Senior Programmer Analyst Jobs in Flowood, MS (NOW HIRING)

Cloud Platform Architecture & Implementation:

• Lead the implementation of a landing zone architecture using TerraForm to establish a well-architected, multi-subscription Azure environment for the State education department.

• Design and implement core cloud infrastructure components including network CIDR block and IP address planning, virtual networks, subnets, vnet gateways for transit routing, ExpressRoute, and firewall configurations.

• Establish and manage identity foundation using Azure Active Directory with integration with on-premises systems via Entra ID Connect.

Infrastructure as Code (IaC) & Automation:

• Develop infrastructure as code (IaC) leveraging TerraForm as the primary tool to ensure all Azure resource deployments are automated, version-controlled, consistent, and repeatable.

• Build, maintain, and optimize CI/CD pipelines in Azure DevOps for deploying IaC, managing the full lifecycle from code commit to production deployment.

• Automate processes and infrastructure lifecycle management using Azure Automation, PowerShell, and CLI scripts to minimize manual intervention.

Security, Governance & Compliance:

• Manage security and access controls of cloud-based solutions by implementing Azure Policy, Azure Blueprints, and Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) with a principle of least privilege.

• Demonstrate an understanding of security concepts including governance and access control, applying them to protect sensitive student data (FERPA) and meet Mississippi state security requirements.

• Configure and manage monitoring and logging of the Azure platform using cloud native services (Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, Application Insights) for security, performance, and cost insights.

Operational Excellence & Mentorship:

• Analyze existing operational standards, processes, and/or governance to identify and implement improvements, driving cloud operational maturity.

• Serve as a subject matter expert on Azure, providing guidance to application development and infrastructure teams on cloud-native best practices.

• Act as an enthusiastic learner with the ability to teach and mentor teammates and cross functional partners, fostering a culture of cloud expertise within the department.

• Provide Tier 3 support for complex cloud infrastructure issues.

This position requires a qualified Azure Engineer with at least 10 years’ progressive IT experience, with a minimum of 8 years focused on Microsoft Azure, in the following areas:

Azure Platform Expertise:

• Microsoft Azure experience involving design, deployment, configuration, and optimization of enterprise-scale IaaS and PaaS services (Compute, Storage, Networking, Databases, AKS).

• Strong foundational knowledge of the Cloud Adoption Framework for Azure with practical experience implementing its pillars (Cost Management, Security, Governance, Reliability, Performance Efficiency, Operational Excellence).

Infrastructure as Code & DevOps:

• Expertise in IaC development with Terraform for managing complex, multi-environment Azure deployments. Implementation of a landing zone architecture through TerraForm is a core requirement.

• Proven experience deploying IaC with Azure DevOps (YAML and Classic pipelines), including managing service connections, variable groups, and pipeline security.

• Proficient with GIT to perform source code management (branching strategies, pull requests, code reviews).

Security & Networking:

• Hands-on experience designing and implementing Azure security controls (NSGs, ASGs, Azure Firewall, Defender for Cloud, Key Vault).

• Basic understanding of Azure Active Directory and integration with on-premises systems (Entra ID Connect, hybrid identity).

• Proven skill in network CIDR block and IP address planning as well as vnet gateway for transit routing (hub-and-spoke, peering).

Monitoring & Governance:

• Experience with monitoring and logging Azure platform using cloud native services (Azure Monitor, Alerts, Dashboards, Workbooks, KQL queries).

Professional Skills:

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a keen attention to detail. Ability to create clear architecture diagrams, runbooks, and governance documentation.

• Proven ability to analyze and improve operational standards and processes.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a strategic mindset.

• Experience in a state government or educational (K-12/higher ed) environment with compliance requirements (FERPA, NIST 800-53, CIS Benchmarks).

• Microsoft Azure certifications (AZ-305: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, AZ-400: DevOps Engineer Expert).

• Experience with Azure governance tools (Microsoft Copilot for Azure, Azure Policy, Azure Purview).

• Knowledge of containerization and orchestration (Docker, Azure Kubernetes Service - AKS).

• Familiarity with scripting languages (PowerShell, Python, Azure CLI).