Cloud Engineer - AWS

LightFeather is seeking a Cloud Engineer – AWS who will be responsible for designing, deploying, and optimizing cloud-based infrastructure within Amazon Web Services (AWS). This role requires expertise in AWS architecture, automation, security best practices, and DevOps methodologies. The ideal candidate will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure cloud systems are secure, scalable, and compliant with federal standards.

This role offers the opportunity to support high-impact cloud modernization projects within the federal sector, ensuring secure and efficient AWS platform operations.

• Location: In-Person (5 days/week) in Arlington, VA
• Job Type: Full Time
• Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship Required
• Clearance Requirement: Active Secret Security Clearance Required

Key Responsibilities

• Cloud Infrastructure Management: Design, implement, and maintain AWS cloud infrastructure using EC2, VPC, RDS, S3, EBS, and IAM.
• Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Automate AWS resource provisioning and configuration using Terraform, CloudFormation, and Ansible.
• Security & Compliance: Implement cloud security best practices, including IAM roles, AWS Shield, AWS Macie, encryption, and FedRAMP compliance.
• CI/CD Pipeline Management: Develop and manage CI/CD pipelines using GitLab, Jenkins, and AWS CodePipeline to streamline deployments.
• Monitoring & Optimization: Utilize AWS CloudWatch, CloudTrail, and Log Insights to track system health, troubleshoot issues, and enhance performance.
• Networking & Load Balancing: Configure and optimize AWS VPCs, Route 53, Elastic Load Balancers (ELB), and AWS Direct Connect.
• Hybrid Cloud & Migration: Support AWS cloud migrations and hybrid environments, integrating with on-premises and multi-cloud architectures.
• Automation & Scripting: Develop automation scripts using Python, PowerShell, and Bash to improve efficiency and reduce manual workload.
• Disaster Recovery & Backup Solutions: Implement AWS backup strategies, including S3 lifecycle policies, AWS Backup, and snapshot automation.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with government agencies, DevOps teams, and security engineers to align AWS solutions with mission objectives.

Required Qualifications

• US Citizenship.
• Active Secret clearance.
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in cloud engineering, DevOps, or systems administration, with a strong focus on AWS environments.
• Certifications: AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (Preferred) or equivalent AWS certification.
• Cloud Security & Compliance: Strong knowledge of AWS IAM, encryption, security monitoring, and compliance frameworks (FedRAMP, NIST, DoD security standards).
• DevOps & Automation: Hands-on experience with Terraform, Ansible, Jenkins, GitHub, and AWS DevOps services.
• Multi-Cloud & Hybrid Cloud Experience: Experience working in multi-cloud and hybrid environments integrating AWS, Azure, and on-premise infrastructure.
• Networking Expertise: Strong proficiency in AWS networking services (VPC, Route 53, VPN, Direct Connect, and ELB).
• Scripting & Automation: Proficiency in Python, PowerShell, Bash, and YAML/JSON for cloud automation and system management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting federal agencies or DoD cloud environments.
• Hands-on experience with AWS Lambda, Kubernetes (EKS), and microservices architecture.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills for troubleshooting cloud environments.

Why Join LightFeather?

You'll be part of a team dedicated to meaningful impact, working on solutions that address mission-critical needs. Experience variety, fulfillment, and the opportunity to work with some of the best in the industry. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone is valued and respected.