About the role

Role Overview

The Principal Cloud Architect is Stratus’ senior-most cloud-focused IT leader, responsible for defining the company’s cloud strategy and target-state architecture as Stratus transitions from on-premise infrastructure to a pure-cloud model. You will architect, implement, govern, and operate the enterprise cloud environment with a focus on scalability, security, reliability, resilience, and cost efficiency.

Responsibilities

Define and maintain enterprise cloud architecture standards, reference patterns, landing zone design, and governance frameworks.
Own the enterprise cloud transformation roadmap, including migration sequencing, target-state architecture, and the operating model.
Architect, implement, and operate highly available, secure, resilient Azure solutions aligned with business continuity and disaster recovery requirements.
Lead a team of Cloud Engineers: set priorities, review designs, mentor, and ensure high-quality execution.
Establish Infrastructure as Code (IaC) standards and automation using Terraform, Azure CLI, PowerShell, and related tooling.
Lead cloud migration and modernization, including assessment, application rationalization, planning, cutover, and architectural design.
Design and govern secure connectivity, identity, and access models across cloud environments, legacy systems, and integrated business platforms.
Develop and enforce standards for cloud security, compliance, data protection, backup/recovery, and operational resilience.
Provide architectural oversight for enterprise application modernization and cloud adoption initiatives spanning interconnected systems.
Partner with DevOps, infrastructure, security, and application teams to implement CI/CD, automation, observability, and service reliability best practices.
Drive cloud financial management: cost optimization, budgeting, forecasting, governance, and performance monitoring.
Lead technical due diligence and post-acquisition integration planning for inherited infrastructure, applications, identity, and data.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science/Engineering/IT or related field (equivalent experience considered).
8+ years in infrastructure, cloud engineering, or cloud architecture; including 5+ years in senior cloud architecture or platform leadership roles.
5+ years hands-on Microsoft Azure architecture, design, and operational experience in enterprise environments.
Proven experience leading cloud transformation from on-prem/hybrid to cloud-first/cloud-native operating models.
Experience supporting post-merger/acquisition IT integration (assessment, migration, standardization, and security alignment).
Demonstrated experience leading technical teams.

Nice to Have

Not specified in the posting (beyond the detailed Azure and transformation requirements).

About Stratus

Stratus is a national brand implementation and maintenance company that helps brands connect with customers through exterior signage and interior branding, site refreshes and remodels, and energy/lighting and repair and maintenance solutions. The company operates across multiple locations in the U.S., with its corporate headquarters in Mentor, Ohio, and positions employees as stakeholders in its success.