Cloud Architect Engineer (Azure)
π Job Overview
- Job Title: Cloud Architect Engineer (Azure)
- Company: Artefact
- Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Job Type: On-site
- Category: DevOps Engineer
- Date Posted: 2025-07-15
- Experience Level: 5-10 years
π Role Summary
- π Enhancement Note: This role requires a seasoned cloud architect with a strong focus on Azure to lead the design and implementation of cloud infrastructure architectures aligned with business requirements. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in cloud security, networking, and compliance frameworks, as well as experience in managing technical teams and driving innovation.
π» Primary Responsibilities
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π Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities of this role involve a high level of technical leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration with both technical teams and business stakeholders. The cloud architect engineer will be expected to define and enforce best practices, oversee integrations, and manage client relationships.
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Design and implement cloud infrastructure architectures (cloud, on-premise, hybrid) aligned with business requirements.
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Define and enforce best practices for cloud platform deployment, configuration, security, networking, operations, and tools selection.
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Oversee the integration of cloud platforms with data pipelines, storage, and compute services.
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Standardize coding, deployment, and monitoring practices across cloud environments.
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Design and implement automated solutions to set up, monitor, and adjust cloud infrastructure efficiently.
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Lead problem-solving initiatives for complex technical challenges related to cloud environments.
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Provide technical leadership across multiple cloud projects, ensuring efficient resource management.
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Foster teamwork by mentoring, coaching, and guiding cloud engineers and ensuring knowledge transfer.
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Manage client relationships regarding project expectations, timelines, and outcomes.
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Contribute to Artefact's growth by maintaining tech partnerships, leading technical proposals to support project planning, and identifying potential growth areas with existing accounts.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education: A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. Relevant certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert would be an asset.
Experience: Proven experience (5-10 years) designing and implementing cloud architectures on Azure at scale.
Required Skills:
- Strong expertise in cloud security, networking, and compliance frameworks.
- Proven experience in designing highly available, secure, and cost-optimized Azure environments for enterprise customers, leveraging services such as Azure Virtual Network, Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), and Azure App Service.
- Experience defining multi-region DR/HA architectures using Azure Traffic Manager, paired regions, and Azure Site Recovery, achieving RTOs under 1 hour for mission-critical workloads.
- Deep understanding of cloud cost optimization, monitoring, and high availability design patterns.
- Experience collaborating with data engineers to optimize architectures on Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2, Synapse, and MS Fabric.
- Strong leadership capabilities with experience managing technical teams and large-scale projects.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including experience creating business-focused presentations.
- Demonstrated problem-solving abilities for complex, multi-disciplinary cloud projects.
- Experience managing senior stakeholders and navigating client discussions effectively.
- Ability to mentor, coach, and develop technical teams in cloud engineering best practices.
- A track record of contributing to business growth through technical innovation and strategic initiatives.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with multi-cloud or hybrid cloud environments.
- Familiarity with infrastructure as code (IaC) tools such as Terraform or Bicep.
- Knowledge of cloud cost management tools like Azure Cost Management or CloudHealth.
- Experience with containerization and orchestration tools like Kubernetes or Docker.
- Familiarity with cloud security tools like Azure Security Center or Prisma Cloud.
- Experience with cloud governance and policy management tools like Azure Policy or Azure Blueprints.
π Web Portfolio & Project Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- A well-structured portfolio showcasing your cloud architecture projects, highlighting your expertise in Azure, cloud security, networking, and compliance frameworks.
- Case studies demonstrating your ability to design highly available, secure, and cost-optimized Azure environments for enterprise customers.
- Examples of your problem-solving skills and how you've overcome complex technical challenges in cloud environments.
- Documentation showcasing your understanding of cloud cost optimization, monitoring, and high availability design patterns.
- Examples of your leadership capabilities, including mentoring and coaching cloud engineers, and driving technical innovation.
