Cloud Optimization Research Engineer (Azure)

Job Description

About the Role

CloudZero is the leading cloud cost intelligence platform helping businesses align cloud spend with business goals. We’re looking for a Cloud Optimization Research Engineer with deep Azure expertise to uncover cost-saving opportunities, design scalable algorithms, and drive innovation in cloud cost efficiency.

In this hands-on role, you’ll analyze cloud architectures, develop automated insights, and collaborate with data science to integrate AI/ML into our optimization workflows. Your work will directly impact enterprise customers by driving smarter, more cost-effective decisions across their Azure environments.

What You’ll Do

Analyze Azure cloud workloads to identify inefficiencies and cost-saving opportunities

Design and document scalable algorithms that automate detection of waste

Collaborate with data science to enhance insights using AI/ML

Research new strategies and test their reliability through validation methods

Partner with customers to deliver actionable recommendations and optimization guidance

Stay current on evolving cloud pricing models and trends across Azure and other platforms

What We’re Looking For

Deep experience with Azure (and ideally GCP, Databricks, Snowflake, or Kubernetes)

Proven ability to identify cloud inefficiencies and design optimization algorithms

Strong analytical and technical problem-solving skills

Excellent documentation and communication skills

Experience working cross-functionally with product, engineering, and customer success

Passion for innovation, continuous learning, and making data actionable

Bonus Points

Cloud certifications (e.g., Azure Administrator, AWS Solutions Architect, GCP Architect)

Experience in research or consulting roles focused on cloud cost optimization

Strong mentorship skills and ability to influence technical direction

About CloudZero:

Cloud cost management is one of the biggest challenges organizations face today. As cloud adoption continues to accelerate, so do the complexities and costs associated with it — and macroeconomic conditions only increase pressure to prove cloud efficiency. That’s why we built CloudZero: a SaaS platform at the intersection of next-generation cloud cost management and FinOps. CloudZero ingests billing and usage data from all cloud, SaaS, and PaaS providers, organizes it in real time according to our customers’ business structures, lets customers view it at any level of time or resource granularity, and ultimately empowers them to make more informed business decisions.

Since our founding in 2016, our mission has been to make efficient innovation a reality for every cloud-driven organization. At CloudZero, we believe every engineering decision is a buying decision, yet the cost conversation often bypasses the engineers who drive those determinations. To solve this, we’ve built a dynamic, single-page application that answers the complex, data-heavy questions every cloud-based organization needs to ask if they want to grow their company profitably.

To date, we’ve raised over $52 million from leading venture capital firms across the country. We’re solving problems of massive scale, business importance, and complexity in a space that needs it more than ever. We’re growing rapidly and would love for you to be a part of it!

Equal Opportunity Employer

CloudZero is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status. All job offers are contingent upon the candidate passing background and reference checks.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Full-time