Senior Cloud/DevOps Engineer

Description:
On-site in Fort Meade, MD

Our client seeks a Senior Cloud/DevOps Engineer to design, automate, secure, and operate enterprise cloud and hybrid platforms in support of a DISA Citadel mission within a secure DoD environment. The role implements infrastructure as code, builds CI/CD pipelines, manages container orchestration, and embeds DevSecOps practices. The engineer collaborates with systems, software, and cybersecurity teams to modernize infrastructure, ensure compliance, and improve reliability across mission-critical systems.

Due to federal security clearance requirements, applicant must be a United States Citizen with an active Secret clearance. This is a contract to hire opportunity. Applicants must be willing and able to work on a w2 basis and convert to FTE following contract duration. For our w2 consultants, we offer a great benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, 401k with company matching, and life insurance.

Rate: $65.00 to $75.00/hr. w2

Responsibilities:

• Design, deploy, and maintain secure cloud and hybrid infrastructure environments supporting DISA Citadel operations.
• Develop and manage CI/CD pipelines to automate application and infrastructure deployments.
• Implement Infrastructure as Code solutions using Terraform, Ansible, CloudFormation, or similar tools.
• Build and maintain containerized environments using Docker and Kubernetes.
• Automate system provisioning, configuration management, monitoring, and operational workflows.
• Support DevSecOps initiatives by integrating security controls and compliance checks into deployment pipelines.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to ensure compliance with RMF, STIG, and DoD security standards.
• Monitor platform performance, troubleshoot infrastructure issues, and optimize system reliability and scalability.
• Support cloud migration, modernization, and technology refresh initiatives.
• Develop technical documentation, SOPs, architecture diagrams, and deployment procedures.
• Participate in incident response, disaster recovery planning, and operational readiness activities.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to engineering best practices and continuous improvement efforts.

Experience Requirements:

• 8+ years in cloud engineering, DevOps, platform engineering, or systems automation.
• Experience supporting DoD or federal government environments.
• Proficiency with AWS, Azure, or hybrid cloud environments.
• Hands-on experience with CI/CD tools such as Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, GitHub Actions, or Azure DevOps.
• Expertise with Terraform, Ansible, or similar IaC/configuration management tools.
• Experience with Kubernetes, OpenShift, and container orchestration technologies.
• Linux administration and shell scripting.
• Monitoring and logging tools experience such as Prometheus or Grafana.
• Experience implementing DevSecOps and automated security practices.
• Understanding of RMF, STIG compliance, ACAS, and DoD cybersecurity requirements.
• Active Security+ CE or equivalent DoD 8570/8140 certification.
• Active Secret clearance.
• Preferred: AWS Solutions Architect, DevOps Engineer, Kubernetes, or Terraform certifications.
• Preferred: Experience supporting enterprise DISA or mission-critical defense systems.
• Preferred: Familiarity with Platform One, Iron Bank, or DoD cloud initiatives.
• Preferred: Experience with serverless architectures and microservices design.
• Preferred: Knowledge of Zero Trust architecture principles.
• Preferred: Experience supporting classified cloud environments.
• Desired: Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Desired: Ability to work in fast-paced operational environments.
• Desired: Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
• Desired: Strong understanding of automation-first operational models.
• Desired: Ability to balance mission priorities, operational support, and engineering modernization efforts.

Education Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.