Technical Documentation:
- Detailed documentation of your cloud architecture projects, including design decisions, trade-offs, and lessons learned.
- Code samples and scripts demonstrating your proficiency in Azure services and tools.
- Documentation of your experience with cloud governance and policy management tools, including any custom policies or blueprints you've created.
- Documentation of your experience with infrastructure as code (IaC) tools, including any Terraform or Bicep configurations you've written.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The salary range for this role is estimated to be between SAR 30,000 - SAR 45,000 per month, based on regional market standards for experienced cloud architect engineers with a focus on Azure. This estimate takes into account factors such as experience level, location, and industry benchmarks.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Opportunities for professional growth and development.
- A dynamic and innovative work environment.
- The chance to work on cutting-edge cloud projects with a focus on Azure.
Working Hours: The standard working hours for this role are 40 hours per week, with flexibility for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines.
π Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on regional market standards and industry benchmarks. The actual salary offered may vary depending on the candidate's experience, skills, and other factors.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: Artefact is a data service provider specializing in data consulting and data-driven digital marketing. It operates in the technology industry, with a focus on transforming data into business impact across the entire value chain of organizations.
Company Size: Artefact has a team of over 400 consultants, covering a wide range of offers, including data marketing, data governance, strategy consulting, and product owner roles. This mid-sized company offers opportunities for growth and collaboration within a dynamic and innovative work environment.
Founded: Artefact was founded in 2013, and since then, it has enjoyed skyrocketing growth, establishing itself as a leading data service provider in the market.
Team Structure:
- The cloud architecture team at Artefact consists of experienced cloud architects, engineers, and specialists, working together to design, implement, and manage robust, scalable, and secure cloud solutions for clients.
- The team is structured to support collaboration and knowledge sharing, with a focus on mentoring and coaching to develop the skills and careers of its members.
- The cloud architecture team works closely with other technical teams, such as data engineering and data science, as well as business stakeholders to ensure cloud architecture is aligned with business needs.
Development Methodology:
- Artefact follows Agile methodologies for cloud project development, with a focus on iterative development, continuous integration, and continuous deployment.
- The company emphasizes code review, testing, and quality assurance practices to ensure the delivery of high-quality cloud solutions.
- Artefact uses deployment strategies, CI/CD pipelines, and server management tools to automate and streamline cloud infrastructure management.
Company Website: Artefact Website
π Enhancement Note: Artefact's company culture is characterized by its focus on data-driven decision-making, innovation, and collaboration. The company's mid-sized structure offers opportunities for growth and development within a dynamic and supportive work environment.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Web Technology Career Level: This role is at the senior level, requiring a high degree of technical expertise and leadership. The cloud architect engineer will be expected to provide technical leadership across multiple cloud projects, manage technical teams, and contribute to Artefact's growth through technical innovation and strategic initiatives.
Reporting Structure: The cloud architect engineer will report directly to the head of the cloud architecture team and will be responsible for managing technical teams and leading cloud projects. They will work closely with other technical teams, such as data engineering and data science, as well as business stakeholders to ensure cloud architecture is aligned with business needs.
Technical Impact: The cloud architect engineer will have a significant impact on Artefact's cloud infrastructure, ensuring it is robust, scalable, and secure. They will be responsible for designing and implementing cloud solutions that support the company's data and technology ecosystems, optimizing tool selection, cost efficiency, and scalability. Their work will directly contribute to the success of Artefact's clients and the company's growth.
Growth Opportunities:
- Technical Growth: The cloud architect engineer will have the opportunity to develop their technical skills and expertise in cloud architecture, with a focus on Azure. They will be encouraged to stay up-to-date with the latest cloud technologies and best practices, and to contribute to the development of Artefact's cloud architecture team through mentoring and knowledge sharing.
- Leadership Growth: The cloud architect engineer will have the opportunity to develop their leadership skills, managing technical teams and leading cloud projects. They will be expected to provide technical leadership, mentor and coach cloud engineers, and drive innovation and best practices in cloud technology.
