Azure Cloud Engineer

Job Description

Location and Travel Details: Remote or local to Dayton, OH

Illumination Works is seeking a highly skilled Azure Cloud Engineer to provide expertise in systems administration, Azure cloud networking, and DevOps practices. This role will manage and secure Windows and Linux virtual machines in Azure Government, including applying STIGs for compliance, upgrading legacy Windows Server environments, and maintaining an Active Directory deployment within a private virtual network. The ideal candidate will also evaluate and enhance cloud infrastructure, implement Infrastructure as Code (IaC), as well as create and maintain application build and release pipelines.

The key responsibilities of an Azure Cloud Engineer include:

Manage and optimize Windows and Linux virtual machines in Azure, including configuration, troubleshooting, patching, and applying STIGs for compliance

Plan, test, and execute upgrades from Windows Server 2016 to Windows Server 2022

Administer an Active Directory infrastructure in an Azure private virtual network

Monitor performance, availability, and resource utilization using Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and related tools

Manage secure Azure networking solutions, including virtual networks, network security groups, Azure firewall, application gateways, load balancers, and private endpoints

Oversee backups, storage solutions, and disaster recovery processes in Azure

Implement and maintain Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using ARM templates to provision infrastructure

Create, automate, and support robust build & release pipelines using Azure DevOps

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align cloud infrastructure with business and technical objectives

Document system configurations, upgrade procedures, and security workflows, while staying current with Azure innovations and industry best practices

Do you have what it takes? Are you driven to implement creative solutions that unravel complex and ever-changing challenges? We value passion, curiosity, and perseverance with an ability to communicate ideas and results to diverse audiences. We look for people who thrive in collaborative and independent assignments, have the aptitude to learn new data quickly, and who are willing to mentor junior team members.

Key skills we are looking for include:

Must have 5 years of experience in systems administration, with a minimum of 2+ years as a cloud engineer with a focus on managing Windows and Linux environments in Azure

Proficiency in patching, updating, and applying STIGs to Windows and Linux VMs

Proven experience in upgrading a Windows Server environment

Expertise in monitoring tools to track system health and performance

Strong knowledge of Azure networking concepts

Experience with PowerShell or Bash scripting for automation tasks

Demonstrated experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using ARM templates

Solid understanding of CI/CD principles and deployment automation

Excellent troubleshooting skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively

Strong communication skills to engage with technical and non-technical stakeholders

Minimum education: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, mathematics, or comparable academic discipline

Must have or be willing to obtain Secret Clearance (this requires US citizenship)

Experience with Azure Government or CloudOne desirable

Any experience with programming languages such as C#, Java, or React would be a plus

Acceptable candidates must successfully pass a drug test and background screen

About Illumination Works

At Illumination Works, we know data, and we should, we’ve been doing it since we started in 2006! We specialize in everything data from big data to data science, data engineering, software engineering, and cloud design. We are a trusted technology partner in user-centered digital transformation—delivering impactful business results to clients. We partner with customers to solve their unique technology and data challenges and stay on top of modern technologies and advancements leveraging our Innovation Lab. Check out our website to learn more at

Why choose us? We invest in our employees in all aspects of their life and we value family. We offer market competitive salary, a generous PTO package, and comprehensive medical, dental, vision and life insurance plans. We also offer 401K, short/long-term disability insurance, a fun and engaging culture, and training opportunities to keep you up to speed on the latest technologies.

Illumination Works is committed to hiring and retaining the best workforce. We hire the best talent for our customers’ needs. We make our hiring decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. Acceptable candidates must successfully pass a drug test and background screen.

Full-time