Lead DevOps Engineer

Location: Remote (Must be based in the Eastern Time Zone)
Primary Office: Richmond, VA
Position Type: Direct Hire

We are seeking an experienced Senior Lead DevOps Engineer to join a high-performing technology team supporting a leading organization. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in Azure cloud services, Kubernetes orchestration, CI/CD automation, and DevOps security —along with strong leadership and communication skills suited for a collaborative, enterprise-scale environment.

This position is responsible for leading the design, automation, and governance of cloud infrastructure and DevOps pipelines, enabling high availability, resilience, and compliance across mission-critical insurance applications.

• Lead DevOps initiatives focused on scalability, reliability, and automation across Azure cloud environments.

• Design, implement, and maintain CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, Jenkins, or CloudBees , ensuring efficient build, test, and release processes.

• Manage and optimize Kubernetes clusters (preferably AKS/K3S ) for high availability and performance of containerized microservices.

• Implement and manage GitOps deployments via Argo CD , promoting version-controlled, declarative infrastructure management.

• Integrate Grafana and Prometheus for advanced system monitoring and observability.

• Architect and maintain cloud solutions leveraging Azure services : Front Door, Blob Storage, App Services, Function Apps, Logic Apps, Key Vault, Log Analytics, Application Insights, and Traffic Manager.

• Enhance DevOps security posture through tools such as Dependabot, CodeQL, SonarQube, XRay, and container scanning solutions.

• Oversee change management, architecture reviews, and compliance documentation, ensuring operational consistency and audit readiness.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with application, infrastructure, and data teams to deliver reliable, automated solutions.

• Implement cloud governance controls (Azure Policy, CIS benchmarks, tagging, Management Groups, Resource Graph Explorer) for compliance and cost optimization.

• Manage Artifactory/JFrog repositories for container and artifact version control.

• Support networking and infrastructure components, including DNS, routing, ports, VNets, subnets, peers, load balancers, and private endpoints .

• Utilize scripting and automation languages including PowerShell, Bash, Python, JSON, YAML, ARM templates, Terraform, and Ansible .

• Provide technical leadership: conduct architecture reviews, coach team members, manage priorities, and ensure cross-team collaboration.

• Experiment with AI tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, VS Code plug-ins) and support automation or agent-based integrations to accelerate productivity.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field (Master’s preferred).

• 8+ years of IT experience , including 5+ years in DevOps engineering and automation roles.

• Advanced expertise with Microsoft Azure , particularly IaaS/PaaS services, governance, and automation.

• Strong, hands-on experience with Kubernetes (AKS/K3S) , containerization, and microservice architectures.

• Proven background managing CI/CD pipelines , GitOps deployments , and infrastructure as code (Terraform, ARM, Bicep, Ansible).

• Proficiency in monitoring, logging, and observability using Grafana, Prometheus, Log Analytics, and Application Insights .

• Demonstrated understanding of networking fundamentals , security hardening , and DevSecOps practices .

• Experience with VMware management , PowerCLI scripting, and hybrid cloud integrations.

• Strong interpersonal skills—able to lead meetings, evaluate proposals, communicate complex issues clearly, and mentor team members.

• Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert , Azure Administrator Associate , or Azure Solutions Architect Expert .

• Familiarity with AI-assisted development tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot) and automation of CI/CD processes using AI.

• Knowledge of Java/Tomcat application deployments and database integrations in a microservice environment.

• Collaborative, calm, and solutions-focused environment emphasizing communication and shared success.

• Opportunities to lead cross-functional initiatives , mentor junior engineers, and drive modernization efforts.

• Remote work flexibility while operating on Eastern Time Zone hours with a Richmond-based leadership team.

• Lead the modernization of a company’s cloud and DevOps infrastructure.

• Work on cutting-edge Azure and Kubernetes projects, integrating AI and automation tools.

• Competitive compensation, professional development, and full remote flexibility in a supportive enterprise culture.

  #DICE