Senior Cloud Engineer

Forge Forward is searching for a Senior Cloud Engineer to support a client in Charleston, SC. This position requires a minimum seven (7) years of experience in networking and support for IT and C4I systems.

The Senior Cloud Engineer is a hands-on, senior-level technical role responsible for the design, deployment, security, and lifecycle management of cloud infrastructure supporting mission-critical DoD and Navy systems. This position serves as a technical authority for secure cloud engineering, hybrid cloud migrations, vulnerability remediation, and RMF-compliant operations within Azure Government and Flank Speed IL5/IL6 environments. The engineer will lead and support migrations of on premises systems into classified and unclassified cloud environments, implement secure baselines, remediate vulnerabilities, and support ATO-aligned documentation efforts. The role requires deep experience with Windows and Linux systems, Azure networking and security services, and DevSecOps automation in regulated DoD environments. The Senior Cloud Engineer will have privileged access to systems and must independently troubleshoot complex cloud and system issues while working closely with cybersecurity, systems engineering, and program teams.

Functional Skills and Responsibilities:
- Design, deploy, and secure cloud infrastructure in Azure Government and Flank Speed (IL5 / IL6) environments
- Lead hybrid cloud migrations from on-premises data centers into Azure
- Engineer and maintain Windows and Linux virtual machines supporting mission systems
- Design and manage Azure networking (VNETs, subnets, NSGs, routing, Bastion)
- Implement and enforce secure system baselines aligned with DISA STIGs
- Conduct and remediate findings from SCAP, ACAS, and manual STIG assessments
- Integrate and manage Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (MDE) for continuous monitoring
- Support RMF activities, including control validation, POA&Ms, and continuous monitoring
- Develop and maintain automation using PowerShell, Bash, Python
- Support DevSecOps pipelines, source control, and deployment automation
- Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to ensure Zero Trust and least-privilege principles
- Troubleshoot cloud and system issues in lab and production environments
- Produce and review technical documentation including architecture diagrams, implementation plans, and compliance evidence
- Participate in technical reviews, engineering boards, and change management processes
- Mentor junior engineers and contribute to cloud engineering best practices

Desired Skills:
- Experience supporting Navy C4I environments
- Azure Government / classified cloud experience (IL5 / IL6)
- Experience supporting classified environments with privileged access
- Automate infrastructure provisioning using Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools such as Terraform or Ansible.
- Strong understanding of DevSecOps principles.
- Proficiency in scripting and programming languages (e.g., Python, Bash, PowerShell).
- Experience with CI/CD tools and automation platforms.
- Familiarity with containerization and cloud security.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- Familiarity with Navy cloud and automation platforms.

Certification Requirements:
- DoD Cybersecurity Workforce IAT Level II
- Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) ore equivalent