Job Description

Position Summary:

The Cloud Architect is responsible for designing and implementing cloud-based solutions that meet the Office of the Chief Counsel and PhillyStat360s business needs while aligning with industry best practices and standards. This role involves collaborating with stakeholders to understand requirements, assessing existing IT infrastructure, and developing cloud migration strategies. The Cloud Architect oversees the architecture and deployment of cloud services, ensuring scalability, security, and performance. They play a critical role in driving cloud adoption initiatives, optimizing resource utilization, and guiding teams through the cloud transformation journey.

Essential Functions:

• Taking a lead role providing technical planning, design, implementation of initiatives
• Oversight of GIS existing Azure Gov cloud tenant
• Lead the design and architecture of cloud-based solutions, considering factors such as scalability, reliability, security, and cost optimization.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to gather requirements, assess existing infrastructure, and define cloud migration strategies and roadmaps.
• Develop architectural designs, blueprints, and technical specifications for cloud solutions, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and standards.
• Implement cloud services and infrastructure components, such as compute, storage, networking, and security, using leading cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform.
• Configure and manage cloud environments, including virtual machines, containers, serverless computing, and microservices architectures.
• Implement cloud security best practices, including identity and access management, data encryption, network security, and compliance controls.
• Optimize cloud resources utilization, monitoring performance, and cost metrics to identify opportunities for efficiency improvements and cost savings.
• Provide technical guidance and expertise to project teams and stakeholders on cloud architecture, best practices, and emerging technologies.
• Collaborate with OIT to integrate cloud services with existing systems and applications, ensuring seamless interoperability and data exchange.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices in cloud computing, participating in training, certifications, and knowledge-sharing activities to enhance skills and expertise.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

_ Knowledge:_

• Strong understanding of cloud computing concepts, architectures, and service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS).
• In-depth knowledge of leading cloud platforms, such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform, including their services and features.
• Familiarity with cloud security best practices, compliance standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Understanding of networking principles, protocols, and technologies relevant to cloud environments.
• Knowledge of containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes) and serverless computing concepts.
• Understanding of DevOps principles and practices, including continuous integration, continuous delivery, and infrastructure as code (IaC).
• Familiarity with hybrid cloud and multi-cloud architectures, including connectivity, data replication, and workload migration strategies.
• Knowledge of licensing and operation responsibility models for SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS products.
• Proficiency in system diagramming tools and techniques.

** Skills:**

• Strong technical skills in cloud architecture, infrastructure design, and implementation.
• Proficiency in configuring and managing cloud services and resources using platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform.
• Ability to design scalable, resilient, and cost-effective cloud solutions that meet business requirements.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to analyze complex issues and propose effective solutions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Project management skills, including the ability to plan, organize, and prioritize tasks to meet project deadlines and objectives.
• Technical writing skills, with experience in writing policies, standards, or other governance documents.

** Abilities:**

• Ability to work independently and proactively, taking initiative to drive cloud adoption initiatives and overcome challenges.
• Capacity to adapt to changing priorities and navigate ambiguity in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy, with a commitment to delivering high-quality cloud solutions.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with stakeholders, fostering collaboration and trust.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development, staying updated on emerging trends and best practices in cloud computing and architecture

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Data Analytics, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field. A master's degree in a relevant discipline preferred.
• Entry-level certifications for Microsoft Office 365, MS Azure, or other cloud platforms are strongly preferred.
• At least five years of progressive experience in implementing, governing, and supporting enterprise-scale systems, with a focus on scalability, reliability, and security.
• Additionally, the ideal candidate should possess a minimum of four years of experience in a technology delivery role, such as Solutions Architecture or project management, demonstrating successful project delivery.
• A minimum of 3+ years of experience with cloud systems is required, including knowledge of licensing and operation responsibility models for SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS products.
• Entry-level certifications for Microsoft Office 365, MS Azure, or other cloud platforms are strongly preferred.
• Any additional education, certification, and experience may substitute for the bachelor’s degree.

Additional Information

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a resume and references.

Salary Range: $105,000-$115,000

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation : City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 6 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

_ *The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire_

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx