Cloud Architect-UAE-based client (Onsite)

Role overview

Defines and designs the cloud infrastructure for the data and AI platform (Microsoft Fabric, Informatica Intelligent Data Management Cloud on Azure, and Microsoft Foundry infrastructure). Provides oversight during build, then hands over to the Cloud and Ops Specialist. Engagement covers the design and build phases.

Key responsibilities

• Architecture. Design network and connectivity for Fabric and Informatica on Azure, and produce the technical design handed to the client IT team.
• Sizing. Translate functional requirements and workloads into infrastructure requirements, sizing and configuration for the platform.
• DevOps and access. Define the approach and design for DevOps repositories, access controls and privileges.
• FinOps design. Advise on best practices and controls to optimise consumption, and recommend environment sizing when scale-up is required.
• Build enablement. Enable the development team to configure workspaces, and troubleshoot infrastructure and connectivity issues with client IT and the Cloud and Ops Specialist.
• Handover. Provide design guidance and oversight to the Cloud and Ops Specialist, who executes subscription setup, Fabric configuration and Foundry administration.
• Security. Embed security, identity, encryption and data residency requirements in every design decision, aligned to client and government standards.

Required skills and experience

• 8+ years in cloud and infrastructure architecture, with at least 3 on data platform workloads.
• Deep Azure expertise: networking, identity and access, Key Vault, landing zones, capacity and cost management.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Fabric (capacities, OneLake, lakehouse, warehouse, mirroring) and Informatica IDMC Secure Agent architecture.
• Infrastructure as code, CI/CD and DevOps repository design.
• Ability to present design decisions to client IT leadership and defend trade-offs.

Preferred qualifications

• Azure Solutions Architect Expert or equivalent. Fabric or Informatica certification is a plus.
• Experience in regulated or public sector environments, with sovereignty and data residency constraints.
• Arabic language skills are an advantage.