- Career Growth: The cloud architect engineer will have the opportunity to progress their career within Artefact, with potential paths including technical lead, principal cloud architect, or other senior roles within the company's cloud architecture team.
π Enhancement Note: The cloud architect engineer role at Artefact offers significant opportunities for technical, leadership, and career growth. The company's focus on innovation, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making provides a dynamic and supportive environment for professionals seeking to develop their skills and advance their careers in cloud architecture.
π Work Environment
Office Type: Artefact's office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to support teamwork and innovation. The office features open-plan workspaces, meeting rooms, and breakout areas, with a focus on creating a comfortable and productive environment for its employees.
Office Location(s): Artefact's office is located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with easy access to public transportation and nearby amenities.
Workspace Context:
- Collaborative Workspace: The office is designed to encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing, with open-plan workspaces and breakout areas that facilitate teamwork and informal discussions.
- Technical Workspace: The office is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including multiple monitors, testing devices, and development tools, to support the work of its cloud architecture team.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: The office is designed to facilitate cross-functional collaboration, with workspaces that allow for easy interaction between the cloud architecture team and other technical teams, such as data engineering and data science.
Work Schedule: The standard working hours for this role are 40 hours per week, with flexibility for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines. The work schedule is designed to accommodate the needs of the cloud architecture team and ensure the delivery of high-quality cloud solutions for clients.
π Enhancement Note: Artefact's work environment is characterized by its focus on collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence. The company's modern, collaborative workspace is designed to support teamwork and knowledge sharing, with a focus on creating a comfortable and productive environment for its employees.
π Application & Technical Interview Process
Interview Process:
- Technical Assessment: The first stage of the interview process involves a technical assessment, focusing on the candidate's expertise in cloud architecture, with a particular focus on Azure. The assessment may include questions on cloud security, networking, and compliance frameworks, as well as practical exercises demonstrating the candidate's ability to design and implement cloud solutions.
- Architecture Review: The second stage of the interview process involves a review of the candidate's cloud architecture projects, focusing on their ability to design highly available, secure, and cost-optimized Azure environments for enterprise customers. The review may include questions on the candidate's approach to cloud cost optimization, monitoring, and high availability design patterns, as well as their experience with cloud governance and policy management tools.
- Behavioral Interview: The third stage of the interview process involves a behavioral interview, focusing on the candidate's leadership capabilities, problem-solving skills, and ability to manage technical teams and client relationships. The interview may include questions on the candidate's experience managing senior stakeholders, navigating client discussions, and driving technical innovation and strategic initiatives.
- Final Evaluation: The final stage of the interview process involves a final evaluation, focusing on the candidate's overall fit with the role and the company. The evaluation may include questions on the candidate's long-term career goals, their approach to mentoring and coaching, and their ability to contribute to Artefact's growth through technical innovation and strategic initiatives.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- π Enhancement Note: When preparing your portfolio for this role, focus on demonstrating your expertise in cloud architecture, with a particular focus on Azure. Highlight your experience designing and implementing cloud solutions, your ability to optimize cloud environments for cost efficiency and scalability, and your experience with cloud governance and policy management tools. Include case studies demonstrating your problem-solving skills and your ability to overcome complex technical challenges in cloud environments.
Technical Challenge Preparation:
- π Enhancement Note: When preparing for the technical assessment, focus on brushing up your knowledge of Azure services and tools, with a particular focus on cloud security, networking, and compliance frameworks. Practice designing and implementing cloud solutions, and be prepared to demonstrate your ability to optimize cloud environments for cost efficiency and scalability. Familiarize yourself with cloud governance and policy management tools, and be prepared to discuss your experience with infrastructure as code (IaC) tools such as Terraform or Bicep.
