloud security posture and ensuring compliance.
Cloud Automation Scripts and Playbooks: Share examples of cloud automation scripts and playbooks that you have developed or maintained. Include documentation explaining the purpose and functionality of each script or playbook.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should focus on demonstrating their expertise in cloud architecture, security, and automation through their portfolio projects and technical documentation. Highlighting real-world examples of cloud optimization and problem-solving will be particularly valuable.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this role is €50,000 - €70,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. This estimate is based on market research for cloud architect roles in Sliema, Malta, and takes into account the cost of living in the region.

Benefits:

Flexible Working Environment: Internet Vikings offers a flexible working environment between working from home and from the office.
Fast-Paced and Fast-Growing Environment: The company provides a dynamic and challenging work environment, with opportunities for growth and development.
International Work Environment: Internet Vikings offers an international work environment spread out over different offices and continents.
Highly Skilled Team: You'll be part of a team of highly skilled engineers, driving towards the same goal of growing and expanding the business.

Working Hours: The standard working hours for this role are 40 hours per week, with flexibility for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research for cloud architect roles in Sliema, Malta. Candidates should research regional salary standards and cost of living to ensure the estimate is accurate and competitive.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Internet Vikings operates in the internet infrastructure and cloud services industry, with a focus on providing reliable and secure hosting solutions for online gaming and gambling operators.

Company Size: Internet Vikings is a mid-sized company with a team of highly skilled engineers driving its growth and expansion. The company's culture is dynamic, fast-paced, and focused on delivering business value.

Founded: Internet Vikings was founded in 2008 and has since grown to become a leading provider of internet infrastructure and cloud services for the online gaming and gambling industry.

Team Structure:

Cloud Team: The Cloud team is responsible for building, optimizing, and maintaining cloud solutions. It consists of cloud engineers who work closely with the SRE and NOC teams to maintain day-to-day operations.
Engineering Team: The Engineering team encompasses all technical operations, spanning everything from NOC to Business IT, and all the way to the Infrastructure team. It is based on using proven setups in the Atlassian software suite, enhanced by the Kanban methodology for projects.
Cross-Functional Teams: Internet Vikings fosters a collaborative work environment, with cross-functional teams working together to understand requirements and ensure alignment with business goals.

Development Methodology:

Agile/Scrum Methodologies: The Cloud team uses Agile/Scrum methodologies for sprint planning and project management.
Code Review and Quality Assurance: Internet Vikings emphasizes code review and quality assurance practices to ensure the reliability and security of its cloud solutions.
Deployment Strategies: The company uses CI/CD pipelines and automated deployment strategies to streamline the release process and minimize downtime.

Company Website: Internet Vikings

📝 Enhancement Note: Internet Vikings' focus on the online gaming and gambling industry sets it apart from other cloud service providers. Candidates should research the company's industry context and understand its unique requirements for cloud architecture and security.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Cloud Architect Career Level: This role is at the senior level, requiring a high degree of expertise in cloud architecture and infrastructure management. The Cloud Architect is responsible for leading the architecture of virtualized environments and driving cloud optimization efforts.

Reporting Structure: The Cloud Architect reports directly to the Head of Cloud Services and works closely with the SRE and NOC teams to maintain day-to-day operations. The role also involves collaborating with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to understand cloud requirements and ensure alignment with business goals.

Technical Impact: The Cloud Architect has a significant impact on the company's cloud infrastructure and services. Their work ensures the scalability, reliability, and security of the company's virtual environments, as well as the smooth deployment and integration of cloud solutions into production environments.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Leadership: As a senior role, the Cloud Architect has the opportunity to provide leadership and mentorship to other engineers in the Engineering team. This includes driving technical decision-making and guiding the development of junior team members.
Architecture and Design: The Cloud Architect has the opportunity to design and implement cutting-edge cloud infrastructure solutions, driving innovation and improvement within the company's cloud services.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Working closely with cross-functional teams and stakeholders, the Cloud Architect can expand their knowledge and skills in areas such as project management, stakeholder communication, and business analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Cloud Architect role at Internet Vikings offers significant opportunities for technical leadership, architecture and design, and cross-functional collaboration. Candidates should be prepared to take on a senior role with a high degree of responsibility and impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Internet Vikings offers a flexible working environment, with the option to work from home or from the office. The company's offices are modern and well-equipped, providing a comfortable and productive workspace for its employees.

