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Job Analysis:
The DevOps Cloud Architect role at CDM Smith within the Digital Engineering Solutions team is fundamentally about enabling and elevating cloud-based infrastructure and development practices to support mission-critical AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) initiatives. This position requires not only deep technical expertise in Microsoft Azure and cloud architecture but also the ability to embed security, scalability, and cost-efficiency into complex systems that span infrastructure automation, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud service optimization. Beyond technical implementation, success depends heavily on the candidate’s ability to foster a DevSecOps culture — mentoring teams, advocating infrastructure as code practices, and collaborating seamlessly with diverse, cross-functional groups including IT operations, security, and non-technical stakeholders. Given the complexity of cloud environments, the candidate will regularly face challenges such as aligning multiple cloud platforms under unified governance standards, optimizing resource utilization in distributed teams across time zones, and innovating with new technologies like serverless and container orchestration. High performance will be judged by maintaining robust, cost-effective, secure systems that enable rapid delivery cycles while advancing CDM Smith’s digital engineering agenda and research objectives. This role demands a balance of strategic architectural vision, hands-on automation skills, agile mindset, and excellent communication abilities to translate technical concepts into enterprise-wide best practices.
Company Analysis:
CDM Smith is a well-established, mission-driven engineering and consulting firm delivering complex infrastructure and environmental projects across the globe. Their position as a stable yet forward-looking player in the AEC industry means they seek technology leaders who can both innovate and uphold rigorous standards essential to their client commitments. The Digital Engineering Solutions group reflects a cultural emphasis on continuous learning, collaboration, and inclusivity, where employees are supported to develop professionally and contribute to meaningful projects. The firm’s use of remote and hybrid work indicates flexibility, but also requires the role to be proactive in communication across multicultural, distributed teams. Unlike a rapid-growth startup, CDM Smith values steady progression and operational excellence, so this role will be balancing cutting-edge cloud technologies with disciplined governance and compliance—particularly relevant in regulated environments. The team’s embedding in the broader IT and architecture groups gives the position a significant level of visibility and strategic influence, providing opportunity to shape company-wide digital transformation. A candidate who thrives here will be adaptable, deeply skilled, and motivated by a blend of technical challenge and purposeful impact aligned with CDM Smith’s vision to solve infrastructure problems that truly matter.