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 roleoperatesacross engineering, security, operations, and executive stakeholders, providing bothdeliveryleadership and consultative guidance for regulated environments.

Responsbilities Azure Solution Architecture & Cloud Delivery:

• Design and lead enterprise Azure solutions acrosscompute, 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/orTerraform.
• 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 Azurearchitectures.
• 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 assessmentsand translate regulatory requirements into Azure-native technical and operational controls.
• Support audit readiness activities, includingevidencepreparation, control validation, and remediation planning.
• Communicatecomplianceposture, 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, andcomplianceepics and user stories.
• Prioritize work based on business value, risk exposure, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop andmaintainAzureplatformand securityroadmaps.
• 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 architectsonAzure 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

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or arelated field (or equivalent 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: $155,000/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.

AtAscendTechnologieswefirmlybelievethatdiversity,equity,andinclusionarenotonlyfundamentalvaluesbutalsopowerfuldriversofinnovation,growth,andsuccess.Weare committedtofosteringanenvironmentwhereeveryindividualfeelsvalued,respected, and empowered.

COREVALUES

WeareseekinghighlymotivatedindividualswhohavethewillingnessandabilitytodemonstrateAscend Core Values

• Committed to Client Success:Our actions and our words always align with the bestinterest oftheclient.
• One Team:We work collaboratively to overcome challenges with humility andrespectanddowhatittakestofindinnovativesolutions.
• Integrity:Weareunquestionablycommittedtodoingtherightthingevenwhenitis hard.
• Accountability:Weholdourselvesandeachotheraccountableforkeepingourcommitmentstoourclients,ourcommunities,andoneanother.