Cloud Platform Architect

Cloud Platform Architect – AWS
Contract: 12 month initial contract Outside IR35 
Location: London / Manchester (Hybrid)
Start: ASAP / Flexible

We are working with a leading global media and entertainment organisation that is undertaking an exciting cloud-first post-production transformation.
The organisation is developing a new AWS-based platform designed to modernise how its production teams work with media, moving away from fragmented, hardware-dependent infrastructure towards a scalable cloud ecosystem.

As a Cloud Platform Architect, you will take ownership of the technical design and delivery of the AWS platform underpinning this initiative.
You'll work alongside experienced media, post-production and solutions architects, translating complex creative and technical requirements into high-performing, secure and cost-effective AWS infrastructure.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead the end-to-end AWS platform architecture and technical design.
• Design AWS storage, compute, networking, identity, security and operational models.
• Design cloud-based editing environments using VDI and GPU-accelerated workstations where required.
• Architect remote access solutions using technologies such as Amazon DCV, Teradici or similar.
• Design AWS networking across Direct Connect, public internet and hybrid connectivity environments.
• Work with VPCs, Transit Gateway and cross-region architectures.
• Assess network performance and latency across different connectivity options.
• Design scalable storage architectures for large media files and high-throughput workloads.
• Optimise AWS storage tiers to balance performance and cost.
• Design integration between AWS object storage and filesystem-based applications.
• Implement strong IAM, security and multi-tenancy controls.
• Ensure appropriate segregation of content between different productions and business entities.
• Drive FinOps and cost optimisation from day one, including tagging, cost allocation, right-sizing and savings strategies.
• Support the build, performance testing and optimisation of the platform.
• Provide technical support during live production.
• Work closely with cyber security, engineering, programme and post-production teams.
• Produce architecture documentation and contribute to the wider business case for future platform rollout.

Key Skills & ExperienceEssential

• 5+ years' hands-on experience in AWS Solutions Architecture or Cloud Platform Engineering.
• Strong AWS networking experience, including:
  
  • VPC
  • Transit Gateway
  • Direct Connect
  • Cross-region architectures
  • Network and latency optimisation
• Experience designing VDI / remote desktop environments.
• Experience with technologies such as Amazon DCV, Teradici, PCoIP or equivalent.
• Strong AWS IAM experience, including:
  
  • Cross-account roles
  • Permission boundaries
  • Least-privilege access
  • Resource-based policies
• Strong understanding of AWS cost optimisation and FinOps.
• Experience with tagging, cost allocation, Savings Plans and right-sizing.
• Understanding of multi-tenancy and logical isolation within cloud environments.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex cloud architecture to non-cloud specialists.
• AWS Solutions Architect Professional certification, or equivalent demonstrable expertise.

Desirable

• Experience within Media & Entertainment, broadcasting, film, television or post-production.
• Experience with high-throughput storage and large-file workloads.
• Experience supporting video editing or media workflows.
• Experience with Avid Nexis, LucidLink or similar media storage technologies.
• Experience working with GPU-accelerated workloads.

If you're an AWS Architect who enjoys solving complex infrastructure challenges and has experience with high-performance, VDI or media environments, we'd be keen to hear from you.