
Cloud Solution Architect - Cloud & AI
Microsoft · United States
- Hybrid
- Full-time
- $203,600 / year
- United States
Job highlights
- Architect Microsoft Azure cloud and AI solutions.
- Guide customers through digital transformation journeys.
- Lead technical engagements with C-level executives.
- Optimize AI, Apps, Infra, and Data on Azure.
- Collaborate on proposals and execution support.
About the role
Cloud Solution Architect - Cloud & AI
Are you excited about Microsoft Azure? Join us as a Cloud Solution Architect - Cloud & AI! We work with customers to help them achieve their business priorities and help guide customers in their Cloud & AI transformation journey. We also support customers in evaluating their applications and business requirements, recommend solutions that meet their requirements, and demonstrate these solutions to win technical decisions.
We’re seeking a Cloud Solution Architect - Cloud & AI with deep expertise across Azure workloads, including AI, Applications, Infrastructure, and Data, who is passionate about solving complex challenges and helping enterprise customers accelerate their digital transformation. In this senior, customer-facing role, you’ll lead strategic technical engagements, advise C-level executives, and partner with Customer Success Leaders to shape and execute cloud strategies that drive innovation and business value. You’ll guide customers through architecture design, deployment, and operational excellence, helping them scale AI solutions, modernize applications, and optimize infrastructure on Microsoft Azure. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by enabling customers to realize the full potential of the cloud.
By applying to this role, you will be considered for multiple opportunities within Microsoft across the United States including locations beyond where the role is posted. This role is flexible in that you can work up to 50% from home. Travel percentages will vary according to role.
Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees, we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.
Responsibilities
- Build trusted relationships with IT Executives and business leaders to shape their Cloud and AI strategy, acting as a technical advisor and champion for their success.
- Lead architectural design sessions and guide the implementation of secure, scalable, and resilient solutions using Microsoft’s best practices and frameworks like CAF and WAF.
- Drive technical excellence across Azure workloads—including AI, Apps, Infra, and Data—ensuring mission-critical workloads are optimized for performance, security, and production-scale AI readiness.
- Own the end-to-end technical delivery for a defined set of strategic accounts, ensuring alignment with customer success plans and maximizing the value of Microsoft investments.
- Accelerate Azure consumption and customer outcomes by delivering repeatable IP, resolving technical blockers, and providing delivery oversight for key engagements.
- Collaborate with internal teams and partners to design impactful delivery proposals and support execution with clarity and confidence.
- Actively contribute to Microsoft’s technical communities by mentoring peers, sharing insights, and serving as a spokesperson in internal and external forums.
- Stay ahead of the curve by maintaining advanced certifications and deep technical expertise across priority workloads such as Azure AI Foundry, GitHub, App Services, Databricks, Fabric, and more.
- Inspire customer innovation by helping them adopt AI at scale, guiding them through their transformation journey with confidence and clarity.
- Demonstrate a growth mindset by continuously developing your skills, aligning with business priorities, and contributing to a culture of learning and excellence.
- Embody our culture and values
Qualifications
- Required Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Business, Liberal Arts, or related field AND 4+ years experience in cloud/infrastructure technologies, information technology (IT) consulting/support, systems administration, network operations, software development/support, technology solutions, practice development, architecture, and/or consulting OR equivalent experience.
- Other Requirements: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must have authorization to work in the United States that does not now or in the future require employer sponsorship.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Business, or related field AND 12+ years experience in cloud/infrastructure technologies, information technology (IT) consulting/support, systems administration, network operations, software development/support, technology solutions, practice development, architecture, and/or consulting OR Master's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Business, or related field AND 8+ years experience in cloud/infrastructure technologies, technology solutions, practice development, architecture, and/or consulting OR equivalent experience.
- 6+ years experience working in a customer-facing role (e.g., internal and/or external).
- 6+ years experience leading technical projects.
- Technical Certification in Cloud (e.g., Azure, Amazon Web Services, Google, certifications).
Salary Information
- Cloud Solution Architecture IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $106,400 - $203,600 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $137,600 - $222,600 per year.
- Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay
- Cloud Solution Architecture IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $130,900 - $251,900 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $165,600 - $272,300 per year.
- Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay
Application Period
- This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
- Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.
Key skills/competency
- Cloud Solution Architect
- Microsoft Azure
- AI
- Data Architecture
- Infrastructure Design
- Technical Consulting
- Customer Relationship Management
- Solution Implementation
- Cloud Strategy
- Digital Transformation
Skills & topics
- Cloud Solution Architect
- Microsoft Azure
- Cloud Computing
- Artificial Intelligence
- AI
- Technical Consulting
- Solution Architecture
- Infrastructure
- Data Architecture
- Cloud Strategy
- Digital Transformation
- IT Consulting
- Systems Administration
- Software Development
- Azure AI Foundry
- GitHub
- App Services
- Databricks
- Fabric
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight Azure, AI, and customer-facing experience. Quantify achievements in cloud architecture and project leadership.
- Craft a compelling cover letter: Express your passion for Microsoft Azure and AI, and your ability to drive digital transformation.
- Prepare for technical interviews: Brush up on Azure services, AI concepts, architectural best practices (CAF, WAF), and problem-solving scenarios.
- Demonstrate your fit: Showcase your growth mindset, collaborative spirit, and alignment with Microsoft's mission and values.
- Network and engage: Connect with Microsoft employees on LinkedIn and research their culture to understand how you can contribute.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What specific Microsoft Azure workloads are emphasized for the Cloud Solution Architect - Cloud & AI role?
- The Cloud Solution Architect - Cloud & AI role emphasizes deep expertise across Azure workloads, including AI, Applications, Infrastructure, and Data. Specific priority workloads mentioned include Azure AI Foundry, GitHub, App Services, Databricks, and Fabric.
- What is the work arrangement for the Cloud Solution Architect - Cloud & AI position at Microsoft?
- This role is flexible, allowing you to work up to 50% from home. Travel percentages will vary depending on the specific role and customer engagements.
- How does Microsoft foster a growth mindset in its Cloud Solution Architects?
- Microsoft encourages a growth mindset by supporting continuous skill development, aligning with business priorities, and fostering a culture of learning and excellence. Cloud Solution Architects are expected to stay ahead of the curve with advanced certifications and deep technical expertise.
- What are the typical career paths or levels for a Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft?
- The job description mentions two levels for this role: Cloud Solution Architecture IC4 and Cloud Solution Architecture IC5, with corresponding salary ranges provided for each.
- Does Microsoft offer visa sponsorship for the Cloud Solution Architect - Cloud & AI role?
- No, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must have existing authorization to work in the United States that does not require future employer sponsorship.
- How can I best prepare my resume for a Cloud Solution Architect - Cloud & AI role at Microsoft?
- To prepare your resume, highlight your experience with Microsoft Azure, AI technologies, and cloud infrastructure. Quantify your achievements in architectural design, technical leadership, and customer-facing roles. Showcase any relevant technical certifications.
- What kind of technical projects can I expect to lead as a Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft?
- As a Cloud Solution Architect, you will lead strategic technical engagements, architectural design sessions, and the implementation of secure, scalable, and resilient solutions on Microsoft Azure, focusing on AI, Apps, Infra, and Data workloads.
- What is the typical salary range for a Cloud Solution Architect - Cloud & AI at Microsoft?
- The typical base pay ranges across the U.S. are $106,400 - $203,600 for IC4 and $130,900 - $251,900 for IC5. Higher ranges apply in specific locations like the San Francisco Bay area and New York City.