ATS Keywords:
- Programming Languages: Azure, PowerShell, Bash, Python, Terraform, Bicep
- Web Frameworks: N/A
- Server Technologies: Azure Virtual Network, Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), Azure App Service, Azure Traffic Manager, Azure Site Recovery, Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2, Azure Synapse, MS Fabric
- Databases: N/A
- Tools: Azure DevOps, Azure DevOps YAML pipelines, PowerShell DSC, Azure Cost Management, CloudHealth, Azure Security Center, Prisma Cloud, Azure Policy, Azure Blueprints
- Methodologies: Agile, Scrum, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Continuous Integration, Continuous Deployment
- Soft Skills: Leadership, Problem Solving, Communication, Mentoring, Coaching, Client Relationship Management, Innovation, Strategic Initiatives
- Industry Terms: Cloud Architecture, Cloud Security, Networking, Compliance Frameworks, High Availability, Cost Optimization, Monitoring, Data Engineering, Technical Leadership, Problem Solving, Mentoring, Coaching, Client Relationship Management, Innovation, Strategic Initiatives
π Enhancement Note: When optimizing your resume for this role, focus on highlighting your expertise in cloud architecture, with a particular focus on Azure. Include relevant keywords such as cloud security, networking, and compliance frameworks, as well as your experience with cloud governance and policy management tools. Highlight your leadership capabilities, problem-solving skills, and ability to manage technical teams and client relationships. Include any relevant certifications, such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, and any experience with infrastructure as code (IaC) tools such as Terraform or Bicep.
π Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure
Frontend Technologies: N/A
Backend & Server Technologies:
- Azure Virtual Network: Experience designing and implementing secure and highly available virtual networks on Azure.
- Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS): Experience deploying and managing containerized applications on Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS).
- Azure App Service: Experience deploying and managing web applications and APIs on Azure App Service.
- Azure Traffic Manager: Experience designing and implementing global traffic management solutions using Azure Traffic Manager.
- Azure Site Recovery: Experience designing and implementing disaster recovery solutions using Azure Site Recovery.
- Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2: Experience designing and implementing secure and scalable data lakes on Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2.
- Azure Synapse: Experience designing and implementing data warehouses and data integration pipelines on Azure Synapse.
- MS Fabric: Experience designing and implementing data integration and ETL processes on MS Fabric.
Development & DevOps Tools:
- Azure DevOps: Experience using Azure DevOps for version control, collaborative development, and automated deployment.
- Azure DevOps YAML pipelines: Experience using YAML pipelines to automate deployment, testing, and release management on Azure DevOps.
- PowerShell DSC: Experience using PowerShell Desired State Configuration (DSC) to automate deployment and configuration of Windows-based servers.
- Azure Cost Management: Experience using Azure Cost Management to monitor and optimize cloud costs.
- CloudHealth: Experience using CloudHealth to monitor and optimize cloud costs across multiple cloud providers.
- Azure Security Center: Experience using Azure Security Center to monitor and manage security posture across Azure environments.
- Prisma Cloud: Experience using Prisma Cloud to monitor and manage security posture across multi-cloud environments.
- Azure Policy: Experience using Azure Policy to define and enforce policies for Azure resources.
- Azure Blueprints: Experience using Azure Blueprints to define and deploy reusable infrastructure as code (IaC) templates.
π Enhancement Note: When preparing for the technical assessment, focus on brushing up your knowledge of Azure services and tools, with a particular focus on cloud security, networking, and compliance frameworks. Practice designing and implementing cloud solutions, and be prepared to demonstrate your ability to optimize cloud environments for cost efficiency and scalability. Familiarize yourself with cloud governance and policy management tools, and be prepared to discuss your experience with infrastructure as code (IaC) tools such as Terraform or Bicep.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Web Development Values:
- Innovation: Artefact values innovation and encourages its cloud architecture team to stay up-to-date with the latest cloud technologies and best practices. The company encourages its team members to think creatively and drive technical innovation and strategic initiatives.
