Azure Arc & Patching Specialist Infrastructure Engineer

Job Description:

This position is primarily responsible for leveraging Azure Arc and Azure Update Manager to enforce patch compliance and streamline update deployments across a wide-ranging of Windows Servers (2012, 2016, 2019, and 2022). The role extends beyond routine maintenance by integrating analytical problem-solving, proactive risk management, and continuous process improvement while also maintaining collateral responsibilities in Active Directory management, SAN, VMware, and data recovery.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Azure Arc & Azure Update Manager Implementation:

1. Unified Management & Automation: Architect and operationalize a unified management framework employing Azure Arc to facilitate hybrid infrastructure control. Harness Azure Update Manager to orchestrate, schedule, and monitor patch deployments, ensuring high levels of compliance and minimal service disruption.

1. Innovation in Automation: Develop scalable automation scripts using PowerShell and Python to streamline end-to-end patch lifecycle management, from deployment and reporting to roll back in the event of failure.

1. Performance Analytics & Risk Mitigation: Perform continuous data-driven assessments of system performance and patch efficacy, flagging risks and leading corrective initiatives before issues escalate.

• Collateral Infrastructure Oversight:

1. Active Directory & Server Administration: Ensure robust operational support for Windows Server environments, enforcing security policies and user access controls to maintain a secure environment. Oversee Active Directory to maintain secure, efficient authentication and authorization practices.
2. Virtualization and Storage Management: Provide hands-on support for VMware environments and Storage Area Networks (SAN) to preserve system stability and data integrity. Collaborate on data recovery strategies and disaster readiness planning with targeted risk assessments.

• Process Optimization & Documentation:
• Continuous Improvement: Act as the subject matter expert on patch management strategies, evaluating the effectiveness of current practices and driving innovations that align with evolving security standards and infrastructure needs.
• Comprehensive Documentation: Maintain detailed, clear documentation of all Azure Arc configurations, update schedules, automation scripts, and change management procedures, ensuring these practices meet audit and compliance requirements.
• Cross-Team Collaboration: Engage proactively with cross-functional teams (development, support, and security) to ensure infrastructure strategies align with strategic business objectives, often leading initiatives to optimize workflows and enhance system resilience.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Technical Mastery:

1. Proven experience with Azure Arc and Azure Update Manager for centralized, hybrid environment management.

1. Strong proficiency in PowerShell scripting, with significant hands-on experience in automating patching and compliance tasks.

1. Familiarity with Python scripting to complement automation efforts and enhance custom tooling solutions.

• Infrastructure Proficiency:

1. In-depth knowledge of Windows Server operating systems (2012, 2016, 2019, and 2022) with an emphasis on continuous patching and compliance enforcement.
2. Solid working experience with Active Directory, VMware virtualization, and SAN environments, including disaster recovery planning and execution.

• Analytical & Strategic Problem-Solving:
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex systems, identify strategic improvements, and implement innovative solutions that drive efficiency, safety, and system resilience.
• A forward-thinking mindset complemented by a deep understanding of modern security principles and IT operational risk management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications:

1. Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate, Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst, or equivalent credentials.

• Enterprise Experience:

1. Exposure to large-scale, hybrid infrastructure projects with detailed contributions to long-term strategic IT planning.
2. Experience in leveraging modern management tools like Windows Admin Center to complement and enhance centralized patch management.