DevOps Engineer

JD: Subject: Azure DevOps Platform & Solutions Administrator Remote work IN Houston, based client (remote work allowed with periodic travel) 6-month term with the option to extend or convert to employee Reports To Application Development VP Role Summary We are seeking a senior Azure DevOps (ADO) Platform & Solutions Administrator to assess, advise on, and help evolve how Azure DevOps is configured and used across the enterprise, starting with one of our premier programs. The role focuses on understanding the current-state implementation, identifying risks and improvement opportunities, and providing clear, pragmatic recommendations. Once decisions are approved, the role supports execution through configuration changes, selective automation, integrations, and change management communication. This is a hands-on role. The individual is expected to apply sound judgment and provide defensible options rather than defaulting to tool or feature implementation. Core Responsibilities Platform Assessment & Advisory • Assess current ADO configuration, usage, and governance • Identify scalability, consistency, and reporting risks • Recommend improvements with options and tradeoffs Platform Configuration & Enablement • Implement approved configuration changes • Improve data quality at the source through standards and validation • Ensure solutions are documented and supportable Automation & Integration Guidance • Evaluate and implement automation where it adds clear value • Advise on integration patterns across delivery and reporting tools Scenario-Based Solutioning • Provide expert guidance on real-world ADO scenarios • Help avoid decisions that create long-term platform debt Change Management & Knowledge Transfer • Support communication and adoption of approved changes • Enable sustainable ownership post-contract What We Value Most in This Role • Judgment over tool enthusiasm • Simplicity over over-engineering • Willingness to recommend, not enabling features • Focus on long-term maintainability and clarity Required Skills & Experience Azure DevOps Platform Expertise • Deep, hands-on experience administering Azure DevOps as a platform • Strong understanding of how configuration impacts planning, delivery, and reporting • Experience enforcing consistency through workflows, automation, validation, and templates Platform & Ecosystem Awareness • Understanding of how Azure DevOps integrates within broader delivery ecosystems • Familiarity with Microsoft platform capabilities related to automation, identity, and reporting Automation & Governance Mindset • Experience identifying high-value automation opportunities • Ability to balance automation benefits against complexity and risk Consulting & Communication Skills • Ability to present options and tradeoffs clearly • Strong communication and documentation skills What Success Looks Like • Clear current-state and improved-state ADO understanding • Intentional, documented platform decisions • Reduced rework and reporting friction • Clear ownership and next steps at contract exit