Chief Cloud Engineer

*Active TS/SCI Clearance is needed for consideration to this role*

Zachary Piper Solutions is currently seeking a Chief Cloud Engineer to support the U.S. Space Force / Space Systems Command's Space Combat Power portfolio based in El Segundo, CA . This position is a full-time, onsite role. This position is critical in delivering warfighter capability through modern cloud, cyber, and software engineering solutions. As a Chief Cloud Engineer , you will play a pivotal role in developing, deploying, and securing cloud-native environments and mission applications that enable Space Force cyber operators and protect key national space assets.

Responsibilities:

• Participate in software development efforts across the full software engineering lifecycle, including estimation, design, documentation, implementation, testing, and integration.
• Design, deploy, and operate AWS cloud services and cloud-native web applications supporting high-volume data flows.
• Architect connectivity solutions between commercial cloud service providers and on-premise networks.
• Apply analytical, automation, and coding expertise across all phases of the SDLC.
• Prepare technical documentation including architecture diagrams, detailed specifications, and system design artifacts.
• Support multiple application teams developing full or partial cloud representations of lab-hosted systems.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to develop best practices, templates, and automation solutions for cloud hosting.
• Design and integrate new COTS and custom applications and O&M tools into existing cloud environments.
• Solve complex software architecture challenges and contribute to broad design solutions.
• Manage virtual and physical servers across various operating systems (Windows Server, Ubuntu, CentOS, etc.).
• Implement privacy, security, and compliance best practices to safeguard server infrastructure.
• Proactively anticipate, mitigate, troubleshoot, and resolve software and hardware issues.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Engineering and 18+ years of experience.
• 10+ years working in mesh cloud architectures (AWS, Platform One, Azure, C2S, etc.).
• Active in-scope T5 investigation, adjudicated for SCI eligibility; enrolled in Continuous Vetting (if applicable).
• Willingness to be nominated for SCI compartments and consent to polygraph examination.
• Cloud SysOps Administrator Certification.
• Experience with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, Helm, Ansible, etc.).
• Demonstrated proficiency coding and automating in Python, PHP, or similar.
• Proven experience in DevSecOps software development environments.

Compensation Includes:

• $200,000 - $220,000 *Depending on Experience*
• Health, Dental, Vision, 401K, Paid Holidays, Sick Leave if Required by Law

This job opens for applications on 2/24/26. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date

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