Senior Azure AI Infrastructure Architect

Key Responsibilities:
* Design and maintain enterprise-grade Azure AI resources.
* Architect infrastructure for Azure OpenAI, Azure Machine Learning, Azure AI Services, GPU-based compute environments, and AKS for AI workloads.
* Define subscription strategy, resource group structure, tagging standards, and naming conventions aligned with CoE governance.
* Design secure networking architectures including VNET segmentation, Private Endpoints, Firewall, and NSGs.
* Continuously monitor and improve security posture using Microsoft Defender for Cloud and related tools.
* Implement least-privilege RBAC models and ensure secure identity integration.
* Enforce governance controls using Azure Policy and Management Groups.
* Review AI solution architectures and participate in architecture review boards.
* Monitor and optimize AI workload costs using Azure Cost Management and FinOps practices.
* Implement Infrastructure as Code using Terraform (preferred), Bicep, or ARM templates.
* Support CI/CD pipelines and controlled change and release management processes.
* Develop operational runbooks and ensure smooth transition of AI services to operations teams.
* Act as the primary AI infrastructure advisor within the Cloud CoE and guide stakeholders on best practices.

Role Requirements and Qualification:
* 10+ years in IT infrastructure/cloud architecture.
* 5+ years of hands-on Azure architecture experience.
* Experience operating within a centralized Cloud CoE model.
* Deep hands-on expertise in Microsoft Azure and Azure AI services.
* Strong experience designing AI landing zones and enterprise cloud architectures.
* Advanced knowledge of Azure networking (VNETs, Private Link, Hybrid connectivity).
* Strong expertise in Azure RBAC, Entra ID, Managed Identities, Azure Policy, and Key Vault.
* Experience with Microsoft Defender for Cloud and enterprise security monitoring.
* Hands-on experience with Infrastructure as Code and CI/CD pipelines.
* Strong FinOps mindset and experience managing Azure cost optimization.

Preferred Certifications:
* Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
* Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate
* Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate
* Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate