The Cloud Architect, reporting to the Manager of Infrastructure Services, is a key technical Subject Matter Expert (SME) responsible for shaping, delivering, and governing the firm’s hybrid and multi-cloud strategy.  This hands-on role designs, implements, and supports secure, scalable, and cost-efficient solutions across Microsoft Azure and other platforms.

Beyond advising, the Cloud Architect plays an active role in delivering modern architectures—including hybrid models, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), automation, and DevSecOps practices—ensuring solutions are both strategically aligned and practically executed to meet business goals and regulatory standards. The position requires a balance of deep technical expertise and strategic influence, providing leadership across IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, and private cloud/on-premises environments.  The Cloud Architect works closely with business and IT stakeholders to deliver resilient, innovative, and integrated enterprise technology solutions, combining technical proficiency with the ability to communicate vision, strategy, and design to diverse audiences.

• Architect, design, and deliver secure, scalable cloud solutions across IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS.
• Define cloud strategy and multi-year migration roadmaps, including hybrid environments.
• Establish and enforce cloud architecture standards, security controls, and compliance frameworks (e.g., Azure Well-Architected Framework, Cloud Adoption Framework).
• Drive automation and Infrastructure as Code to optimize performance, scalability, and cost efficiency.
• Provide thought leadership on emerging technologies and enterprise modernization.
• Partner with business and IT stakeholders to translate needs into innovative cloud solutions.
• Mentor technical teams and communicate effectively across technical/non-technical audiences.
• Design, implement, and manage scalable and secure Azure infrastructure (compute, storage, networking).
• Support distributed computing, containers (AKS, Azure Container Apps), and complex networking (hub-and-spoke, NVAs, ExpressRoute).
• Lead cross-functional initiatives, including disaster recovery architecture, modernization, and process automation.
• Participate in team-wide rotating operational support on-call schedule to ensure the continuous reliability and availability of critical systems.
• Perform other related duties, as assigned.

Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. If an estimated salary range for this role is available, it will be provided in our Target Salary Range section. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities (Duties) above satisfactorily and meet the requirements below.  The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.  If you need such an accommodation, please email sidleytalentacquisition@sidley.com (current employees should contact Human Resources). 

Education and/or Experience: 

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive IT infrastructure experience, including significant experience in cloud architecture, engineering, or solutions design.
• Strong hands-on expertise designing and implementing solutions in Microsoft Azure (IaaS/PaaS).
• Practical knowledge of Infrastructure as Code using ARM, Bicep, Terraform, or similar tools.
• Solid understanding of cloud security principles, including IAM and encryption.
• Proven ability to support hybrid cloud environments integrating on-premises and cloud platforms.
• Working knowledge of networking concepts in cloud environments (VNets, routing, security groups, connectivity).
• Experience with automation, DevOps practices, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Demonstrated success operating and supporting production enterprise environments.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• Azure-focused certifications (e.g., Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Azure Security Engineer).
• Hands-on experience with Azure VMware Solution (AVS) and other advanced Azure services.
• Security certifications (CISSP, CCSP, CISM) or ITIL Foundations.
• Experience with AI/ML, Data, or Analytics workloads in the cloud.
• Working knowledge of multi-cloud environments (AWS and/or GCP).
• Exposure to containerized workloads using Docker and/or Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS).
• Background in professional services industries (legal, financial, accounting, consulting).
• Involvement in vendor evaluation or technical project leadership.

Other Skills and Abilities:

The following will also be required of the successful candidate:

• Strong organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Good judgment
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others
• Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
• Able to work under pressure
• Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities

Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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