Senior Cloud Architect | Windows Server | Azure | Remote | Part-Time

Remote Lead Server Architect - Windows / Cloud Architect (L4)

Pay: $80-110/hr.

Location: Fully remote

Type: Contract, Part-Time

Hours: The first month will be very busy, think 40\+ hours per week. After that first month, it will only require a few hours here and there (less than \~10 hours per month) through November.

JOB SUMMARY: As Lead Architect, you will serve as the design authority for modernizing 362 Windows Servers as part of a critical infrastructure recovery program. You will create Windows Server 2022 golden-image templates, oversee clean rebuilds and in-place upgrades, design Azure lift-and-shift processes, and ensure compliance with the Windows Server 2012 R2 end-of-support deadline. This high-impact role drives enterprise server modernization using Azure Migrate, hardening baselines, and dependency mapping while offering opportunities to tackle complex challenges, expand cloud expertise, and collaborate with a skilled engineering team in a fast-paced environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design and build five golden-image templates for Windows Server 2022 including File, Application, Database, Web, and AD-integrated servers with hardening baselines.
• Approve server disposition matrix and detailed runbooks for clean rebuild, in-place upgrade, Azure lift-and-shift, and decommissioning processes.
• Architect Wyomissing Azure landing zone with Azure Migrate appliance, dependency mapping, replication, and cutover orchestration.
• Enforce quality gates including Week 4 golden-image sign-off and Week 6 Go/No-Go decisions for upgrade efficiency.
• Set and monitor per-server time targets for in-place upgrades while triggering clean rebuilds when thresholds are exceeded.
• Provide escalation support during peak clean rebuild periods when multiple server engineering teams work concurrently.
• Deliver final compliance scans, EOS attestation artifacts, and CMDB updates to meet the October 2026 Windows Server 2012 R2 deadline.
• Review Phase 5 decommissioning deliverables and ensure accurate CMDB refresh for all modernized servers.
• Collaborate on integration points between server modernization and parallel Active Directory migration activities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 10\+ years Windows Server experience (2003-2022).
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field.
• Expert Azure Migrate, lift-and-shift, and Windows Server 2022 hardening.
• Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305) or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of in-place upgrade failure modes and rollback strategies.
• Proven ability to manage quality bars on large-scale modernization programs.

COMPANY SUMMARY: Xcelocloud is a global multi-vendor support service that provides seamless advanced engineering and support for market-leading technology vendors—all within a single, robust platform. As technology evolves, organizations face increasing pressure to boost efficiency, enhance customer experience, and meet growing business demands. At Xcelocloud, we rise to this challenge by delivering streamlined solutions that simplify the complexities of multi-vendor environments, helping enterprise companies achieve more with less. Our services are exclusively offered through value-added resellers and distributors, who white-label or leverage Xcelocloud’s expertise to power their offerings.

We’re a fully remote, globally distributed team setting new benchmarks for tech-enabled support services in today’s digital world. By empowering a modern workforce with flexibility and autonomy, we’re shaping the future of work while ensuring top-tier support for our customers. At Xcelocloud, we believe that building a strong culture in a remote environment comes from hiring highly skilled, empathetic individuals who collaborate, innovate, and uplift each other daily. If you’re ready to be part of a forward-thinking team driving excellence in IT support, we’d love to have you on board!

If this Remote Lead Server Architect – Windows/Cloud (L4) job is interesting to you, apply today! We're moving quickly to identify our next team member and hope to schedule interviews within the week!

EEO Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

ADA: If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact [email protected].

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. We are a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer that welcomes all qualified candidates to apply for open positions. Xcelocloud is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its staff. All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

*Keywords**:Lead Server Architect, Windows Cloud Architect**, Windows Server 2022, Azure Lift and Shift, Azure Migrate, Golden Image Templates, Server Modernization, Windows Server Hardening, In-Place Upgrade, Clean Rebuild, Active Directory Migration, AZ-305, Windows Server 2012 R2 EOS, Cloud Infrastructure Architect**, Enterprise Server Migration, CMDB Management, IT Architect, operating system, server, infrastructure, IT, technology, Lead architect**, contract, remote, contractor, Azure.***

Pay: $80\.00 - $110\.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Application Question(s):

• Are you comfortable with a part-time contract role?

Experience:

• Microsoft Windows Server: 3 years (Required)
• Azure: 2 years (Required)
• System architecture: 2 years (Required)

Work Location: Remote