Technical Consultant - Windows & Azure Cloud Engineer at thinkahead

We are seeking a highly experienced Windows & Azure Cloud Engineer with a strong foundation in Windows Server administration, Python scripting, test-driven development (TDD) using PyTest, and end-to-end cloud automation. A key requirement for this role is hands-on experience with Zerto, specifically in the context of cloud migrations and disaster recovery planning. The ideal candidate will be well-versed in Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using Terraform and Ansible, and have deep operational knowledge of both Windows Server environments and Microsoft Azure services across compute, networking, containers, and monitoring.  Roles & Responsibilities • Azure Infrastructure Engineering • Architect, deploy, and manage robust Azure environments using: Networking: VNet, Subnet, Private Endpoints, VPN Gateway, ExpressRoute, Route Tables, Azure Firewall • Compute & Containers: Azure VMs, Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), Azure Container Apps, Azure Container Registry (ACR) • Platform Services: Azure Web Apps, Azure Functions, Azure Automation • Monitoring & Logging: Azure Monitor, Application Insights • Windows Server Administration • Administer and support Windows Server environments from Windows 2008 through current versions (2019/2022) in hybrid and cloud-integrated scenarios • Manage local user accounts and groups; enforce password policies and security baselines • Design, implement, and maintain Active Directory (AD DS) and DNS infrastructure, including multi-domain/multi-forest environments • Create, manage, and troubleshoot Group Policy Objects (GPOs) to enforce security, software deployment, and configuration standards • Develop and maintain PowerShell scripts for administrative automation, reporting, and system configuration • Perform disk management tasks including partition management, volume configuration, and storage optimization using tools such as Disk Management and DiskPart • Configure and manage Windows Server Failover Clustering (WSFC) for high-availability applications including SQL Server and file services • Monitor system performance using tools such as Performance Monitor, Resource Monitor, and Event Viewer; proactively identify and resolve bottlenecks • Python Automation & Testing • Develop scalable, testable Python scripts for cloud automation and integrations • Implement test-driven development (TDD) using PyTest to validate automation workflows, infrastructure logic, and monitoring pipelines • Infrastructure as Code (IaC) • Automate infrastructure provisioning using Terraform and Ansible • Build reusable, parameterized modules aligned with best practices for repeatable, secure deployments • Zerto Implementation & DR Strategy • Lead Zerto-based migration and disaster recovery implementations between on-premises and Azure • Optimize replication, orchestration, and failover strategies using Zerto in hybrid or multi-cloud environments • CI/CD & DevOps Integration • Integrate IaC and automation into Git-based pipelines • Design and support efficient CI/CD workflows that promote velocity, compliance, and observability Qualifications • Cloud & Azure • Deep hands-on expertise with Microsoft Azure cloud services • Proficiency in Python with real-world experience in test-driven development using PyTest • Strong experience with Zerto for cloud migration, backup, and DR orchestration • Infrastructure automation using Terraform and Ansible • Solid understanding of Git, version control workflows, and DevOps tooling • Strong grasp of Azure networking, compute, and container-based architectures • Experience with cloud security, RBAC, policies, and compliance frameworks • Windows Platform • O/S knowledge: Windows Server 2008, 2012, 2016, 2019, and 2022 • Local user and account management including policy enforcement and security hardening • Active Directory & DNS administration in enterprise environments • Group Policy design, implementation, and troubleshooting • PowerShell scripting for automation and administration • Disk management: partitioning, volume management, storage optimization • Windows Clustering Framework (WSFC) configuration and management • Performance monitoring and troubleshooting using native Windows tools • Education & Certifications • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or equivalent • Microsoft Azure Certifications (e.g., AZ-104, AZ-400, AZ-305) • Microsoft Windows Server certifications (MCSA/MCSE) a plus • Familiarity with Agile methodologies and enterprise IT operations