Cloud System Engineer

About the Role

Since 1958, DARPA has made pivotal investments in breakthrough technologies for national security. As the world changes dramatically – and even the pace of change itself increases – the agency seeks to engage the best minds and best ideas across specialties, communities, and disciplines to solve the greatest national security challenges on the horizon. DARPA brings together scientists, engineers, and tinkerers across the innovation ecosystem to push the bounds of technological possibility. The work we do is challenging by nature, but working with DARPA doesn’t have to be.

To make it happen, DARPA's program managers need highly skilled support contractors, broadly referred to as SETAs (Scientific Engineering and Technical Assistance) within DARPA. Often spanning programs, portfolios, and even offices in their impact, the SETAs help program managers chart and navigate the path toward groundbreaking discoveries. For the fortunate few who become part of the DARPA legacy, a time bound journey with the organization represents a unique and singular opportunity to alter the future. At DARPA, every day is a chance to make history. A chance to explore, discover, and invent. A chance to collaborate with pioneers in science and engineering contributing to an enduring mission.

Twenty8Tech (A Redhawk Company) has an immediate opening for a hybrid (telework/office) Cloud System Engineer SETA to join our team at DARPA. As a Cloud System Engineer SETA, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining scalable and secure cloud infrastructure solutions that support the organization's objectives. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of cloud services with existing systems, optimizing performance and reliability. Your role will involve continuous monitoring and troubleshooting of cloud environments to proactively address potential issues and minimize downtime. You will also contribute to the development and enforcement of cloud security policies and best practices to safeguard data and applications. Ultimately, your expertise will enable the organization to leverage cloud technologies effectively, driving innovation and operational efficiency.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Proven experience working with major cloud platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform.
• Strong understanding of networking concepts, virtualization, and cloud security principles.
• Experience with infrastructure automation tools such as Terraform, Ansible, or CloudFormation.
• Familiarity with containerization technologies like Docker and orchestration tools such as Kubernetes.
• Top-Secret Security Clearance, eligible for access to SCI and SAP.
• DOD 8140.01, Cyber Workforce Advance qualification (DCWF code 651) is required.
• Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) or similar Agile methodology certification is desired.
• DOD or DARPA experience is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional cloud certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator, or Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices.
• Knowledge of scripting languages such as Python, Bash, or PowerShell.
• Understanding of compliance standards such as GDPR, HIPAA, or SOC 2.
• Experience with monitoring and logging tools like Prometheus, Grafana, or ELK stack.
• 15 years of IT experience including 5-10 years in Cloud Operations, Cloud Architecture, and/or Cloud Security Architecture.
• Experience in oversight of cloud managed service providers and infrastructure as a service (IaaS) environments and other cloud service offerings (e.g., Saas, PaaS).

Responsibilities

• Provide primary support and subject matter expertise to the government Chief of Cloud Services.
• Conduct and/or actively participate in meetings related to the designated project(s) with Operations teams and other Support / Technical office personnel.
• Interfacing with and helping oversee CSP professional service personnel.
• Provide knowledge transfer of cloud and hybrid cloud IT solutions to ITD government and contractor staff.
• Identify implementation risks and analyses potential impact on the enterprise and on the achievement of scheduled objectives.
• AWS, Microsoft, Oracle, Google, and other CSP cost tracking and invoice management.
• Driving cloud first mandates and SaaS continued exploration and utilization in alignment with DARPA and DOD strategic initiatives.
• Driving standardization across networks, ensuring IT 101 is covered across ITD, and identifying foundational issues that need immediate resolution.
• Coordinate with other contractors and government agencies to ensure cybersecurity architectures and engineering solutions are integrated and aligned with Agency and DOD goals as well as federal mandates.
• Stay current with emerging cloud technologies and recommend enhancements to improve system capabilities.

Skills

The required skills enable the Cloud System Engineer to design and maintain robust cloud environments by applying deep knowledge of cloud platforms and infrastructure automation. Networking and security expertise are essential for protecting data and ensuring reliable connectivity across distributed systems. Proficiency with containerization and orchestration tools allows for efficient deployment and management of applications in dynamic cloud settings. Preferred skills such as scripting and DevOps practices facilitate automation and continuous integration, enhancing operational efficiency. Additionally, familiarity with compliance and monitoring tools supports adherence to regulatory requirements and proactive system health management.