Lead DevOps Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title : Senior Lead DevOps Engineer (Azure)

Location : Remote (Must be based in the Eastern Time Zone)

Primary Office : Richmond, VA

Position Type : Direct Hire

Position Overview :

We are seeking an experienced Senior Lead DevOps Engineer to join a high-performing technology team supporting a leading organization. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in Azure cloud services, Kubernetes orchestration, CI / CD automation, and DevOps security —along with strong leadership and communication skills suited for a collaborative, enterprise-scale environment.

This position is responsible for leading the design, automation, and governance of cloud infrastructure and DevOps pipelines, enabling high availability, resilience, and compliance across mission-critical insurance applications.

Key Responsibilities :

Lead DevOps initiatives focused on scalability, reliability, and automation across Azure cloud environments.

Design, implement, and maintain CI / CD pipelines using Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, Jenkins, or CloudBees , ensuring efficient build, test, and release processes.

Manage and optimize Kubernetes clusters (preferably AKS / K3S ) for high availability and performance of containerized microservices.

Implement and manage GitOps deployments via Argo CD , promoting version-controlled, declarative infrastructure management.

Integrate Grafana and Prometheus for advanced system monitoring and observability.

Architect and maintain cloud solutions leveraging Azure services : Front Door, Blob Storage, App Services, Function Apps, Logic Apps, Key Vault, Log Analytics, Application Insights, and Traffic Manager.

Enhance DevOps security posture through tools such as Dependabot, CodeQL, SonarQube, XRay, and container scanning solutions.

Oversee change management, architecture reviews, and compliance documentation, ensuring operational consistency and audit readiness.

Collaborate cross-functionally with application, infrastructure, and data teams to deliver reliable, automated solutions.

Implement cloud governance controls (Azure Policy, CIS benchmarks, tagging, Management Groups, Resource Graph Explorer) for compliance and cost optimization.

Manage Artifactory / JFrog repositories for container and artifact version control.

Support networking and infrastructure components, including DNS, routing, ports, VNets, subnets, peers, load balancers, and private endpoints .

Utilize scripting and automation languages including PowerShell, Bash, Python, JSON, YAML, ARM templates, Terraform, and Ansible .

Provide technical leadership : conduct architecture reviews, coach team members, manage priorities, and ensure cross-team collaboration.

Experiment with AI tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, VS Code plug-ins) and support automation or agent-based integrations to accelerate productivity.

Required Qualifications :

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field (Master’s preferred).

8+ years of IT experience , including 5+ years in DevOps engineering and automation roles.

Advanced expertise with Microsoft Azure , particularly IaaS / PaaS services, governance, and automation.

Strong, hands-on experience with Kubernetes (AKS / K3S) , containerization, and microservice architectures.

Proven background managing CI / CD pipelines , GitOps deployments , and infrastructure as code (Terraform, ARM, Bicep, Ansible).

Proficiency in monitoring, logging, and observability using Grafana, Prometheus, Log Analytics, and Application Insights .

Demonstrated understanding of networking fundamentals , security hardening , and DevSecOps practices .

Experience with VMware management , PowerCLI scripting, and hybrid cloud integrations.

Strong interpersonal skills—able to lead meetings, evaluate proposals, communicate complex issues clearly, and mentor team members.

Preferred Qualifications :

Microsoft Certified : Azure DevOps Engineer Expert , Azure Administrator Associate , or Azure Solutions Architect Expert .

Familiarity with AI-assisted development tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot) and automation of CI / CD processes using AI.

Knowledge of Java / Tomcat application deployments and database integrations in a microservice environment.

Team & Culture :

Collaborative, calm, and solutions-focused environment emphasizing communication and shared success.

Opportunities to lead cross-functional initiatives , mentor junior engineers, and drive modernization efforts.

Remote work flexibility while operating on Eastern Time Zone hours with a Richmond-based leadership team.

Why Join Us :

Lead the modernization of a company’s cloud and DevOps infrastructure.

Work on cutting-edge Azure and Kubernetes projects, integrating AI and automation tools.

Competitive compensation, professional development, and full remote flexibility in a supportive enterprise culture.

#DICE