Google Cloud Application Architect -- Contract -- Memphis, TN

Job Title: Google Cloud Application Architect

Job Location: Memphis, Tennessee

Job Type: Contract

Role Overview:

The Google Cloud Application Architect will lead the design and implementation of advanced cloud solutions for clients. They'll assess client needs, develop cloud adoption strategies, and ensure solutions meet security standards. With expertise in GCP, Kubernetes, and application architecture, they'll collaborate with sales and delivery teams to drive successful project outcomes. This role requires strong communication skills, technical proficiency, and a proactive approach to innovation in cloud technology.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Work with Cloud offering sales, pre-sales, and delivery team to provide technical solutions/services roadmap for the customer.
• Own and drive large enterprise and Govt RFP Cases/Projects for transformation.
• Understand client's expectations and implied requirements. Develop competitive and technically sound solutions addressing client expectations.
• Participate and drive technical discussions and explain Cloud solutions and product options to meet customer needs.
• Prepare technical proposals decks focusing on requirements and work on sizing and estimation.
• Involve in customer project delivery and managing customer expectations.
• Drive business innovations through systems on Cloud.
• Suggest cost optimizing measures and improving efficiencies for clients from the application perspective.

Essential Technical Expertise:

• 12+ years of experience in cloud technology.
• Proficient knowledge of Kubernetes along with practical experience in GCP Infrastructure services.
• Basic experience in application architecture.
• Experienced in migrating applications and data from on-premises environments to the cloud at an infrastructure level.

Mandatory skills and hands-on experience required in various GCP native services, including:

• Cloud Storage.
• Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE), CloudRun, and App Engine.
• Setting up and configuring Application Load Balancers (ALB), Content Delivery Networks (CDN), and Service Accounts.
• Disaster Recovery (DR) setup in both active/active and active/passive modes.
• Demonstrated experience in optimizing cloud costs.
• Hands-on experience in establishing infrastructure for microservices operating in Kubernetes Engine.
• Proficiency in setting up CI/CD pipelines and using Terraform is considered an additional advantage.
• Experience building, architecting, designing, and implementing highly-distributed global cloud-based systems, and experience in network infrastructure, security, data, or application development in GCP.
• Experience with structured Enterprise Architecture practices, hybrid cloud deployments, and on-premise-to-cloud migration deployments and roadmaps.
• Proven experience assessing client's workloads and technology landscape for Cloud suitability, developing a business case, and Cloud adoption roadmap.
• Knowledge of technology solutions and an understanding of large-scale computing solutions and the enterprise technology buying and evaluation process.
• Ability to learn/work with emerging technologies, methodologies, and solutions in the Cloud/IT technology space.
• Ability to collaborate across organizational boundaries, build relationships, and achieve broader organizational goals.
• Ability to quickly establish credibility and trustworthiness with key stakeholders in the client organizations.
• Presentation skills with a high degree of comfort speaking with Enterprise Architects, IT Management, and developers.

Security Specific Experience:

• Hands-on technical expertise in Security Architecture, automation, integration, and deployment (DevOps).
• Familiarity with compliance & security standards across the enterprise IT landscape.
• Proven experience building security reference architecture for all-in cloud deployments and hybrid scenarios.
• Should work and build a solution with enterprise security solutions such as WAF, IPS, Anti-DDOS, and SIEM.
• Familiarity with compliance & security standards across the enterprise IT landscape Deep understanding of enterprise risk management methods and techniques to drive successful outcomes in a multinational environment.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• Google Cloud Platform (GCP) certification such as Professional Cloud Architect, Professional Cloud Security Engineer, or equivalent certification is highly desirable.
• Certification in Kubernetes (e.g., Certified Kubernetes Administrator) is a plus.
• Proven track record of successful cloud architecture design and implementation in large-scale enterprise environments.
• Strong understanding of software development methodologies, processes, and tools.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to think strategically.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Proactive attitude with a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.