GPS - Azure Cloud Platform Engineer - Lead Associate. Job in McLean Move Collective Jobs

At EY, we are committed to helping you shape your future with confidence.

Join EY and work in a globally connected environment with diverse teams, where your career potential knows no bounds. Our Government & Public Sector (GPS) practice at Ernst & Young LLP provides extensive consulting and audit services to our Federal, State, Local, and Education clients, enabling them to implement innovative ideas that achieve mission outcomes. We are dedicated to delivering real change and measurable results through our high-performing teams, quality work, operational expertise, and innovative thinking.

The Opportunity

This role is remote and can be executed within the Continental United States.

In this position, you will focus on:

• Designing cloud platform architectures and infrastructure as code for secure Azure / Azure Gov environments
• Building DevSecOps automation and CI/CD pipelines
• Enabling containerized workloads and hardened base images at scale
• Guiding teams in adopting modern cloud practices while preventing technical debt accumulation

Collaboration is key, as you will work with architects, security teams, and product managers, while mentoring junior engineers in a highly regulated mission environment. This role is ideal for self-starters who thrive in dynamic settings, prefer automation to manual processes, and are committed to continuous learning and team development.

What You'll Do

Cloud Platform & Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

• Design and maintain reusable IaC (Bicep, ARM templates) for scalable, secure Azure / Azure Gov environments.
• Implement and enhance Azure Policies and initiatives to uphold standards and safety measures.
• Apply modern engineering and security standards across platform components.

Containers & DevSecOps

• Engineer, automate, and deploy solutions and applications via Kubernetes, Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), and Azure Container Apps, utilizing technologies like Docker or Helm.
• Develop and sustain base container images and hardened OS images in accordance with DISA STIGs and other security protocols.
• Promote and advance DevSecOps practices throughout teams.

Automation & CI/CD

• Build and manage CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps, Git, and various automation tools.
• Automate repetitive infrastructure and application deployment tasks.
• Employ both manual and automated quality controls to ensure dependable releases.

Operations, Risk & Collaboration

• Troubleshoot and resolve issues within cloud and container platforms.
• Identify and communicate risks, assumptions, issues, and decisions throughout product development.
• Document and refine processes, maintaining close collaboration with product managers, architects, and security teams.
• Guide junior engineers and foster a high-performing DevSecOps culture.

What You Bring (Required)

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT, or a related field
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)
• 5+ years of experience in engineering roles with private/public cloud IaaS, PaaS, and/or SaaS
• Eligibility for obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret security clearance
• Strong hands-on experience with:
• Infrastructure as Code & CI/CD utilizing tools like Bicep, Azure DevOps, ARM templates, or Ansible
• Containers and orchestration techniques with tools like Docker, Kubernetes, AKS, Azure Container Apps, or Helm
• Networking fundamentals including design and troubleshooting of VNets, subnets, NSGs, routing, and load-balancing
• Cloud security principles such as shared responsibility and regulatory compliance understanding
• Identity and access management involving Microsoft Entra ID and Azure RBAC
• Windows and Linux administration including management and hardening of server workloads
• Scripting/programming proficiency with PowerShell (additional experience with Python or similar is a bonus)
• Additional Expectations:
• Familiarity with government security frameworks (e.g., NIST controls)
• Hands-on experience in Agile delivery environments
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in distributed teams

What Will Make You Stand Out (Preferred)

• Deeper practical experience with:
• Git-based source control and branching strategies
• Azure DevOps Pipelines and Azure platform services
• Advanced automation using Ansible and Bicep
• Azure Policy management and multi-tenant design
• Advanced networking in Azure
• Additional relevant certifications such as AZ-400, AZ-500, AZ-700, CKA, CKAD, or Red Hat Specialist in Ansible Automation

What We Offer You

At EY, we are dedicated to developing your skills with future-focused training and world-class experiences. We promote a flexible work environment utilizing a hybrid model, enabling you to balance personal and professional commitments. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package based on performance, including medical and dental coverage, pension and 401(k) plans, and various paid time off opti