Azure Infrastructure Specialist (US Citizen Required)

# Job Title: Azure Infrastructure Specialist (US Citizen Required) **Location:** Remote (US) **Employment Type:** Contract **Clearance Requirement:** US Citizenship Required ## Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Azure Infrastructure Specialist to support enterprise cloud transformation initiatives, including Azure migrations, infrastructure modernization, server decommissioning, and security operations. The ideal candidate will possess strong expertise across Microsoft Azure, Linux and Windows administration, networking, virtualization, and security technologies. This role will work closely with infrastructure, security, and operations teams to deliver secure, scalable, and highly available cloud solutions. ## Key Responsibilities * Plan and execute on-premises to Microsoft Azure migration projects. * Design, deploy, and manage Azure Virtual Machines and related infrastructure services. * Perform server migration, consolidation, and decommissioning activities. * Administer both Linux and Windows server environments. * Configure and troubleshoot Azure networking components, including: * Virtual Networks (VNets) * VPN Gateways * NSGs * Load Balancers * Route Tables * Azure Firewall * Manage virtualization platforms and VM lifecycle. * Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot FortiGate firewalls. * Support SIEM implementation, monitoring, and incident response activities. * Analyze security alerts and coordinate remediation efforts. * Collaborate with infrastructure and cybersecurity teams on operational improvements. * Develop technical documentation, migration runbooks, and standard operating procedures. * Participate in production support and troubleshooting of critical infrastructure. ## Required Qualifications * **US Citizenship is mandatory.** * 4+ years of experience in Azure Infrastructure Administration or Cloud Engineering. * Strong hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure. * Experience performing cloud migration and infrastructure modernization projects. * Strong Linux administration skills (Ubuntu, RHEL, CentOS, etc.). * Experience administering Windows Server environments. * Hands-on experience managing Azure Virtual Machines. * Experience with server decommissioning and infrastructure lifecycle management. * Strong networking knowledge including: * TCP/IP * DNS * DHCP * Routing * VPNs * Firewalls * Hands-on experience with FortiGate firewalls. * Experience with one or more SIEM platforms such as: * Microsoft Sentinel * Splunk * Experience troubleshooting infrastructure and security incidents. * Strong documentation and communication skills. ## Preferred Qualifications * Azure certifications (AZ-104, AZ-305, or equivalent). * Experience with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, ARM, or Bicep). * Experience with Microsoft Defender XDR. * Knowledge of Microsoft Entra ID and identity management. * Familiarity with PowerShell or Bash scripting. * Experience supporting regulated environments (NIST, CMMC, CIS, or similar). * Experience with backup and disaster recovery solutions. ## Technical Skills * Microsoft Azure * Azure Virtual Machines * Azure Networking * Azure Storage * Azure Backup * Azure Site Recovery * Linux Administration * Windows Server * FortiGate * VPN * DNS * DHCP * Virtualization * VMware / Hyper-V * Microsoft Sentinel or other SIEM platforms * PowerShell * Bash * Infrastructure Migration * Server Decommissioning ## What We're Looking For * Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills. * Ability to manage multiple infrastructure projects simultaneously. * Excellent communication and documentation skills. * Self-motivated professional capable of working independently in a fast-paced environment.