Office Location(s): Internet Vikings has offices in Sliema, Malta, as well as other locations across Europe and Asia. The company's Sliema office is located in the heart of the city, with easy access to public transportation and amenities.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Work Environment: Internet Vikings fosters a collaborative work environment, with open-plan offices and regular team meetings to facilitate communication and knowledge sharing.
Technical Equipment: The company provides its employees with high-quality technical equipment, including multiple monitors and testing devices, to ensure optimal productivity and performance.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Internet Vikings encourages cross-functional collaboration between its teams, providing opportunities for engineers to work with designers, marketers, and other stakeholders on projects that drive business value.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours for this role are 40 hours per week, with flexibility for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines. Internet Vikings offers a flexible working environment, with the option to work from home or from the office.

📝 Enhancement Note: Internet Vikings' flexible working environment and collaborative work culture make it an attractive option for cloud architects seeking a dynamic and engaging work environment. Candidates should research the company's office locations and workspace context to ensure it aligns with their preferences and needs.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Technical Preparation: Review your technical skills and knowledge, with a focus on cloud architecture, design, and optimization. Brush up on your understanding of VMware vSphere, Cloud Director, NSX, and vSAN, as well as your familiarity with networking principles and enterprise backup products.
Cloud Architecture Assessment: Prepare for a technical assessment of your cloud architecture skills, focusing on your ability to design, implement, and optimize cloud infrastructure solutions. Be ready to discuss your experience with cloud security best practices and ISO27001 requirements.
Stakeholder Management: Demonstrate your ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders, understanding their requirements and ensuring alignment with business goals. Prepare examples of your experience with direct customer interaction and stakeholder management.
Final Evaluation: Prepare for a final evaluation of your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. Be ready to discuss your long-term career goals and how they align with the company's objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Cloud Architecture Projects: Highlight your expertise in cloud architecture, design, and optimization by showcasing your most impressive cloud architecture projects. Include examples of your ability to lead and oversee the architecture of virtualized environments using tools such as VMware vSphere, Cloud Director, NSX, and vSAN.
Cloud Security and Compliance Projects: Emphasize your experience in maintaining cloud security posture and ensuring compliance with best practices, including ISO27001 requirements. Include examples of cloud architecture documentation for internal stakeholders and compliance purposes.
Cloud Automation Projects: Demonstrate your ability to drive the automation of cloud infrastructure provisioning, monitoring, and management. Highlight your experience with cloud automation tools and scripting languages (e.g., Terraform, Ansible, PowerShell).

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Cloud Architecture Exercises: Familiarize yourself with cloud architecture exercises and challenges that test your ability to design, implement, and optimize cloud infrastructure solutions. Practice using tools such as VMware vSphere, Cloud Director, NSX, and vSAN, as well as your understanding of networking principles and enterprise backup products.
Cloud Security and Compliance Challenges: Brush up on your knowledge of cloud security best practices and ISO2701 requirements. Prepare for challenges that test your ability to maintain cloud security posture and ensure compliance with industry standards.
Problem-Solving Challenges: Develop your problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex cloud-related issues. Practice identifying and resolving bottlenecks in cloud infrastructure and optimizing cloud solutions for scalability, reliability, and security.

ATS Keywords: [Cloud Architect, VMware vSphere, VMware Cloud Director, VMware NSX, VMware vSAN, Veeam, Proxmox, Cloud Security, ISO27001, Cloud Automation, Cloud Optimization, Cloud Architecture, Cloud Infrastructure, Cloud Services, Cloud Solutions, Cloud Deployment, Cloud Integration, Cloud Management, Cloud Provisioning, Cloud Monitoring, Cloud Compliance, Cloud Documentation, Cloud Leadership, Cloud Mentorship, Cloud Team, Engineering Team, SRE, NOC, ITIL, Kanban, Atlassian, Agile, Scrum, CI/CD, Deployment Strategies, Cloud Providers, Cloud Automation Tools, Cloud Scripting Languages]

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for the Cloud Architect role at Internet Vikings is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. Candidates should prepare thoroughly for each stage of the interview process and be ready to demonstrate their expertise in cloud architecture, security, and automation.

