Azure Cloud Engineer

Simpson Associates transforms raw data into actionable insights that drive positive change.

Our Microsoft data expertise, our specialist sector knowledge, plus our innovative and trusted advice and guidance are just some of the reasons clients choose to work with us.

Our mission is to help purpose-led organisations from within the public and private sectors to harness data as a lever for change and enable them to realise business value more quickly. We provide the full range of services to support organisations on their data transformation journey. From advisory support and data strategy, to developing Data & AI solutions, right through to providing a range of managed services.

We are a Microsoft Solutions Partner, holding Specialisations in AI Platform on Microsoft Azure, Analytics on Microsoft Azure, Data Warehouse Migration to Microsoft Azure and Migrate Enterprise Applications to Microsoft Azure, as well as holding Solutions Partner designations in Data & AI (Azure); Digital & App Innovation (Azure); Infrastructure (Azure) and Security.

But it's not just about the badges. We are proud to be recognised as the winner of the 2024 Microsoft Community Response Partner of the Year award, reflecting our dedication to using technology for positive change. We are also a Databricks partner, and an IBM Gold Partner, specialising in Cognos Analytics and Planning Analytics.

With offices in York and Sheffield, and a team based throughout the UK – we champion creativity, innovation and collaboration in the workplace.

The Role

As an Azure Cloud Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, deploying, and managing cloud solutions on the Microsoft Azure platform. Your role will involve architecting cloud infrastructure, implementing security best practices, and optimising cloud resources for performance and cost-efficiency. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver robust and scalable cloud solutions.

You will provide expert guidance on cloud strategy, assist in cloud migration projects, and ensure that our customers' needs are met with the highest standards of service. Excellent stakeholder management skills are essential as you will interact with a broad spectrum of customers and internal team members, including direct interactions with senior leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement Azure cloud infrastructure solutions, ensuring scalability, reliability, and security.
• Manage and optimize Azure resources for cost and performance efficiency.
• Support cloud migration projects, including planning, execution, and post-migration support.
• Implement and manage a range of Azure services such as Azure Virtual Machines, Azure Storage, Azure Databricks, Microsoft Sentinel and more.
• Automate deployment and management processes using Azure Bicep (infrastructure as code) and by utilising tools such as Azure CLI and Azure DevOps.
• Monitor and troubleshoot cloud infrastructure to ensure high availability and performance.
• Ensure compliance with security best practices and policies in the cloud environment.
• Provide ongoing support and maintenance for cloud infrastructure.
• Participate in the on-call rota, supporting our managed service customers.
• Develop and maintain internal policies, procedures, standards, baselines, and guidelines where applicable.

Skills and Attributes Required

• A natural problem solver with excellent troubleshooting skills.
• The ability to prioritise workload under pressure and deliver to tight deadlines.
• Strong team player with excellent communication skills.
• Enthusiastic, confident, and proactive.
• Pleasant, friendly, and approachable manner, with empathy for customers.

Technical Requirements

• Extensive experience with Azure DevOps and infrastructure as code such as Azure Bicep and Terraform.
• Strong scripting skills in PowerShell, Python, or similar.
• Hands-on experience with continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines.
• Working knowledge of Azure services.
• Familiarity with version control systems, especially Git.
• Experience with monitoring tools such as Azure Monitor, Application Insights, or similar.
• Knowledge of security best practices in cloud environments.
• Understanding of network setup and configuration in Azure.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Sentinel and Microsoft Defender services.
• Familiarity with the Cloud Adoption Framework and the Azure Landing Zone conceptual architecture.
• Active Directory and Entra ID.

Experience of the following would be beneficial:

• Microsoft 365 and related services.
• Microsoft Defender suite.
• Microsoft Intune and Microsoft Sentinel.
• Atlassian Jira.
• Microsoft certifications AZ-500, AZ-305, AZ-104 and AZ-400.

Successful candidates will be required to complete enhanced Security Clearance checks and Pre-employment checks such as right to work in the UK and references.