Hybrid Solutions Architect

General Summary

Guided by Rayburn Electric Cooperative, Inc.’s mission to deliver reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy, the Hybrid Solutions Architect oversees the architecture, development, and implementation of Rayburn’s hybrid solutions infrastructure. This role drives operational efficiency and technological innovation through analysis, planning, deployment, governance, and maintenance of the hybrid environment. The Architect ensures optimal availability, capacity, performance, and security across platforms, leveraging expertise in Entra ID, Microsoft Azure, Azure DevOps, Microsoft 365, Active Directory Domain Services, Public Key Infrastructure, Configuration Management, Virtualization, and Storage. Embodying Rayburn’s core values, the Architect combines broad technical knowledge with a deep understanding of people and business dynamics to align solutions with organizational goals. This role advises Rayburn’s leadership and Members on strategic technical and business directions, occasionally presenting to executives or the Rayburn Board to address critical issues and needs, fostering sustainable value for the cooperative and its Members.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities / Knowledge

- Oversees the development and implementation of Rayburn’s hybrid solutions architecture, ensuring compliance with requirements and seamless integration with existing systems and cloud services to support reliable and sustainable operations.

- Manages project schedules, objectives, and resources to deliver solutions on time, aligning with Rayburn’s operational and strategic goals.

- Drives strategic deployment and governance of hybrid environments, ensuring optimal performance, security, and compliance with regulatory standards.

- Resolves complex technical issues in the hybrid environment, leveraging expertise in DNS, Entra ID, Microsoft Azure, Azure DevOps, Microsoft 365, Active Directory Domain Services, Public Key Infrastructure, configuration management, virtualization, and storage to enhance system stability and efficiency.

- Oversees proactive monitoring, maintenance, and optimization of the hybrid solutions architecture to ensure high availability and reliability.

- Develops and implements disaster recovery and business continuity plans for the hybrid environment, actively mitigating risks to ensure operational reliability.

- Drives the development and implementation of cybersecurity best practices and policies for system updates, patch management, and security across hybrid environments, ensuring data protection and regulatory compliance.

- Performs day-to-day tasks within the IT systems infrastructure environment to ensure reliability and availability.

- Mentors Hybrid and System Administrators on hybrid solutions technologies and best practices, embodying Rayburn’s core values.

- Collaborates with IT and business teams to integrate and configure cloud-based and on-premises solutions, enhancing functionality and user experience in alignment with organizational goals.

- Develops and maintains policies and procedures for system updates, patch management, and security measures across hybrid environments, ensuring the protection of Rayburn data and compliance with regulatory standards.

- Coordinates and executes projects with third-party vendors to support Rayburn’s IT infrastructure, ensuring cost-effective and efficient outcomes with minimal oversight.

- Participates in regulatory audits, spot-checks, and self-certifications including mock audits, may serve as a SME for NERC CIP standards.

- Advises Rayburn’s Members and Board on advanced hybrid solutions architecture issues, providing expert guidance and practical solutions.

- Subject to on call after normal business hours as business needs dictate.

Key Accountabilities

- Adheres to Rayburn’s policies, procedures, and confidentiality requirements, upholding core values in all responsibilities.

- Shares complete and accurate information with Rayburn management, staff, contractors, and third parties as required.

- Collaborates with Rayburn’s IT teams to ensure seamless integration and efficient operation of IT systems, supporting reliable and sustainable energy delivery.

- Delegates tasks to appropriate employees, as approved by supervisor, providing clear guidance and resources to ensure successful outcomes.

- Performs additional duties as assigned by supervisor or executive management to support Rayburn’s mission and goals.

- Serves as a liaison between IT and business departments, fostering alignment with Rayburn’s strategic and operational objectives.

Education

Job Specifications / Skills Required

Bachelor’s or higher in computer related degree is preferred

Experience 5+ years of experience in IT architecture, with at least 3 years focused on hybrid cloud environments, including DNS, Microsoft Azure, Exchange Online, Active Directory, and Entra ID, is preferred.

Certifications

Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert or equivalent cloud computing certification, Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert, Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert, Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert, Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate, Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate, is preferred.

Skills

- Proficient with various software programs

- Able to work effectively in a team environment; willing to assist others

- Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail

- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and influencing skills

- Evidence of an aptitude for critical thinking

- Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license

Physical Demands

- Ability to sit for extended periods of time at a computer workstation

- Ability to perform repetitive motions in order to use a computer keyboard, test equipment and operate hand tools

- Specific vision abilities required include: close vision, distance vision, ability to distinguish between colors, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus

- The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; open file cabinets and bend or stand as necessary