principal cloud architect (gcc).

We are seeking a highly experienced and security-focused Government Community Cloud (GCC) Cloud Architect to join our expert team. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing cloud architectures that meet the rigorous security, compliance, and operational requirements of our government clients. You will be instrumental in translating complex government needs into robust cloud solutions, ensuring data sovereignty, regulatory adherence, and operational resilience.

about the manager/team

This role will be reporting to VP of service delivery

skills and experience required

• Strategic Cloud Architecture Design:

  • Lead the design and development of secure, scalable, and highly available cloud solutions within GCC environments (e.g., AWS GovCloud, Azure Government, Google Cloud for Government).

  • Translate complex government agency requirements, including security mandates, data residency, and compliance needs, into comprehensive cloud architectural blueprints.

  • Develop strategies for hybrid and multi-cloud integration, connecting on-premise government systems with cloud resources securely and efficiently.

• Compliance & Security Assurance:

  • Ensure all cloud architectures and implementations adhere strictly to government-specific compliance frameworks such as FedRAMP, NIST (e.g., SP 800-53, CSF), DoD SRG, CMMC, ITAR, and other relevant public sector regulations.

  • Integrate security best practices by design, including zero-trust principles, advanced encryption, identity and access management (IAM), network security, and data loss prevention (DLP).

  • Collaborate with GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) teams to facilitate audits, risk assessments, and maintain continuous compliance posture.

• Technical Leadership & Guidance:

  • Provide expert technical guidance to project teams, engineers, and clients on cloud architecture, deployment strategies, and operational best practices within GCC.

  • Act as a subject matter expert during client engagements, technical workshops, and proposal development, articulating complex technical solutions to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

  • Evaluate and recommend new cloud technologies, tools, and services that can enhance government mission capabilities while maintaining compliance.

• Implementation Oversight & Optimization:

  • Oversee the implementation of cloud solutions, ensuring adherence to architectural designs, security policies, and performance objectives.

  • Develop Infrastructure as Code (IaC) templates (e.g., Terraform, CloudFormation, ARM templates) to automate deployment and ensure consistent, compliant environments.

  • Identify opportunities for cloud cost optimization, performance tuning, and operational efficiency within GCC environments.

• Documentation & Knowledge Sharing:

  • Create detailed architectural documentation, design specifications, compliance artifacts, and operational runbooks.

  • Contribute to internal knowledge bases and conduct training sessions to elevate the team's expertise in GCC cloud architecture and compliance.

• Education & Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related technical field. Master's degree preferred.

  • 5 years of progressive experience in cloud architecture, with at least 2+ years directly focused on designing and implementing solutions within Government Community Cloud (GCC) environments (e.g., AWS GovCloud, Azure Government, Google Cloud for Government).

  • Proven track record of successfully delivering large-scale, complex cloud projects for government or highly regulated clients.

• Deep Compliance Knowledge:

  • Expert-level understanding and practical experience with government compliance frameworks (e.g., FedRAMP, NIST SP 800-53, DoD SRG, CMMC, ITAR).

  • Familiarity with government procurement processes and security accreditation lifecycles (e.g., ATO).

• Technical Proficiency:

  • Extensive hands-on experience with core services and architectural patterns on at least one major cloud platform (AWS, Azure, or GCP); multi-cloud expertise is highly desirable.

  • Strong background in cloud networking, security services, identity management, data services, and serverless architectures.

  • Proficiency with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools (e.g., Terraform, CloudFormation, ARM templates).

  • Experience with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and microservices architectures.

  • Solid understanding of operating systems (Linux, Windows) and virtualization technologies.

• Security Mindset:

  • Demonstrated ability to design and implement secure-by-design principles, including encryption, access controls, network segmentation, and incident response planning.

  • Experience with security tools and practices relevant to cloud environments (e.g., SIEM, WAF, IDS/IPS, vulnerability management).

• Soft Skills:

  • Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior government officials, technical teams, and project stakeholders.

  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities in complex, high-stakes environments.

  • Ability to lead, mentor, and collaborate effectively within a cross-functional team.

Preferred Certifications

• Cloud Architect Certifications:

  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional

  • Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect Expert

  • Google Professional Cloud Architect

To apply online please use the 'apply' function.
(EA: 94C3609/ R1324990)