DEPT OF HEALTH SERVICES

Address:  180 N 18th Ave

Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: $105,369 

Grade: 28

The Infrastructure Architect performs advanced information system configuration management, advanced design, systems analysis, development, programming, operations, maintenance, security, and release management across both on-premises enterprise environments and cloud platforms.
The Infrastructure Architect will lead IT initiatives to develop solutions, plan application and infrastructure releases, merge and deploy applications on QA, development, UAT, and production environments through a centralized source control system. Additionally, the Architect designs, implements, and secures complex hybrid network topologies, utilizing Cisco networking appliances, Palo Alto next-generation firewalls, and AWS Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs). The Infrastructure Architect develops scripts and automation tools used to build, integrate, and deploy software releases and Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) to various infrastructure platforms.
The Infrastructure Architect coordinates work between different IT teams at different locations which includes conducting application and infrastructure release readiness reviews, milestone reviews, and business go/no-go reviews and Go-Live activities including the execution of the deployment plans and checklists. The Infrastructure Architect maintains the release schedule for all core DevOps application, network, and infrastructure services to ensure alignment across key partners and vendors.
The Infrastructure Architect ensures the integrity of system code and configurations which includes developing, branching, and code merge strategies by maintaining a release repository, and manages key information such as build, release procedures, dependencies, and notification lists.
The Infrastructure Architect identifies opportunities and implements solutions to improve efficiency and reduce waste; applies strong knowledge and understanding of the principles, methods, and techniques of process/quality improvement, Performance Management (PM), and Lean methodologies.

Directs component and data architecture design, technology planning, and testing for applications development.

Perform advanced information system configuration management, advanced design, systems analysis, programming, operations, maintenance, security, and release management. Perform assessment of readiness for application and infrastructure configuration releases.

Effectively coordinates and tracks the application and infrastructure configuration release process. Assesses potential change impacts. Monitors and tracks required change-related metrics.

Perform production application and infrastructure configuration release scheduling and coordination. Develops, publishes, and maintains statistical management and custom reports. Educates and trains others on the change process.

Plan application and infrastructure configuration release windows and cycles across a portfolio. Manage risks and resolves issues that affect application and infrastructure configuration release scope, schedule, and quality. Measure and monitor progress to ensure application and infrastructure configuration releases are delivered on time and within budget, and that they meet or exceed expectations.

Coordinate application and infrastructure configuration release content and effort based on the service request backlog, pending service requests, third party applications, or operating system updates. Communicate all key project plans, commitments, and changes including requirements, QA plans, schedule, and scope changes.

Produce Deployment, Run Books, and Implementation Plans. Weekly Release Reporting. Communicate application and infrastructure configuration release details and schedules to the Business as required. Continually work towards making improvements in the application and infrastructure configuration release process.
Participate in stakeholder meetings to discuss application and infrastructure configuration release scope and/or roadblocks.

Research new software development and configuration management methodologies and technologies and analyzes configuration management needs. Assign change orders for deployment. Review changes for audit compliance. Ensure application and infrastructure deployments meet architectural standards.

Other duties as assigned as related to the position (typically 5% - 10%)

Knowledge of:
-Thorough working knowledge of change management frameworks and the use of change management tools utilized in the enterprise software deployment processes.
-Expert knowledge of programming languages and techniques.
-Performance Management (PM), Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), and Lean methodologies.
-Deep understanding of enterprise networking and security architectures, specifically involving Cisco and Palo Alto ecosystems.
-Thorough working knowledge of cloud networking principles, including AWS Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) design, routing, and cloud-native security.

Skill in:
-Demonstrated expertise in advanced information system configuration management.
-Strong customer service skills.
-Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
-Expert troubleshooting skills.
-Demonstrated expertise in change management processes and procedures.
-Demonstrated expertise in the configuration, administration, and troubleshooting of Cisco networking appliances (e.g., routers, switches) and Palo Alto networks (e.g., next-generation firewalls).
-Proficiency in deploying and managing AWS VPCs, including subnets, route tables, internet gateways, and security groups.

Ability to:
-Demonstrated ability to perform advanced design, maintenance, and repair of servers.
-Demonstrated ability to evaluate and test emerging technologies.
-Demonstrated ability to balance, prioritize, and organize multiple tasks.
-Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in teams and across organizations.
-Demonstrated ability to synthesize feedback and adjust plans accordingly.
-Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships inside and outside the organization.
-Demonstrated ability to develop and write technical documentation.
-Demonstrated ability to review and evaluate various types of releases for process compliance and implementation readiness.
-Demonstrated ability to apply creative solutions to business problems to ensure business needs are effectively met.
-Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and secure complex hybrid network environments that bridge on-premises Cisco and Palo Alto infrastructure with AWS cloud environments.
-Support a diverse multi-cultural workforce that reflects the community, promotes equal opportunity at all levels of public employment, and creates an inclusive work environment that enables all individuals to perform to their fullest potential free from discrimination.

Minimum Qualifications:
-Active CCNA certification, or equivalent enterprise networking experience.
-Foundational knowledge of cloud environments (e.g., AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner or equivalent experience).

Preferred Qualifications:
-Advanced Cisco certifications (CCNP Enterprise, CCNP Security, or CCIE).
-Advanced security certifications (e.g., PCNSE for Palo Alto).
-Advanced cloud networking certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty).
-Bachelor’s degree plus 10 or more years of experience in systems engineering, systems architecture, and systems design (or equivalent experience).

Must possess a valid level one fingerprint clearance card issues pursuant to A.R.S. §36-113.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:
− Affordable medical and dental insurance plans
− Paid vacation and sick time
− Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
− 10 paid holidays per year
− Wellness program and plans
− Life insurance
− Short/long-term disability insurance
− Defined retirement plan
− Award winning Infant at Work program
− Credit union membership
− Transit subsidy
− ADHS Student Assistance Pilot Program

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

To help you build a financially secure future, the State makes monthly contributions to finance your retirement benefit. The State will make a contribution to the ASRS in an amount equal to your contribution. In other words, you and the State will each pay 50% of the total cost of the benefit. New State employees have a 27 week wait period for contributions to begin.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by emailing virginia.hassard@azdhs.org. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation. DHS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All newly hired employees will be subject to E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification.