IBM Sterling SF Azure

We are seeking a highly experienced IBM Sterling Architect / Lead Consultant with proven experience in successfully implementing and modernizing IBM Sterling Managed File Transfer solutions on Microsoft Azure Cloud. The consultant will lead the architecture, migration strategy, proof-of-concept (POC), implementation, testing, deployment, and operational readiness activities for a large enterprise file transfer modernization initiative. The ideal candidate should have hands-on experience migrating on-prem IBM Sterling platforms to Azure-based containerized architectures and delivering enterprise-scale managed file transfer solutions.

Key Responsibilities Assessment & Discovery

• Assess current IBM Sterling File Gateway / Sterling B2B Integrator ecosystem.
• Evaluate existing file transfer patterns, partner configurations, protocols, security models, and operational processes.
• Develop migration roadmap from on-premises Sterling environment to Azure.

Solution Architecture

• Create target-state architecture for IBM Sterling on Azure.
• Design highly available, scalable, and secure Azure-based MFT platform.
• Define integration architecture with:
• Azure Container Apps (ACA)
• Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) where applicable
• Azure Storage
• Azure Monitor
• Azure Key Vault
• Azure Virtual Networks
• Azure Load Balancer / Application Gateway
• Azure DevOps

POC & Migration Execution

• Lead Sterling-to-Azure proof of concept.
• Implement containerization strategy for Sterling components.
• Design migration approach for:
• B2B Integrator
• File Gateway
• Control Center
• Secure Proxy
• Connect Direct
• Migrate partner configurations and routing rules.
• Conduct performance, resiliency, DR, and failover testing.

Engineering & DevOps

• Build CI/CD pipelines.
• Automate deployments and promotion across environments.
• Implement Infrastructure as Code using Terraform or Bicep.
• Develop monitoring, alerting, and operational dashboards.

Testing & Readiness

• Create:
• Solution Design Documents
• Test Strategy
• Deployment Runbooks
• Rollback Plans
• Operational Support Documentation
• Knowledge Transfer Artifacts
• Support UAT and production deployment.
• Lead defect triage and issue resolution.

Required Technical Skills IBM Sterling Expertise (Mandatory) Minimum 8+ years working with:

• IBM Sterling File Gateway
• IBM Sterling B2B Integrator
• IBM Sterling Secure Proxy
• IBM Control Center
• IBM Connect: Direct
• Sterling File Transfer Governance

Must have completed at least:

• 2+ Sterling Cloud Migration engagements
• 1+ Sterling migration to Azure Cloud
• 1+ enterprise MFT modernization program

Azure Cloud Expertise (Mandatory) Strong expertise in:

• Azure Container Apps (ACA)
• Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)
• Azure Virtual Network
• Azure Load Balancer
• Azure Application Gateway
• Azure Monitor
• Azure Log Analytics
• Azure Storage Accounts
• Azure Key Vault
• Azure Entra ID
• Azure DevOps

Experience deploying containerized enterprise middleware platforms on Azure is required.

DevOps Skills

• Azure DevOps
• GitHub
• CI/CD Automation
• Jenkins (preferred)
• Terraform
• Bicep
• ARM Templates
• Docker
• Kubernetes

Security & Compliance Experience implementing:

• SFTP
• FTPS
• AS2
• HTTPS
• PGP Encryption
• TLS Certificates
• Key Management
• HIPAA-regulated environments
• Enterprise security controls

Desired Experience Strong preference for candidates with:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield environment experience
• Healthcare Payer experience
• Large enterprise MFT modernization programs
• Regulated industry implementations
• Hybrid-cloud architecture
• Legacy file transfer platform migration

Deliverables Expected Candidate should demonstrate prior ownership of: Architecture

• Current State Assessment
• Future State Architecture
• Migration Roadmap

Engineering

• Azure Landing Zone Design
• Sterling Deployment Architecture
• HA/DR Architecture
• Performance Validation

Delivery

• POC Completion
• Migration Plan
• Deployment Runbooks
• Release Plans
• Knowledge Transfer

Operations

• Monitoring Framework
• Support Model

Operational Procedures