ASCENDING LLC

Compensation

Full Description

Senior Azure Infrastructure Engineer / Systems Engineer Remote (EST Preferred) 6-month contract (potential to extend) Overview We are seeking a Senior Azure Infrastructure Engineer / Systems Engineer to design, implement, and support enterprise infrastructure across Azure cloud and hybrid on-prem environments. This role is infrastructure-first, with responsibility for Azure networking, compute, identity, and security, while also supporting Microsoft 365 and email platforms within the broader ecosystem. The ideal candidate brings deep experience across Azure infrastructure, hybrid identity, and enterprise systems engineering, with the ability to own environments end-to-end and operate as a technical SME. Key Responsibilities Azure Infrastructure & Cloud Engineering • Design, implement, and manage Azure infrastructure environments, including Virtual Machines, storage, and resource configurations • Configure and maintain Azure networking (VNets, subnets, NSGs, peering, VPN connectivity, load balancing) • Support and optimize hybrid infrastructure across Azure and on-prem (Windows Server, VMware) • Implement and manage Azure monitoring and logging (Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, alerting) • Ensure performance, availability, and scalability of cloud infrastructure Identity & Access Management (Core Focus) • Administer and manage Entra ID (Azure AD) including hybrid identity (AD Connect) • Configure and enforce Conditional Access, MFA, RBAC, and Zero Trust policies • Support and implement SSO integrations using SAML and OAuth across enterprise applications • Manage identity lifecycle, access governance, and directory services Messaging & Collaboration (Secondary Responsibility) • Support Exchange Online and hybrid Exchange environments • Manage email security platforms (Proofpoint, Microsoft Defender for Office 365, etc.) • Maintain mail flow, transport rules, and email authentication protocols (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) • Assist with migrations and optimization of Microsoft 365 services Security, Automation & Operations • Collaborate with security teams to support cloud security posture, threat detection, and incident response • Utilize tools such as Microsoft Defender, Sentinel, and Purview for monitoring and compliance • Automate infrastructure and administrative tasks using PowerShell and/or Azure CLI • Develop and maintain technical documentation, runbooks, and operational procedures • Act as a senior escalation point for complex infrastructure and cloud issues Required Qualifications • 7+ years of experience in Systems Engineering / Infrastructure Engineering roles • Strong hands-on experience with Azure infrastructure (VMs, networking, storage) • Experience managing hybrid environments (on-prem + Azure) • Solid experience with Active Directory and Entra ID (Azure AD) • Experience with Azure networking (VNets, NSGs, VPN, peering) • Proficiency in PowerShell scripting for automation • Experience with Exchange Online and Microsoft 365 environments • Familiarity with email security concepts and tools (SPF, DKIM, DMARC, anti-phishing)Strong troubleshooting skills across infrastructure, cloud, and identity systems Preferred Qualifications • Experience with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, ARM templates, Bicep) • Experience with Microsoft Defender, Sentinel, and Purview • Knowledge of VMware or other virtualization platforms • Experience with Proofpoint or similar secure email gateways • Azure certifications (AZ-104, AZ-305, etc.) or Microsoft certifications All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.