Azure Cloud Solutions Expert

Azure Cloud Solutions Expert Job Description

Summary:

• We are seeking a highly skilled Azure cloud solutions expert to administer and maintain our hybrid cloud core infrastructure.
• The ideal candidate will have expertise in installing, maintaining, and upgrading MS SQL Server Database on Azure Cloud in a secure, high-availability, and disaster-recovery environment.

Responsibilities:

Azure Cloud Administration Activities

• Create detailed design documents, architectural diagrams, and solution blueprints to optimize our cloud infrastructure.
• Organize resources by creating a structured subscription model that aligns with business units, environments (e.g., dev, test, prod), and cost centers.
• Use management groups to efficiently manage access, policies, and compliance across multiple subscriptions.
• Conduct assessments of current infrastructure and recommend cloud migration strategies to improve our cloud posture.
• Implement continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines using Azure DevOps to automate the application lifecycle.
• Ensure high availability, disaster recovery, and business continuity for Azure solutions.
• Design and implement security best practices for Azure environments, including identity and access management.
• Work closely with development, operations, and security teams to integrate Azure solutions and ensure seamless collaboration.
• Implement cost management strategies to optimize cloud spending and improve return on investment.
• Monitor and report on cloud usage and costs, providing recommendations for cost savings and process improvements.

Azure AD Admin Tasks

• Implement identity and access management solutions using Azure Active Directory (Azure AD).
• Manage and maintain the Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) environment, ensuring seamless user experiences and access control.
• Create, modify, and delete user accounts, groups, and roles to meet evolving business needs.
• Manage synchronization between on-premises Active Directory and Azure AD using Azure AD Connect, ensuring accurate and efficient user provisioning.
• Implement and manage identity and access management (IAM) policies, including role-based access control (RBAC) and conditional access policies to enforce the principle of least privilege.
• Integrate Azure AD with other cloud services and on-premises systems, ensuring seamless connectivity and data exchange.
• Automate routine administrative tasks using PowerShell and other scripting tools to reduce manual efforts and errors.
• Manage single sign-on (SSO) configurations and integrate with external identity providers to enhance user convenience and productivity.
• Generate and analyze reports on user activities, access patterns, and security incidents to inform risk-based decision-making.
• Assist with onboarding and offboarding processes to ensure proper access management and minimize security risks.
• Work closely with IT, security, and development teams to implement and manage Azure AD solutions, ensuring seamless collaboration and communication.

Azure Network Administration Tasks

• Design and implement Azure network solutions, including virtual networks, subnets, network security groups (NSGs), and routing configurations.
• Manage and maintain azure network services such as Azure VPN Gateway, Azure ExpressRoute, Azure Firewall, Azure Load Balancer, and Azure Traffic Manager.
• Monitor network performance and troubleshoot network-related issues to ensure optimal performance and availability.
• Implement and manage network security measures, including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and security policies to protect against cyber threats.
• Conduct regular network assessments and audits to ensure compliance with industry standards and best practices.

Azure Security Related Activities

• Establish security policies, standards, and procedures for Azure environments, ensuring robust security controls and mitigating risks.
• Conduct risk assessments and vulnerability analyses to identify potential threats and prioritize remediation efforts.
• Design secure architectures for Azure cloud solutions, including network, application, and data security to safeguard sensitive data.
• Design and implement secure hybrid cloud solutions, integrating on-premises and Azure resources to ensure seamless connectivity and data exchange.
• Configure Azure security services, such as Azure Security Centre, Azure Defender, and Azure Sentinel, Azure Policy, Azure Blueprints to detect and respond to security incidents.
• Implement network security measures, including Azure Firewall, Network Security Groups (NSGs), and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to protect against cyber threats.
• Deploy secure development practices, integrating security into CI/CD pipelines with tools like Azure DevOps to ensure secure software delivery.
• Implement continuous monitoring and logging using Azure Monitor, Azure Log Analytics, and Azure Sentinel to detect and respond to security incidents.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of security policies, procedures, and configurations to ensure knowledge sharing and process consistency.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards (SOC2, GDPR, ISO 27001) to mitigate risks and maintain trust.

MS SQL Server DBA Tasks

• Migrate databases from on-premises to the Azure cloud, ensuring seamless transition and minimal downtime.
• Configure databases for optimal performance and security, including indexing strategies and backup and restore processes.
• Develop and implement strategies for disaster recovery, including log shipping and failover clustering.
• Perform periodic disaster recovery drills to ensure readiness and minimize downtime.
• Manage user access, roles, permissions, and enforcing password policies to maintain data integrity and security.
• Implement Row-Level Security (RLS) and Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) to protect sensitive data at rest.
• Conduct security audits covering Windows and SQL Server authenticated accounts to identify vulnerabilities and prioritize remediation efforts.
• Investigate and resolve database-related issues, such as performance problems, data corruption, and connectivity errors.
• Monitor SQL Server performance metrics (CPU and memory usage) and analyze database wait statistics to identify bottlenecks and optimize performance.
• Optimize query execution plans, rewrite queries, and utilize query hints or plan guides to improve performance.
• Server parameter configurations to improve response times and resource utilization.
• Handle developers' requests for script runs for packages, functions, procedures, new tables, etc.
• Clone, refresh, or replace an existing database with a copy from another instance.
• Apply SQL Server patches, service packs, and updates to ensure the database system remains up-to-date with the latest bug fixes.
• Plan and execute SQL Server version upgrades to ensure compatibility and performance.
• Implement strategies such as partitioning or horizontal scaling to manage large databases and improve performance.

Other Responsibilities

• Identify potential risks or issues before they escalate and develop mitigation strategies.
• Deal with customers regarding issues and provide timely resolution.
• Embrace change, adapt quickly to shifting database needs or conditions, and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
• Maintain documentation of database configurations, processes, and procedures to ensure knowledge sharing and process consistency.
• Generate reports on database performance, availability, and security metrics for management and compliance purposes.
• Paying attention to details to ensure project requirements and deliverables are met accurately.
• Review project documentation, monitor progress, and ensure timely completion.
• Collaborate with diverse teams, stakeholders, and clients to achieve shared goals and objectives.
• Provide consultancy services to customers, including database design, implementation, and optimization.

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