Principal Engineer

The Principal Azure Engineer is a hands-on technical leader who combines software development expertise with deep Azure platform knowledge. You'll lead client engagements as both a technical authority and trusted advisor, working closely with Microsoft and our clients to design, develop, and deliver sophisticated cloud automation solutions. You'll write production code regularly while also providing thought leadership, managing stakeholder relationships, and developing our Azure practice in Perth.

The Opportunity
You'll be leading technically complex Azure engagements that require both platform expertise and strong development capabilities, including building sophisticated automation platforms and self-service tooling that transform how organisations consume and manage Azure at scale.

This role is crucial to growing Versent's Azure practice in Perth. You'll join our national Azure practice while taking the lead in growing our Perth-based Azure capability, working closely with Microsoft and key clients in the region. Success means becoming the technical authority for Azure in Western Australia with opportunity to shape client relationships and win follow-on work through exceptional delivery.

What You'll Be Doing
You'll split your time between three core areas, with the balance varying by engagement:

Hands-On Development
- Building custom automation platforms, web applications, REST APIs, and tooling that runs on Azure. This means writing production code in Python, C#, or JavaScript to solve complex cloud automation challenges.

Technical Leadership & Client Engagement
- Leading client conversations, translating business requirements into technical solutions, presenting architecture proposals, and working closely with Microsoft to align solutions with best practices.

Azure Platform Engineering
- Designing and implementing secure, scalable Azure architectures, applying deep knowledge across the Azure platform, and ensuring solutions meet quality, security, and governance standards.

The key is being capable and confident in all three areas - you'll need to switch between writing code, leading stakeholder discussions, and designing platform solutions depending on what each engagement requires.

Essential Skills & Experience
Software Development Expertise

• Current hands-on coding experience - actively writing production code
• Proficiency in at least one of: Python, C#, JavaScript/TypeScript
• Experience building web applications including frontend and backend components
• Ability to design and implement REST APIs and integrate with external services
• Understanding of databases, authentication patterns, and application security
• Track record of shipping production software, not just proof-of-concepts

Deep Azure Platform Knowledge

• Comprehensive understanding of Azure services from both development and infrastructure perspectives
• Experience with Azure PaaS services and building applications on them including App Services, Function Apps, Kubernetes and Container Apps, App Insights, App Gateway and Azure Front Door
• Strong grasp of Infrastructure-as-Code (Bicep/Terraform/ARM templates)
• Knowledge of Azure identity, security, and governance (Entra ID, RBAC, Azure Policy, etc.)
• Understanding of foundational Azure services including management groups, subscriptions, policies, budgets, Vnets, NSGs, ExpressRoute, Azure Firewall, Private Endpoints, DNS and routing.
• Practical experience with Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions

Technical Leadership & Communication

• Proven ability to lead client conversations and present technical solutions confidently
• Experience providing technical guidance and thought leadership on complex problems
• Ability to work autonomously and make sound technical decisions
• Track record of delivering outcomes in Agile environments
• Strong communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences

The Ideal Candidate
We're Looking For Someone Who Brings a Rare Combination

• You've maintained hands-on development skills while growing into technical leadership roles
• You can credibly discuss code in pull reviews and architecture in boardrooms
• You know Azure services comprehensively and understand how they integrate and combine to produce effective solutions
• You get excited about building automation platforms, not just designing them
• You can translate business problems into technical solutions and then implement them
• You want to grow your impact while staying deeply technical

Life at Versent
We're a diverse team of motivated humans who think outside the box and strive to deliver what others might consider impossible. At Versent we truly care about our people and put real focus on cultivating a culture of learning, collaboration and growth.  We provide our teams with the space, trust, and support, to deliver the best work of their careers. To enable this, we have a culture that places a high value on continual feedback, excellence, and invention anchored in customer success.

We Also Offer Our Team

• Flexibility: We give you the freedom to excel, providing as much autonomy and flexibility around when you work so you can manage your time in a way that best suits you to get the job done.
• Learning: We are passionate about continuous improvement and care about you investing in and developing your craft. Our Craft 180 Program is a holistic strategy for ongoing, meaningful skill and capability development with an ultimate goal to create an environment where people can learn and contribute in different ways to develop, practice and become masters of their craft.
• Access to Benefits That Fit Your Life: From salary packaging and purchased leave to novated leasing options, we offer a range of benefits designed to suit different lifestyles and priorities. There's something for everyone.
• Health & Wellbeing Programmes: We focus on you as a whole person, with wellbeing initiatives that are to support you mentally, physically, emotionally and financially.
• Connection: Regular social activities across your team and the organisation.
• Recognition: We offer several reward & recognition programmes to acknowledge the amazing work that you do
• Career opportunity: We provide the opportunity to work on diverse projects and initiatives that enable you to create a brilliant career.

At Versent, we don't adhere to a one-size-fits-all hiring strategy. We understand that you might not fulfill all the criteria for this position. Our celebration of diverse perspectives isn't just a value, it's a way to gain an edge. If you believe this opportunity is where you can thrive, don't be shy and apply

If you require any accommodations throughout the interview process, please get in touch with us by emailing