Sr Systems and Cloud Architect

Sr Systems and Cloud Architect

Cognex

Cork, Ireland

Overview

We are seeking an accomplished Senior Systems & Cloud Architect with deep expertise across Azure cloud services, Linux and Windows enterprise environments, network engineering, and modern application development. This role will drive architectural direction, lead complex infrastructure initiatives, and ensure the reliability, scalability, and security of hybrid cloud ecosystems. The ideal candidate is a seasoned technical leader capable of mentoring teams, influencing technology strategy, and delivering high‑impact solutions across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Cloud Architecture & Engineering (Azure)

• Architect and implement enterprise‑grade Azure solutions, including compute, networking, identity, security, governance, DevOps, and automation.
• Define cloud strategy, standards, landing zones, and best practices for scalability and cost optimization.
• Oversee modernization efforts such as migration of legacy workloads to cloud‑native services and platform‑as‑a‑service offerings.
• Lead design reviews, threat modeling, and architecture governance.

Enterprise Systems Leadership

• Linux & Windows
  • Provide senior‑level administration and advanced troubleshooting for global Linux and Windows Server environments.
  • Drive system hardening initiatives, high‑availability architecture, and performance optimization.
  • Oversee patching, lifecycle management, and standardization across platforms.
  • Lead the evolution of Active Directory, identity architecture, and cross‑platform authentication strategies.
• Network Architecture
  • Design and oversee enterprise network infrastructure, including routing, switching, firewalls, VPNs, SD‑WAN, and hybrid connectivity (ExpressRoute, site‑to‑site).
  • Establish network security and segmentation standards aligning with Zero Trust principles.
  • Conduct deep‑dive diagnostics and root‑cause analysis for complex network issues.
• Application Engineering & Automation
  • Guide the development of internal tools, automation frameworks, and cloud‑integrated applications.
  • Mentor teams in modern development practices, CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure‑as‑code, and API‑driven design.
  • Partner with developers, security engineers, and business stakeholders to deliver scalable, well‑engineered solutions.

Leadership & Strategic Impact

• Serve as a technical authority and advisor for executive leadership.
• Lead cross‑functional initiatives involving cloud adoption, security modernization, and digital transformation.
• Mentor junior and mid‑level engineers; establish technical standards and review processes.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and drive continuous improvement across platforms and processes.

Qualifications

• Extensive hands‑on experience architecting and operating solutions in Microsoft Azure at enterprise scale.
• Deep expertise in Linux and Windows systems engineering, automation, and performance tuning.
• Strong command of network design, security principles, and cross‑environment connectivity.
• Solid background in application development or scripting with languages such as Python, C#, Bash, or PowerShell.
• Experience with IaC tools (Terraform, Bicep, ARM), DevOps methodologies, monitoring platforms, and security frameworks.
• Demonstrated leadership experience influencing architecture decisions and mentoring engineering teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Kubernetes or container orchestration systems.
• Knowledge of Zero Trust architecture, identity‑centric security models, and compliance frameworks.
• Previous experience in large‑scale migrations, high‑availability design, or multi‑cloud architecture.
• BS in Computer Science