Lead DevOps Engineer (Azure AI / GenAI Solutions)

Job description

We are seeking a Lead DevOps Engineer to support AI platforms and applications running on Azure while operating within enterprise processes, security requirements, and operational constraints. This role goes beyond traditional infrastructure-focused DevOps work, combining hands-on engagement with Azure-based services and platforms, operational ownership, and cross-team coordination. The successful candidate will work closely with the development team rather than the infrastructure team, operating with limited access to Azure resources. A significant part of the work involves ticket-driven processes, coordination with other teams, follow-ups, and ensuring tasks are completed end-to-end. The ideal candidate understands how Azure-based services work, can operate effectively in a secure and highly controlled environment, and is comfortable taking ownership of operational activities, dependencies, and delivery outcomes.

Responsibilities

- Support DevOps activities for Azure-based AI and GenAI solutions

- Maintain Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) environments

- Manage Azure DevOps pipelines, release processes, and deployment activities

- Troubleshoot Azure AI Search and AI Services (Foundry)

- Maintain operational workflows involving n8n and LangSmith

- Coordinate activities related to WAFs, firewalls, private networking, and secure connectivity

- Monitor, investigate, and resolve operational and deployment-related issues

- Track tickets, service requests, approvals, and dependencies across multiple teams

- Collaborate with development, QA, infrastructure, security, and platform teams to deliver changes and resolve issues

- Drive DevOps-related activities from initiation to completion and ensure timely follow-up on open actions

- Contribute to secure, reliable, and efficient operation of cloud-based solutions

Requirements

- 5+ years of hands-on production experience with Azure, Azure DevOps, and Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)

- Proficiency in Azure AI Search, AI Services (Foundry), and secure connectivity components such as WAFs, firewalls, and Private Links

- Hands-on production experience with n8n and LangSmith

- Experience working in secure enterprise environments with restricted access and governance controls

- Experience supporting production systems through ticket-driven operational processes

- Ability to coordinate activities across multiple teams and stakeholders

- Strong ownership mindset and ability to drive tasks to completion

- Strong organizational, communication, and follow-through skills

- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

- English proficiency at B2 level or higher

Nice to have

- Experience with Dataiku or similar data science platforms

- Familiarity with OpenWebUI

- Experience supporting R&D initiatives, proofs of concept, and rapid prototyping environments

- Experience with monitoring, logging, and observability tools