- Collaboration: Artefact values collaboration and encourages its cloud architecture team to work closely with other technical teams, such as data engineering and data science, as well as business stakeholders. The company fosters a culture of knowledge sharing and teamwork.
- Expertise: Artefact values expertise and expects its cloud architecture team to have a deep understanding of cloud architecture, with a particular focus on Azure. The company encourages its team members to develop their technical skills and expertise through training and development opportunities.
- Quality: Artefact values quality and expects its cloud architecture team to deliver high-quality cloud solutions that meet the needs of its clients. The company emphasizes code review, testing, and quality assurance practices to ensure the delivery of robust, scalable, and secure cloud solutions.
Collaboration Style:
- Cross-Functional Integration: Artefact's cloud architecture team works closely with other technical teams, such as data engineering and data science, as well as business stakeholders. The team is structured to support collaboration and knowledge sharing, with a focus on mentoring and coaching to develop the skills and careers of its members.
- Code Review Culture: Artefact emphasizes code review practices to ensure the delivery of high-quality cloud solutions. The company encourages its cloud architecture team to review each other's code and provide constructive feedback to improve the quality of its cloud solutions.
- Knowledge Sharing: Artefact fosters a culture of knowledge sharing, with a focus on mentoring and coaching to develop the skills and careers of its cloud architecture team members. The company encourages its team members to share their knowledge and expertise with each other and with the wider technical community.
π Enhancement Note: Artefact's cloud architecture team values innovation, collaboration, expertise, and quality. The team fosters a culture of knowledge sharing, mentoring, and coaching to develop the skills and careers of its members. The company encourages its team members to think creatively, work collaboratively, and deliver high-quality cloud solutions that meet the needs of its clients.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Technical Challenges:
- Azure Security: Experience designing and implementing secure Azure environments, with a focus on network security, identity and access management, and data protection.
- Azure Networking: Experience designing and implementing highly available and secure Azure virtual networks, with a focus on network segmentation, traffic management, and network security groups.
- Azure Cost Optimization: Experience optimizing Azure environments for cost efficiency, with a focus on resource utilization, reserved instances, and Azure cost management tools.
- Azure High Availability: Experience designing and implementing highly available Azure environments, with a focus on Azure Traffic Manager, paired regions, and Azure Site Recovery.
- Azure Data Integration: Experience designing and implementing data integration solutions on Azure, with a focus on Azure Data Factory, Azure Logic Apps, and Azure Event Hubs.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Azure Certification: The opportunity to obtain relevant Azure certifications, such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, to develop your technical skills and expertise.
- Conference Attendance: The opportunity to attend industry conferences and events, such as Microsoft Ignite or Microsoft Build, to stay up-to-date with the latest cloud technologies and best practices.
- Certification Programs: The opportunity to participate in certification programs, such as Microsoft Learn or Pluralsight, to develop your technical skills and expertise.
- Mentoring & Coaching: The opportunity to receive mentoring and coaching from experienced cloud architects within the company, to develop your technical skills and leadership capabilities.
- Technical Leadership: The opportunity to develop your technical leadership capabilities, by leading technical teams, driving innovation, and contributing to Artefact's growth through strategic initiatives.
π Enhancement Note: Artefact's cloud architecture team faces a range of technical challenges, from Azure security and networking to cost optimization and high availability. The team offers a range of learning and development opportunities, from Azure certification and conference attendance to mentoring and coaching, to help its members develop their technical skills and expertise.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Technical Questions:
- Azure Architecture: Questions focusing on your expertise in Azure architecture, with a particular focus on cloud security, networking, and compliance frameworks. Examples may include:
- How would you design a secure and highly available Azure virtual network for an enterprise customer?
- How would you implement identity and access management in an Azure environment?
- How would you optimize an Azure environment for cost efficiency?
- Cloud Architecture: Questions focusing on your general cloud architecture expertise, with a particular focus on Azure. Examples may include:
- How would you design a multi-region DR/HA architecture using Azure Traffic Manager, paired regions, and Azure Site Recovery?
