Principal Azure Cloud Platform Engineer (Azure SME)

Principal Azure Cloud Platform Engineer

• Leader of Victorian Tertiary Education
• 160-170k + super, Hybrid Working, Melbourne CBD
• Hands-on Azure SME position (engineering + architecting solutions on the Azure platform)

Salt has partnered with a leader in the Australian tertiary education sector, based in Melbourne.

The Azure Platform Principal Engineer is a senior-level technology leader accountable for shaping the strategy, architecture, and delivery of scalable, secure, and resilient cloud platforms within the Microsoft Azure environment. In this role, you will carry significant influence across enterprise technology functions, driving cloud architecture standards, engineering best practices, and long-term platform strategy.

Combining deep technical expertise with strong commercial awareness, the Principal Engineer translates complex business requirements into practical, high-performing cloud solutions. Your will work across both hands-on technical delivery and strategic leadership, with responsibility for guiding engineering teams, mentoring technical talent, and ensuring alignment between cloud capabilities and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and ongoing improvement of secure, scalable, and reliable cloud platforms on Microsoft Azure.
• Set technical standards and architecture best practices aligned with the Azure Well-Architected Framework.
• Design and deliver cloud solutions using Azure native services and modern engineering practices.
• Develop and maintain Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using tools such as Terraform and Bicep.
• Build and improve secure DevSecOps pipelines, deployment processes, and automated testing for infrastructure changes.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues across cloud platforms and services.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and support to engineering teams.
• Work closely with product, engineering, operations, and security teams to deliver business-aligned cloud solutions.
• Identify and implement new technologies or improvements to strengthen platform capability and performance.
• Ensure platforms are operationally reliable with strong monitoring, logging, alerting, and incident management processes.
• Embed security and compliance requirements into all stages of platform design and delivery.

Key Selection Criteria

• Tertiary education in Computer Science, IT, or related field, and Microsoft Azure accreditations
• Signifcant experience in Azure platform engineering
• Strong experience designing, building, and managing cloud platforms in Microsoft Azure, with knowledge of core Azure services such as Policy, Monitor, Key Vault, Functions, VMs, SQL, Storage, and Firewall.
• Hands-on experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools such as Terraform and/or Bicep.
• Good understanding of CI/CD pipelines, automation, and security scanning for infrastructure deployments.
• Experience with programming languages such as Python, Java, or Go for cloud automation purposes
• Proven ability to build secure, scalable, and reliable cloud solutions.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to manage complex technical issues.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly.
• Ability to guide technical direction and work collaboratively across teams to achieve shared outcomes.

How to Apply?

To apply online, please click on the link below!

Alternatively, for a confidential discussion or to discuss other technology roles in Australia, please contact Jimmy Flynn on 0488 732 269.

Please note: to be eligible for this position, candidates must have full working rights in Australia and be able to obtain a Victorian Working with Children Check

Acknowledgement of Country

Salt respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands across Australia as the continuing custodians of country and culture. We recognise the enduring connection that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to the lands, waters, and skies.

We pay our respects to all First Nations Australians and their Elders past and present.

At Salt, our mission is Creating Futures by putting our clients, candidates, partners, and team members at the heart of everything we do. We extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who has contributed to our continued success.