Cloud Architect

Role Overview

We are looking for a Cloud Architect to lead Google Cloud migration and modernization projects. This role involves working closely with Google Cloud and Valiance's sales and engineering teams to support pre-sales, proof of concept (PoC) development, solution design, and successful cloud migration deliveries. The ideal candidate must have hands-on experience with Google Cloud and a proven track record of infrastructure and application modernization projects.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Sales & Solution Design:

• Collaborate with sales teams and Google Cloud to identify migration and modernization opportunities in greenfield accounts (on-premise or other cloud platforms like AWS/Azure).
• Conduct technical discovery and assessment of customer workloads to determine feasibility, challenges, and best approaches for Google Cloud adoption.
• Develop and deliver Proof of Concepts (PoCs) for clients, showcasing the value of Google Cloud infrastructure and services.
• Create Bill of Materials (BoM) for Google Cloud services, including cost estimation and architectural recommendations.
• Support the sales motion by conducting technical deep-dive sessions, architecture reviews, and demo presentations for customers.

Cloud Migration & Modernization:

• Lead end-to-end cloud migration projects, ensuring seamless transition from on-premise or AWS/Azure to Google Cloud.
• Design and implement secure, scalable, and cost-optimized cloud architectures following best practices.
• Leverage Google Cloud-native services like Anthos, GKE, BigQuery, Cloud Run, Cloud Functions, and Cloud SQL for application modernization.
• Guide development and DevOps teams on CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure as code (Terraform), and automation frameworks for cloud-native deployments.
• Optimize cloud environments for performance, reliability, security, and cost-efficiency.

Stakeholder Collaboration & Delivery Leadership:

• Work closely with Google Cloud teams, Valiance's internal engineering teams, and client stakeholders to ensure smooth project execution.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to internal teams and customers on best practices in cloud architecture and migration strategies.
• Drive cloud adoption initiatives by creating whitepapers, best practices documentation, and case studies for client success stories.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex cloud infrastructure challenges, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum efficiency.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• 8+ years of overall IT experience, with at least 3 years working on Google Cloud.
• Strong hands-on experience in Google Cloud services, including Compute Engine, GKE, Cloud SQL, BigQuery, Cloud Storage, Cloud Functions, and IAM security policies.
• Expertise in cloud migration strategies (lift-and-shift, re-platforming, and re-architecting applications for the cloud).
• Strong knowledge of networking, security, IAM, and compliance frameworks on Google Cloud.
• Experience with Terraform, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), and CI/CD pipelines.
• Hands-on experience in containers (Docker, Kubernetes, Anthos) and microservices architecture.
• Experience working with DevOps methodologies and tools (Jenkins, GitOps, Helm, etc.).
• Familiarity with hybrid cloud and multi-cloud strategies.
• Strong understanding of cost optimization techniques and FinOps practices on Google Cloud.
• Excellent communication, client-facing, and stakeholder management skills.
• Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect certification is a plus.