Yesterday
Top Secret/SCI
Senior Level Career (10+ yrs experience)
$150,000 and above
CI Polygraph
IT - Security
Columbia, MD (On-Site/Office)
Cloud Architect - Subject Matter Expert
JOB DESCRIPTION
X8 seeks an experienced Cloud Architect SME to lead the design, development, and implementation of cloud-based infrastructure and services to support mission-critical systems. This position is located on-site in Columbia, MD.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
• Serve as a hands-on architect designing secure, scalable, and mission-aligned cloud solutions across AWS and hybrid environments.
• Lead multi-disciplinary engineering teams through full project lifecycles—architecture, implementation, DevSecOps pipeline integration, and ATO readiness.
• Drive cloud migration efforts from on-premises legacy systems to cloud-native platforms across multiple classification enclaves.
• Build and optimize infrastructure-as-code and automation solutions using tools such as Terraform, Ansible, and Kubernetes.
• Define and implement architecture standards and system documentation in support of federal governance and accreditation requirements.
• Interface directly with government stakeholders to align technical roadmaps with mission objectives, and present architectural plans and risk assessments.
• Guide the integration of CI/CD pipelines, container orchestration, and enterprise IAM platforms to modernize and secure development environments.
• Oversee and troubleshoot performance tuning, system availability, and security posture across complex cloud deployments.
WHAT REQUIRED SKILLS YOU'LL BRING
• Degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering Science, Engineering Management or related discipline
• Master’s with 15 years, Bachelor’s with 18 years, or Associate’s/HS with 20 years of relevant experience
• Proven success architecting and deploying large-scale AWS environments and cloud-based HPC and VDI solutions
• Strong knowledge of DevSecOps practices and containerized environments (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes, OpenShift)
• Expertise in CI/CD tools such as GitLab, Jenkins, and security automation and scanning technologies
• Experience leading technical teams and coordinating cross-agency efforts for system modernization and accreditation
• Proficiency in infrastructure-as-code, scripting, and modern cloud-native tech stacks
WHAT DESIRED SKILLS YOU'LL BRING
• Experience supporting USCYBERCOM, DISA, or other IC/DoD clients
• Familiarity with NGA C2S, Platform One, and other government cloud environments
• Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments with a focus on continuous integration and delivery
• Hands-on experience with identity and access management solutions such as Keycloak, and integration with enterprise identity providers
MINIMUM CLEARANCE REQUIRED
• Current and Active Top Secret SCI CI Poly
COMPENSATION
• Pay Range: Starting at $175,000+
• Up to 5% annual salary retention bonus
• Up to $5,000 continuing education reimbursement
• Up to $7,500 employee referral bonus
• Benefits: 100% medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance
• Time Off: 24 Days PTO and 13 holidays
• 401K: up to 10% 401(k) contribution
JOB DESCRIPTION
X8 seeks an experienced Cloud Architect SME to lead the design, development, and implementation of cloud-based infrastructure and services to support mission-critical systems. This position is located on-site in Columbia, MD.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
• Serve as a hands-on architect designing secure, scalable, and mission-aligned cloud solutions across AWS and hybrid environments.
• Lead multi-disciplinary engineering teams through full project lifecycles—architecture, implementation, DevSecOps pipeline integration, and ATO readiness.
• Drive cloud migration efforts from on-premises legacy systems to cloud-native platforms across multiple classification enclaves.
• Build and optimize infrastructure-as-code and automation solutions using tools such as Terraform, Ansible, and Kubernetes.
• Define and implement architecture standards and system documentation in support of federal governance and accreditation requirements.
• Interface directly with government stakeholders to align technical roadmaps with mission objectives, and present architectural plans and risk assessments.
• Guide the integration of CI/CD pipelines, container orchestration, and enterprise IAM platforms to modernize and secure development environments.
• Oversee and troubleshoot performance tuning, system availability, and security posture across complex cloud deployments.
WHAT REQUIRED SKILLS YOU'LL BRING
• Degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering Science, Engineering Management or related discipline
• Master’s with 15 years, Bachelor’s with 18 years, or Associate’s/HS with 20 years of relevant experience
• Proven success architecting and deploying large-scale AWS environments and cloud-based HPC and VDI solutions
• Strong knowledge of DevSecOps practices and containerized environments (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes, OpenShift)
• Expertise in CI/CD tools such as GitLab, Jenkins, and security automation and scanning technologies
• Experience leading technical teams and coordinating cross-agency efforts for system modernization and accreditation
• Proficiency in infrastructure-as-code, scripting, and modern cloud-native tech stacks
WHAT DESIRED SKILLS YOU'LL BRING
• Experience supporting USCYBERCOM, DISA, or other IC/DoD clients
• Familiarity with NGA C2S, Platform One, and other government cloud environments
• Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments with a focus on continuous integration and delivery
• Hands-on experience with identity and access management solutions such as Keycloak, and integration with enterprise identity providers
MINIMUM CLEARANCE REQUIRED
• Current and Active Top Secret SCI CI Poly
COMPENSATION
• Pay Range: Starting at $175,000+
• Up to 5% annual salary retention bonus
• Up to $5,000 continuing education reimbursement
• Up to $7,500 employee referral bonus
• Benefits: 100% medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance
• Time Off: 24 Days PTO and 13 holidays
• 401K: up to 10% 401(k) contribution
group id: 90941122
