Overview This is a remote role that may be hired in several markets across the United States. As Principal Cloud Architect, you will be a member of the bank’s Cloud Services organization. This role is responsible for leading the architecture, design, and implementation of complex cloud infrastructure projects across multiple cloud platforms. The Principal Cloud Engineer will provide hands-on support for cloud infrastructure, develop Infrastructure as Code solutions, and assist application teams with cloud adoption. Proficiency in scripting, cloud architecture, and strategic problem-solving skills are required, along with the ability to lead projects and mentor other engineers. Responsibilities Architect, design, and implement Cloud Native, Cloud Platform, and Infrastructure as a Service to be fault-tolerant against hardware and software failures. Provide auto scalable infrastructure for various application needs and complete performance testing. Evaluate and select cloud infrastructure solutions, platforms, and tools based on performance, cost, security, and scalability. Create cloud-focused governance, standards, building blocks and patterns to ensure deployed solutions are secure, scalable, resilient, and cost optimization. Demonstrate technical cloud architectural knowledge and play a vital role in the design of production, staging, and development of cloud infrastructures running in 24×7 environments. Design and implement core Azure and AWS components such as RBAC, Policy Assignments and Landing Zones. Develop automation scripts, infrastructure as Code (IaC) as modules and templates (Terraform, ARM templates, PowerShell scripts) for efficient resource provisioning and deployment. Provide guidance on cloud best practices, trends, and innovations. Collaborate with Enterprise Architecture, Security, Data Platform, DevOps, and Integration Teams to ensure seamless integration and alignment of cloud solutions with new and existing systems and processes. Develop and maintain cloud agnostic documentation. Cloud Community of Practice (CCoP) participation. Communicate effectively with internal and external customers, vendors, and partners. Qualifications Bachelor's Degree and 8 years of Software Application Development, Systems Engineering, or Information Technology Management experience. OR High School Diploma or GED and 12 years of Software Application Development, Systems Engineering, or Information Technology Management experience. Additional Requirements: Demonstrated experience with LFI (Large Financial Institution) for secure access and operations. Strong understanding across cloud and infrastructure components (server, storage, network, data, and applications) to deliver end to end cloud infrastructure, architectures, and designs. Knowledge in integrating Azure and AWS with on-prem services like AD, DNS, Firewalls, and load balancers with proper integration patterns and architectures. Working knowledge of containerization technologies (Docker, containers, Kubernetes). Design and build experience with Azure and AWS Policy to enforce organizational standards and to assess compliance. Strong understanding of Azure and AWS networking concepts. Design experience with Enterprise scale Landing Zone Architecture. Experience with cloud security frameworks and tools. Development experience using Infrastructure as Code (Terraform) and DevOps tooling (GitHub/GitLab). Understanding of high-level cost and resource estimates for Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as Service (SaaS) offerings. Excellent communication, presentation, and problem-solving skills. Ability to assess and mitigate security risks across complex cloud environments. Communication skills – interpersonal. Analytical skills – data. Conceptual thinking skills. Critical thinking skills. Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in computer science. Minimum 12 years of applicable experience. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional certification. Azure Solutions Architect Expert certification. HashiCorp Certified: Terraform certification. Terraform Authoring and Operations Professional certification. AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional certification. Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305) certification. Azure DevOps Engineer Expert certification. This job posting is expected to remain active for 45 days from the initial posting date listed above. If it is necessary to extend this deadline, the posting will remain active as appropriate. Job postings may come down early due to business need or a high volume of applicants. If hired in North Carolina, the base pay for this position is generally between $150,000 and $250,000. Actual starting base pay will be determined based on skills, experience, location, and other non-discriminatory factors permitted by law. For some roles, total compensation may also include variable incentives, bonuses, benefits, and/or other awards as outlined in the offer of employment. First Citizens benefits programs are designed to meet our associates where they are in life. Full-time associates (20+ hours) are offered a comprehensive benefits program, with customized offerings, including those designed to support families, however defined. More information regarding our benefits offerings can be found here: https://jobs.firstcitizens.com/benefits.