Azure Solutions and Security Architect

Azure Solutions and Security Architect This is a fully remote position which may require occasional travel within the United States. PURPOSE: The Azure Solutions Architect – Security & Agile Product Owner is a senior, hands-on technical leader responsible for designing, securing, and delivering enterprise Azure cloud solutions while owning the Agile product lifecycle for Azure infrastructure and security services. This role blends Azure solution architecture, cloud security engineering, regulatory compliance leadership, and Agile product ownership. The successful candidate will design scalable and secure Azure platforms, translate regulatory and compliance requirements into implemented technical and operational controls, and lead cross-functional teams to deliver compliant, business-aligned cloud solutions. The role operates across engineering, security, operations, and executive stakeholders, providing both delivery leadership and consultative guidance for regulated environments. RESPONSBILITIES: Azure Solution Architecture & Cloud Delivery: Design and lead enterprise Azure solutions across compute, networking, identity, storage, logging, and monitoring. Architect secure Azure landing zones and hybrid cloud environments aligned with Microsoft best practices and organizational standards. Lead cloud migration and modernization initiatives from on-premises or legacy platforms to Azure. Design and implement Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using ARM, Bicep, and/or Terraform. Design and support CI/CD pipelines to enable automated, repeatable, and compliant infrastructure deployments. Security Architecture & Engineering: Embed security-by-design and Zero Trust principles into all Azure architectures. Design and implement Azure-native security controls, including Azure Policy, Microsoft Defender for Cloud, Microsoft Sentinel, identity protection, and conditional access. Perform cloud security posture reviews and environment readiness assessments. Partner with infrastructure and operations teams to ensure secure operational handoff and long-term platform stability. Compliance, Risk & Regulatory Leadership: Serve as a senior advisor for cloud security and compliance initiatives aligned to ISO 27001, SOC 1/2, GDPR, TISAX, and similar regulatory frameworks. Lead the interpretation, design, implementation, and operationalization of security and compliance controls within Azure environments. Conduct compliance and risk gap assessments and translate regulatory requirements into Azure-native technical and operational controls. Support audit readiness activities, including evidence preparation, control validation, and remediation planning. Communicate compliance posture, risks, and remediation strategies to technical, operational, and executive stakeholders. Agile Product Ownership & Delivery Leadership: Serve as the Agile Product Owner for Azure infrastructure and security services. Own and prioritize the product backlog, including infrastructure, security, and compliance epics and user stories. Prioritize work based on business value, risk exposure, and regulatory requirements. Develop and maintain Azure platform and security roadmaps. Participate in Agile ceremonies including backlog refinement, sprint planning, and sprint reviews. Ensure delivery teams execute consistently against defined architectural, security, and compliance standards. Stakeholder Engagement & Leadership: Act as a trusted advisor to engineering teams, business leaders, and executive stakeholders. Lead architecture reviews, security briefings, and compliance discussions. Present complex technical and regulatory topics in clear, business-focused language. Mentor engineers and architects on Azure architecture, security, and best practices. Drive continuous improvement across cloud delivery, security posture, and operational processes. Other responsibilities as assigned by manager. REQUIRED SKILLS, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE 8+ years of experience in cloud architecture, infrastructure, or security roles. 8+ years of hands-on experience designing and delivering Azure solutions in enterprise environments. Proven experience working in Agile delivery environments; Product Owner or delivery leadership experience strongly preferred. Strong knowledge of Azure networking, identity (Entra ID), governance, and monitoring. Proven experience leading the interpretation, design, implementation, and operationalization of cloud security and compliance controls aligned to ISO 27001, SOC 1/2, GDPR, TISAX, and similar regulatory frameworks, including gap assessments, audit readiness, remediation efforts, and executive stakeholder communication. Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills. PREFERRED SKILLS, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert. Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate. Security certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CISA, or CRISC. Experience with DevOps pipelines and automation frameworks. Experience supporting regulated, audit-driven, or enterprise compliance environments. Starting Compensation: $160,000/year The salary for this position is commensurate with experience, skills, and qualifications. The range is intended to reflect our commitment to attracting top talent, and the final offer will be based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's previous experience, expertise in the field, relevant certifications, and the specific requirements of the role. In addition, internal equity, market trends, and geographic location may also influence the final salary. Along with a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings options, flexible time off (FTO), and professional development opportunities. We are open to discussing compensation and benefits further during the interview process to ensure alignment with the candidate’s expectations and experience. At Ascend Technologies we firmly believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not only fundamental values but also powerful drivers of innovation, growth, and success. We are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered. CORE VALUES We are seeking highly motivated individuals who have the willingness and ability to demonstrate Ascend core values: Committed to Client Success: Our actions and our words always align with the best interest of the client. One Team: We work collaboratively to overcome challenges with humility and respect and do what it takes to find innovative solutions. Integrity: We are unquestionably committed to doing the right thing even when it is hard. Accountability: We hold ourselves and each other accountable for keeping our commitments to our clients, our communities, and one another.