- How would you implement automated patching, scaling, and monitoring tasks via Azure DevOps YAML pipelines and PowerShell DSC?
- How would you approach cloud cost optimization, monitoring, and high availability design patterns?
- Problem-Solving: Questions focusing on your problem-solving skills and ability to overcome complex technical challenges in cloud environments. Examples may include:
- How would you troubleshoot a performance issue in an Azure environment?
- How would you optimize a slow Azure SQL Database performance?
- How would you design and implement a scalable and secure Azure data pipeline?
Company & Culture Questions:
- Artefact Culture: Questions focusing on your understanding of Artefact's company culture and values. Examples may include:
- How would you describe Artefact's company culture and values?
- How would you contribute to Artefact's growth through technical innovation and strategic initiatives?
- Cloud Architecture Team: Questions focusing on your understanding of the cloud architecture team's structure and dynamics. Examples may include:
- How would you describe the cloud architecture team's structure and dynamics?
- How would you collaborate with other technical teams, such as data engineering and data science, within Artefact?
- Client Relationship Management: Questions focusing on your experience managing client relationships and project expectations. Examples may include:
- How would you manage client relationships regarding project expectations, timelines, and outcomes?
- How would you navigate client discussions and negotiate project scope and deliverables?
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- π Enhancement Note: When preparing your portfolio for the interview, focus on demonstrating your expertise in cloud architecture, with a particular focus on Azure. Highlight your experience designing and implementing cloud solutions, your ability to optimize cloud environments for cost efficiency and scalability, and your experience with cloud governance and policy management tools. Include case studies demonstrating your problem-solving skills and your ability to overcome complex technical challenges in cloud environments. Be prepared to discuss your approach to cloud architecture, your understanding of Artefact's company culture and values, and your experience managing client relationships and project expectations.
π Application Steps
To apply for this cloud architect engineer (Azure) position at Artefact, follow these steps:
- Customize Your Portfolio: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your expertise in cloud architecture, with a particular focus on Azure. Include case studies demonstrating your experience designing and implementing cloud solutions, your ability to optimize cloud environments for cost efficiency and scalability, and your experience with cloud governance and policy management tools. Include any relevant certifications, such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, and any experience with infrastructure as code (IaC) tools such as Terraform or Bicep.
- Optimize Your Resume: Highlight your expertise in cloud architecture, with a particular focus on Azure, in your resume. Include relevant keywords such as cloud security, networking, and compliance frameworks, as well as your experience with cloud governance and policy management tools. Highlight your leadership capabilities, problem-solving skills, and ability to manage technical teams and client relationships. Include any relevant certifications and experience with infrastructure as code (IaC) tools such as Terraform or Bicep.
- Prepare for the Technical Assessment: Brush up your knowledge of Azure services and tools, with a particular focus on cloud security, networking, and compliance frameworks. Practice designing and implementing cloud solutions, and be prepared to demonstrate your ability to optimize cloud environments for cost efficiency and scalability. Familiarize yourself with cloud governance and policy management tools, and be prepared to discuss your experience with infrastructure as code (IaC) tools such as Terraform or Bicep.
- Research Artefact: Familiarize yourself with Artefact's company culture, values, and mission. Understand the company's focus on data-driven decision-making, innovation, and collaboration, and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to the company's growth through technical innovation and strategic initiatives.
- Prepare for the Behavioral Interview: Reflect on your leadership capabilities, problem-solving skills, and ability to manage technical teams and client relationships. Be prepared to discuss your experience managing senior stakeholders, navigating client discussions, and driving technical innovation and strategic initiatives. Think about how you can contribute to Artefact's growth and success through your technical expertise and leadership capabilities.
β οΈ 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.
Application Requirements
The role requires proven experience in designing Azure architectures and strong expertise in cloud security and networking. Candidates should have leadership capabilities and a track record of contributing to business growth through technical innovation.