Senior Microsoft Azure Solution Architect – Data, AI & Integration | Contract | Remote (Indianapolis, IN)

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Microsoft Azure Solution Architect – Data, AI & Integration to lead the design and delivery of enterprise-scale cloud, data engineering, and Generative AI solutions using the Microsoft Azure ecosystem.

The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on expertise in Microsoft Fabric, Azure Databricks, Azure OpenAI / Microsoft Foundry, enterprise data architecture, and application integration.

This role will lead end-to-end solution architecture, including cloud infrastructure sizing, data platform modernization, Snowflake-to-Azure migration, AI solution development, and enterprise application integration.

The candidate will serve as a technical architecture lead, working directly with business stakeholders, engineering teams, and delivery leadership to ensure successful implementation of scalable, secure, and cost-effective solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Azure Data Engineering & Architecture
• Generative AI & Microsoft Foundry
• Snowflake-to-Azure Migration
• Application Development & Integration
• Cloud Architecture, Infrastructure & DevOps
• Technical Leadership & Stakeholder Management

1. Azure Data Engineering & Architecture

• Design enterprise data platforms using Microsoft Fabric, Azure Databricks, ADLS Gen2, Azure SQL, and Synapse Analytics.
• Architect batch and real-time data pipelines using Azure Data Factory, Fabric Data Factory, Event Hubs, and Stream Analytics.
• Establish data modeling, lakehouse, medallion architecture, governance, and data quality standards.
• Implement data security and governance using Microsoft Purview and Entra ID.

2. Generative AI & Microsoft Foundry

• Architect and deploy enterprise Generative AI and Machine Learning solutions using Microsoft Foundry and Azure OpenAI.
• Design RAG-based solutions using Azure AI Search, embeddings, and vector databases.
• Develop AI agents, prompt flows, and intelligent enterprise applications.
• Establish MLOps / LLMOps practices covering deployment, evaluation, monitoring, and cost optimization.
• Implement Responsible AI, security, and governance practices.

3. Snowflake-to-Azure Migration

• Assess existing Snowflake environments and develop migration strategies to Microsoft Fabric, Azure Databricks, or Azure SQL.
• Lead migration planning, SQL conversion, data validation, reconciliation, and cutover activities.
• Evaluate performance, scalability, and cost optimization opportunities.

4. Application Development & Integration

• Architect enterprise applications using Azure App Service, Azure Functions, Container Apps, and AKS.
• Design REST APIs, microservices, and event-driven integration solutions.
• Implement API management and enterprise integrations using Azure API Management, Logic Apps, Service Bus, and Event Grid.
• Integrate AI and data capabilities into business applications and enterprise platforms.

5. Cloud Architecture, Infrastructure & DevOps

• Apply Azure Well-Architected Framework and Cloud Adoption Framework principles.
• Define infrastructure-as-code standards using Terraform and Bicep.
• Establish CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps and GitHub Actions.
• Lead infrastructure sizing, capacity planning, high availability, disaster recovery, and cloud security.
• Develop Azure cost estimates, TCO models, and FinOps strategies.

6. Technical Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Lead technical discovery, architecture workshops, and solution design discussions.
• Own end-to-end technical architecture and delivery decisions.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineering teams.
• Communicate architecture decisions and technical recommendations to business and technical stakeholders.
• Support technical proposals, solution estimations, and enterprise modernization initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• 12+ years of overall IT experience, with 5+ years in Microsoft Azure solution or cloud architecture.
• Strong enterprise data architecture experience with Microsoft Fabric, Azure Databricks, Synapse, or Azure Data Factory.
• Proven experience implementing production Generative AI solutions using Azure OpenAI or Microsoft Foundry.
• Strong knowledge of RAG, Azure AI Search, embeddings, vector databases, and AI agents.
• Demonstrated experience with Snowflake and enterprise data migration to Azure.
• Strong understanding of Azure infrastructure, networking, security, capacity planning, and cost optimization.
• Hands-on experience with REST APIs, API Management, microservices, and enterprise integration patterns.
• Strong SQL and Python skills, with working knowledge of C#/.NET or Node.js/TypeScript.
• Experience with Terraform, Bicep, Azure DevOps, or GitHub Actions.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and technical leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• 15+ years of overall IT experience.
• Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305).
• Azure AI Engineer Associate (AI-102).
• Microsoft Fabric certifications (DP-700 / DP-600).
• Previous Microsoft or Microsoft Partner ecosystem experience.
• Experience with supply chain analytics, demand forecasting, inventory optimization, or SAP/ERP integration.
• Knowledge of Semantic Kernel, AutoGen, Foundry Agent Service, and MCP.
• Experience in manufacturing, healthcare, life sciences, or other regulated industries.
• Experience managing onshore/offshore delivery teams.

Work Authorization & Location Requirements

• Must be authorized to work in the United States or Canada without current or future visa sponsorship.
• Must be available to work Eastern Time business hours.
• Must be able to attend occasional onsite meetings in Indianapolis, IN.
• Candidates residing within commuting distance of Indianapolis are preferred.

Ideal Candidate Profile

An experienced, hands-on Microsoft Azure Enterprise Architect who combines deep expertise in Data Engineering, Generative AI, Snowflake migration, cloud infrastructure, and enterprise application integration with strong client-facing architecture and technical leadership capabilities.