# Principal Cloud Architect - VMware VCF

> Stafford Gray · Lake Angelus, United States (Hybrid) · Contract · Posted 2026-05-20

**Workplace:** hybrid

## Description

**Initial 30 day contract with likely extension**

**About the Role**

We are seeking an experienced Principal Cloud Architect to lead the design phase of a complex enterprise cloud transformation for a key client. In this role, you will work directly with the client's engineering team to define and document a complete VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF 9.1) solution — spanning virtualization, networking, storage, containers, and monitoring — and serve as the primary technical authority throughout the engagement.

**What You'll Do**

-   Lead multiple design workshops with the client's engineering team over several weeks to define the full VCF solution architecture
-   Design an end-to-end VMware Cloud Foundation 9.1 environment covering vSphere (virtualization), NSX (networking), vSAN (storage), VKS (containers), and the full Aria/vRealize monitoring stack (vROPS, vRNI, vRLI)
-   Define the integration architecture between VCF and the client's existing cloud services — including compliance, authentication, and security systems
-   Adapt and design provisioning systems to enable automation aligned with VCF standards, covering VM and container creation workflows
-   Produce detailed engineering and architecture documents to serve as deployment references for the implementation team
-   Interface with client stakeholders to ensure the solution meets both technical and business requirements

## Requirements

**What You Bring**

-   7+ years of enterprise cloud infrastructure architecture experience
-   Hands-on VMware Cloud Foundation experience (VCF 4.x/5.x required; VCF 9.x strongly preferred)
-   Deep expertise across two or more VCF pillars: vSphere, NSX-T, vSAN, VKS/Tanzu
-   Experience with vROPS, vRNI, and/or vRLI monitoring platforms
-   Proven ability to lead technical workshops and produce architecture/engineering documentation
-   Strong communication and client-facing skills
-   Must be local to Michigan (hybrid engagement)

**Nice to Have**

-   VMware certifications: VCDX, VCAP-DCV, VCP-VCF, or NSX specialist
-   Experience with infrastructure automation (Terraform, Ansible, or similar)
-   Broadcom partner network background

## Benefits

$80/hr on a 1099 basis

## Apply

[Apply at Stafford Gray](https://apply.workable.com/staffordgray/j/98376D131F/apply)

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