Cloud Principal Enterprise Architect (Contract to Hire)

Title: Cloud Principal Enterprise Architect

Location: Columbus, OH (Hybrid – Tuesday/Wednesday onsite; Monday/Thursday/Friday remote)

Contract Type: W2, Contract-to-Hire (6 months)

Contract Duration: 09/22 – 03/22 (with potential to convert)

Rate: $65 – $75/hr

Eligibility: Must be authorized to work in the U.S. — no sponsorships available (we cannot sponsor F1, OPT, H1B, or other visa types).

About the Role

We are seeking a Principal Enterprise Architect with deep expertise in full stack cloud architecture to lead enterprise-wide architectural strategy and execution. This role will be responsible for shaping technology vision, aligning cloud and infrastructure capabilities with business objectives, and guiding teams across multiple IT domains. The ideal candidate brings extensive experience in enterprise architecture, strong consultative skills, and proven leadership in driving cloud transformation initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field or equivalent work experience (required).

• 10+ years of enterprise-wide architecture experience with a strong focus on Technology/Cloud domains.

• Deep understanding of on-premise and cloud solutions (Azure, AWS).

• Experience mentoring and directing other architects across application, data, infrastructure, and security domains.

• Strong knowledge of API-first design patterns and DevSecOps practices.

• Technology skills across multiple IT domains, including application development, systems management, and/or project management.

• Strong consultative and communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally.

• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and LeanIX.

• Familiarity with frameworks such as TOGAF, ITIL, or other architecture/business process frameworks.

Technology Domain Qualifications

• Platforms/Tools: Azure compute products, AWS, Cisco, Docker, Equinix, Kubernetes, Microsoft solutions, Mulesoft, Palo Alto, ServiceNow, VMware.

• Domains: APIs, Automation, Cloud Services, Compute, Databases, Development Tools, End User Computing & Management, Infrastructure as Code, Logging & Monitoring, Network Segmentation, Runtime Environments, Security, Service Operations, Storage, Unified Communications.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior-level leadership on overall architecture strategy, standards, and governance.

• Partner with business and IT leaders to translate requirements into architecture blueprints and high-level solution designs.

• Serve as a visionary, helping business leaders anticipate technology implications and make informed investment decisions.

• Review and design standard software/hardware builds, system options, and risks, while ensuring alignment with business goals.

• Act as a trusted advisor to Product and Engineering leadership, recommending innovative solutions to optimize architectures.

• Lead architectural collaboration processes, including Architecture Review Boards, solution reviews, and exception management.

• Develop and maintain enterprise architecture standards, roadmaps, and reference models.

• Research, analyze, and propose new technologies to align with business and technology strategies.

• Track industry trends and apply emerging technologies to meet evolving business needs.