Systems Architect

Contract Opportunity: Senior Systems Architect - Infrastructure Modernization (Hybrid | Tallahassee, FL)
Contract Duration: Expected commencement July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026
Location: Tallahassee, Florida (Hybrid)

A Florida state government agency is seeking the services of a highly qualified Senior Systems Architect. The Architect will support, maintain, and modernize the agency's hybrid infrastructure environment encompassing both on-premises and cloud platforms.
This full-time contract role is aimed at strengthening the department's server and storage infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on cloud migration and the adoption of modern, scalable technologies.

The selected Systems Architect will collaborate with internal IT teams to support infrastructure operations, assess and enhance Microsoft Azure workloads, and transition legacy systems to cloud-native architectures. Responsibilities include architecture reviews, virtualization support, infrastructure modernization planning, and the creation of technical documentation and training materials.
Key focus areas include:

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  Azure architecture assessment, optimization, and administration
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  Modernization of traditional server-hosted applications to serverless and containerized solutions
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  Support for virtualization platforms including VMware and Hyper-V
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  Deployment and maintenance of both Windows and Linux server environments
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  Design and administration of Storage Area Networks (SANs)

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  At least ten (10) years of professional experience in IT infrastructure, including architecture, engineering, support, and optimization
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  Demonstrated expertise with both on-premises and cloud environments, particularly Microsoft Azure
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  Proficiency in virtualization technologies and SAN management
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  Strong verbal and written communication skills for interfacing with internal stakeholders and vendors

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  Proven experience designing and managing VMware ESXi clusters
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  Successful completion of enterprise data center-to-cloud migration projects
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  Familiarity with Azure App Services, Docker, Kubernetes, and Azure Monitor
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  Microsoft Azure Administrator or Architect certification
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  Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)

The Systems Architect will be expected to:

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  Conduct detailed evaluations of Azure workloads and provide optimization recommendations
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  Lead implementation of serverless and cloud-native transformations
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  Support daily infrastructure operations and attend regular status meetings
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  Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), system design documentation, and training materials
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  Deliver weekly project status reports and time tracking documentation
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  Participate in knowledge transfer and staff upskilling efforts

The position is based in Tallahassee, Florida. The agency will provide on-site facilities and equipment. Telework options may be granted at the discretion of the Contract Manager. Travel within Florida, if required for agency-related purposes, will be reimbursed in accordance with state policy.

Subject to satisfactory performance, the contract may be renewed annually for up to two additional years. The hourly rate established under the initial contract shall remain fixed for the duration of any renewal term(s).