Azure DevOps Engineer

This is a fully remote position which may have occasional travel within the United States.
PURPOSE: 

Seeking an Azure DevOps Engineer (5-8 years) to join cross-functional teams of Developers, Azure engineers, and Azure Security professionals.  In this role, you will also design, deploy, and maintain Azure DevOps CI/CD pipelines; automate operations with Bash, PowerShell, and Python; design and implement Zero Trust and least-privilege models; and manage Azure DevOps security and permissions. Close collaboration with application developers and infrastructure colleagues in a team setting.   

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Infrastructure as Code  

• Develop and maintain Terraform modules for Azure resources (VMs, scale sets, VNets, NSGs, Firewall Manager, Private Endpoints)  

• Manage Terraform state, workspaces, and lifecycle across subscriptions/environments  

CI/CD Pipeline Engineering  

• Author and optimize Azure DevOps YAML pipelines for both infrastructure and application deployments  

• Integrate automated testing, security scans, and compliance gates into pipelines  

Security & Permissions  

• Configure Azure DevOps security: branch policies, service connections, user/group permissions  

• Implement least-privilege access with Azure RBAC and Management Groups  

• Enforce platform governance via Azure Policy assignments  

Agile Process & Boards Management  

• Create and maintain work items in Azure Boards (Epics, Features, PBIs, Tasks)  

• Facilitate sprint planning, backlog grooming, and reporting on velocity and cycle time  

Automation & Scripting  

• Write and maintain deployment and operational scripts in Bash, PowerShell, and Python  

Operational Support & Troubleshooting  

• Diagnosing and resolving infrastructure and pipeline issues across on-premises and Azure environments  

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to stabilize and optimize delivery workflows  

• Other Responsibilities as assigned by management 

MINIMUM SKILLS, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• 3+ years designing, deploying, and operating Azure infrastructure  

• Broad Azure infrastructure knowledge: compute (VMs, scale sets), storage accounts, load balancers, networking, and identity services, App Service, Web Application Gateway  

• Terraform (module development, state management)  

• Proficiency in Azure DevOps (Repos, Pipelines, Artifacts, Boards)  

• Scripting skills in Bash, PowerShell, and Python  

• Strong understanding of Zero Trust and least-privilege security models  

• Experience managing Azure DevOps security and permissions  

• Experience facilitating Agile ceremonies and reporting metrics  

• Self-starter with strong communication skills  

PREFERRED SKILLS, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• Azure Certifications  

• Azure Security tools, Key Vault, Entra identity  

• Exposure to application development (C#, Python, etc.)  

• Linux and Windows experience  

At Ascend Technologies we firmly believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not only fundamental values but also powerful drivers of innovation, growth, and success. We are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered.  

CORE VALUES  

We are seeking highly motivated individuals who have the willingness and ability to demonstrate Ascend core values:    

• Committed to Client Success: Our actions and our words always align with the best interest of the client.  

• One Team: We work collaboratively to overcome challenges with humility and respect and do what it takes to find innovative solutions.  

• Integrity: We are unquestionably committed to doing the right thing even when it is hard.  

• Accountability: We hold ourselves and each other accountable for keeping our commitments to our clients, our communities, and one another.  

• Transparency: We create open lines of communication with each other and our clients, fostering relationships founded on candor and trust.  
  Starting Compensation: $130,000 - $160,000/year
  The salary for this position is commensurate with experience, skills, and qualifications. The range is intended to reflect our commitment to attracting top talent, and the final offer will be based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's previous experience, expertise in the field, relevant certifications, and the specific requirements of the role. In addition, internal equity, market trends, and geographic location may also influence the final salary.
   
  Along with a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings options, flexible time off (FTO), and professional development opportunities. We are open to discussing compensation and benefits further during the interview process to ensure alignment with the candidate’s expectations and experience.