🛠 Technology Stack & Cloud Infrastructure

Cloud Platforms: Internet Vikings uses a multi-cloud approach, leveraging multiple cloud providers to ensure scalability, reliability, and security. The company's cloud infrastructure is based on VMware vSphere, with additional support for other cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.

Virtualization Technologies:

VMware vSphere: Internet Vikings' cloud infrastructure is built on VMware vSphere, providing a robust and scalable platform for virtualized environments.
VMware Cloud Director: The company uses VMware Cloud Director to manage and provision virtual data centers and cloud infrastructure resources.
VMware NSX: Internet Technologies leverages VMware NSX for network virtualization and security, providing a secure and flexible networking infrastructure for its cloud solutions.
VMware vSAN: Internet Vikings uses VMware vSAN for distributed, policy-based storage management, ensuring high availability and data protection for its virtual environments.

Cloud Automation Tools:

Terraform: Internet Vikings uses Terraform for infrastructure as code (IaC) and automated cloud provisioning. Candidates should have experience with Terraform or similar IaC tools (e.g., CloudFormation, Azure Resource Manager).
Ansible: The company uses Ansible for configuration management and automation, ensuring consistent and reliable cloud infrastructure deployment and management.
PowerShell: Internet Vikings leverages PowerShell for Windows-based cloud infrastructure management and automation.

Monitoring and Logging Tools:

Prometheus and Grafana: Internet Vikings uses Prometheus and Grafana for cloud infrastructure monitoring and visualization, ensuring real-time performance tracking and alerting.
ELK Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana): The company uses the ELK Stack for centralized logging, search, and visualization, enabling real-time log analysis and troubleshooting.

📝 Enhancement Note: Internet Vikings' technology stack is based on VMware infrastructure products, with additional support for other cloud platforms and automation tools. Candidates should have experience with VMware vSphere, Cloud Director, NSX, and vSAN, as well as familiarity with cloud automation tools and scripting languages.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Cloud Team Values:

Expertise and Innovation: Internet Vikings values expertise and innovation in cloud architecture and infrastructure management. The company encourages its cloud engineers to stay up-to-date with the latest cloud technologies and best practices.
Collaboration and Communication: The company fosters a collaborative work environment, with open communication and knowledge sharing between its cloud engineers and other teams.
Customer Focus: Internet Vikings prioritizes customer satisfaction and business value in its cloud services. The company's cloud engineers work closely with customers to understand their requirements and ensure alignment with business goals.
Continuous Learning and Improvement: The company encourages its cloud engineers to pursue continuous learning and improvement, providing opportunities for professional development and career growth.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Internet Vikings encourages cross-functional integration between its cloud engineers and other teams, such as design, marketing, and business analysis. This promotes a holistic approach to cloud services and ensures alignment with business goals.
Code Review Culture: The company emphasizes code review and quality assurance practices, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment for its cloud engineers.
Knowledge Sharing and Mentorship: Internet Vikings encourages knowledge sharing and mentorship between its cloud engineers, providing opportunities for junior team members to learn from senior team members and develop their skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: Internet Vikings' cloud team values emphasize expertise, innovation, collaboration, and customer focus. Candidates should be prepared to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment, with a strong focus on customer satisfaction and business value.

