Azure Cloud Network Architect

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Azure Cloud Network Architect to join our team as an individual contributor. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in cloud networking architecture, with a strong focus on Azure Virtual WAN, Azure networking services, and secure cloud routing architectures. This role requires expert knowledge of Palo Alto firewalls (including Panorama), infrastructure-as-code (IaC) deployments, and managing network and firewall rule sets through code using modern DevOps practices.

Primary Functions & Essential Responsibilities

Cloud Architecture & Design

· Lead the architecture, design, and implementation of Azure network infrastructures, including Azure Virtual WAN, hub-and-spoke architectures, private endpoints, VNets, Firewalls, and secure connectivity patterns.

· Architect and maintain scalable, highly available cloud network topologies that support global business requirements.

· Develop reference architectures, HLDs/LLDs, and future-state designs focused on Azure networking, cloud security, and automation.

Infrastructure-as-Code & Automation

· Build and deploy Azure networking components using Terraform, Bicep, ARM, or similar IaC frameworks.

· Manage network and firewall rule sets as code, including versioning, CI/CD pipelines, policy-as-code, and automated validation.

· Develop self-healing, automated cloud network operations leveraging Azure-native and third-party tooling.

Firewall & Security

· Architect and implement Palo Alto firewalls within Azure, including Panorama-based management, rule automation, and cloud integrations.

· Perform deep packet-level analysis and cloud traffic flow diagnostics to optimize security posture and performance.

Operations, Reliability & Troubleshooting

· Provide senior-level troubleshooting for escalated cloud networking and security incidents across Azure and hybrid environments.

· Optimize connectivity, performance, and resiliency for global cloud workloads and cross-region architectures.

· Define metrics, reporting mechanisms, and dashboards for network health, performance, and compliance.

Cross-Functional Leadership

· Collaborate with security engineering, cloud engineering, DevOps, and application teams to deliver secure, scalable cloud solutions.

· Lead product evaluations, proof-of-concepts, and vendor engagements with well-defined success criteria.

· Mentor engineering teams on Azure networking, IaC patterns, Palo Alto cloud integrations, and DevOps methodology.

Documentation & Compliance

· Maintain comprehensive documentation of cloud network designs, IaC modules, firewall policies, runbooks, and operational standards.

· Support compliance initiatives and ensure cloud networks align with regulatory and audit requirements.

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Qualifications

Certifications

· Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert or equivalent.

· Palo Alto Networks certifications (PCNSE preferred).

· Equivalent experience to CCIE-level routing/switching (certification optional in cloud-dominant role).

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Skills

Technical Skills (Must-Have)

Azure Cloud Networking

· Expert knowledge in:

o Azure Virtual WAN (vWAN)

o VNet design & segmentation

o Private Link & Private Endpoints

o Azure Firewall, Palo Alto VM-Series, Panorama

o ExpressRoute / VPN gateways

o Azure Load Balancing (ALB/ILB), Application Gateway, WAF

Infrastructure-as-Code / Automation

· Terraform, Bicep, ARM, GitOps, CI/CD pipelines.

· Rule-set management through code (network, NAT, security policies).

Firewall Technology

· Expert proficiency with Palo Alto firewalls (policy design, threat profiles, packet capture, Panorama automation).

Routing & Switching

· Strong foundation in BGP, OSPF, EVPN, cloud routing patterns, and hybrid interconnect.

SD-WAN

· Experience with cloud-integrated SD-WAN solutions (Prisma SD-WAN preferred).

Operational Skill Set

· Packet-level diagnostics (PCAPs, flow logs, NSG flows, Palo Alto monitors).

· Cloud monitoring solutions (Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, PAN-OS logging).

· Designing self-healing, auto-remediation workflows.

General Requirements

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· Strong organizational and time-management capability.

· Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.

· High attention to detail and strong documentation discipline.

· Global team collaboration experience.

· Familiarity with ITIL processes