🌐 Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Cloud Architecture and Design: Design, implement, and optimize cloud infrastructure solutions that meet the company's scalability, reliability, and security requirements. Address emerging cloud technologies and best practices to drive innovation and improvement in the company's cloud services.
Cloud Security and Compliance: Maintain cloud security posture and ensure compliance with best practices, including ISO27001 requirements. Address emerging security threats and vulnerabilities to protect the company's cloud infrastructure and data.
Cloud Automation and Optimization: Drive the automation of cloud infrastructure provisioning, monitoring, and management to improve operational efficiency and reduce manual effort. Identify and resolve bottlenecks in cloud infrastructure and optimize cloud solutions for scalability, reliability, and security.
Cloud Integration and Deployment: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth deployment and integration of cloud solutions into production environments. Troubleshoot and resolve complex cloud-related issues, minimizing downtime and improving operational reliability.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Cloud Technology Specialization: Pursue cloud technology specialization and certification to deepen your expertise in cloud architecture, security, and automation. Internet Vikings encourages its cloud engineers to pursue relevant certifications, such as VMware Certified Professional (VCP) or Certified Cloud Architect (CCA).
Conference Attendance and Community Involvement: Attend cloud technology conferences and events to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices. Engage with cloud technology communities, both online and offline, to network with other cloud professionals and share knowledge and experiences.
Technical Mentorship and Leadership: Provide technical mentorship and leadership to junior cloud engineers, driving their professional development and career growth. As a senior cloud architect, you will have the opportunity to guide the development of junior team members and drive technical decision-making within the cloud team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Cloud Architect role at Internet Vikings presents significant technical challenges and growth opportunities. Candidates should be prepared to take on a senior role with a high degree of responsibility and impact, driving innovation and improvement in the company's cloud services.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Cloud Architecture Fundamentals: Demonstrate your understanding of cloud architecture fundamentals, including cloud infrastructure design, networking, and storage strategies. Be prepared to discuss your experience with cloud architecture tools such as VMware vSphere, Cloud Director, NSX, and vSAN.
Cloud Security and Compliance: Showcase your knowledge of cloud security best practices and ISO27001 requirements. Be ready to discuss your experience with cloud security posture management and compliance with industry standards.
Cloud Automation and Optimization: Highlight your expertise in cloud automation and optimization, including experience with cloud automation tools and scripting languages (e.g., Terraform, Ansible, PowerShell). Be prepared to discuss your approach to cloud infrastructure provisioning, monitoring, and management.

Company & Culture Questions:

Cloud Team Culture: Demonstrate your understanding of Internet Vikings' cloud team culture, values, and collaboration style. Be ready to discuss your experience with cross-functional integration, code review culture, and knowledge sharing and mentorship.
Cloud Technology Trends: Showcase your knowledge of emerging cloud technologies and best practices. Be prepared to discuss your approach to staying up-to-date with the latest trends and how you incorporate them into your cloud architecture and design.
Cloud Team Dynamics: Demonstrate your understanding of Internet Vikings' cloud team dynamics, including its structure, reporting relationships, and technical impact. Be ready to discuss your experience with cloud team leadership, mentorship, and decision-making.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Cloud Architecture Projects: Highlight your expertise in cloud architecture, design, and optimization by showcasing your most impressive cloud architecture projects. Include examples of your ability to lead and oversee the architecture of virtualized environments using tools such as VMware vSphere, Cloud Director, NSX, and vSAN.
Cloud Security and Compliance Projects: Emphasize your experience in maintaining cloud security posture and ensuring compliance with best practices, including ISO27001 requirements. Include examples of cloud architecture documentation for internal stakeholders and compliance purposes.
Cloud Automation Projects: Demonstrate your ability to drive the automation of cloud infrastructure provisioning, monitoring, and management. Highlight your experience with cloud automation tools and scripting languages (e.g., Terraform, Ansible, PowerShell).

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for the Cloud Architect role at Internet Vikings is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. Candidates should prepare thoroughly for each stage of the interview process and be ready to demonstrate their expertise in cloud architecture, security, and automation.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Cloud Architect position at Internet Vikings:

Update Your Portfolio: Tailor your cloud architecture portfolio to highlight your expertise in cloud infrastructure design, optimization, and security. Include examples of your experience with VMware vSphere, Cloud Director, NSX, and vSAN, as well as your familiarity with cloud automation tools and scripting languages (e.g., Terraform, Ansible, PowerShell).
Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to emphasize your cloud architecture skills, experience, and achievements. Highlight your experience with cloud infrastructure design, optimization, and security, as well as your familiarity with cloud automation tools and scripting languages (e.g., Terraform, Ansible, PowerShell).
Prepare for Technical Challenges: Familiarize yourself with cloud architecture exercises and challenges that test your ability to design, implement, and optimize cloud infrastructure solutions. Practice using tools such as VMware vSphere, Cloud Director, NSX, and vSAN, as well as your understanding of networking principles and enterprise backup products.
Research the Company: Thoroughly research Internet Vikings' company culture, values, and cloud team dynamics. Prepare for company-specific questions about the company's cloud architecture, security, and automation practices, as well as its approach to cloud team leadership, mentorship, and decision-making.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development/server administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Cloud Architect