Cloud Architect

Colsa-5; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Short-Term Disability

Long-Term Disability

401(k) with company match

Education reimbursement

Paid Time Off

Employee Discounts

Job summary

COLSA Corporation seeks a Cloud Architect to develop advanced cloud solutions for defense programs. You will analyze government cloud strategies, translate mission requirements into designs, and guide contractors on secure cloud implementations.

Responsibilities include evaluating AWS/Azure services, overseeing Terraform and CloudFormation usage, and mentoring government staff in DevSecOps practices to improve security and efficiency across programs.

Qualifications

• Requires a STEM master’s degree with 10+ years of relevant DoD/ missile defense IT experience.
• Alternative: bachelor’s degree with 15+ years in large DoD programs.
• Ability to work independently or lead teams with engineering rigor.
• U.S. Citizenship and active DoD SECRET clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and document government cloud strategies and architectural plans.
• Collaborate with government stakeholders to translate mission requirements into technical concepts and patterns.
• Assess cloud services from AWS and Azure and provide modernization recommendations.
• Review cloud designs and CI/CD pipelines for security and efficiency.
• Mentor government staff on emerging cloud technologies and best practices.

Skills

Independent work

Team leadership

Creative problem solving

Security clearance

Education

Master’s degree in STEM

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Tools

Terraform

CloudFormation

CI/CD pipelines

DevSecOps

Job description

COLSA Corporation is currently seeking a Cloud Architect responsible for developing and applying advanced techniques in the investigation and solution of advanced system requirements and problems.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (*Essential functions)

• Analyze and document government cloud strategies and architectural plans.
• Collaborate with government stakeholders to translate mission requirements into technical concepts and design patterns.
• Conduct analysis of alternatives and provide recommendations for cloud services from providers like AWS and Azure.
• Provide technical oversight and review of cloud infrastructure designs and implementation plans from development contractors.
• Analyze and advise on the use of infrastructure automation tools (e.g., Terraform, CloudFormation) to ensure best practices.
• Assess and advise on strategies for migrating on-premises applications and data to the cloud.
• Ensure proposed cloud solutions adhere to DoD security policies, including the DoD Zero Trust Strategy and relevant Impact Level (IL) requirements.
• Review and advise on the implementation and monitoring of security controls, including identity management, encryption, and network security.
• Assist with the review and preparation of documentation for security assessments and Authority to Operate (ATO) processes.
• Analyze and provide recommendations on Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines to enhance security and efficiency.
• Promote the adoption of DevSecOps best practices across government and contractor teams.
• As a SETA professional, provide unbiased technical advice, analysis, and recommendations to government leadership.
• Review the work of development contractors to ensure alignment with architectural, security, and performance standards.
• Mentor and advise government technical staff on emerging cloud technologies and best practices.

At COLSA, people are our most valuable resource and centered at our core value. We invite you to unite your talents with opportunity and be a part of our “Family of Professionals!” Learn about our employee-centric culture and benefits here: https://www.colsa.com/culture_benefits/

Required Experience

Required Qualifications

• Masters Degree in STEM field from an accredited institution with 10 years of relevant IT experience working on missile defense-related or other, large DoD program/projects
  • Acceptable Alternative: Bachelors Degree with 15 years of relevant IT experience working on missile defense related or other complex, large DoD program/projects
• Work independently as a team member or leading teams/tasks applying engineering rigor to solve engineering/scientific problems
• Must possess the ability to develop technical solutions to complex problems which require the regular use of ingenuity and creativity
• U.S. Citizenship required; Active DoD SECRET security clearance

Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. COLSA Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

Salary Type

Annually

The salary range, if referenced, represents a good faith estimate. COLSA considers various factors when determining base salary offers, but not limited to, location, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements.

COLSA offers a comprehensive and customizeable benefits program which includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Supplemental Income Protection Programs, 401(k) with company match, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Education & Certification Reimbursement, Employee Discount Program, Paid Time Off and Holidays.

This position will be posted for a minimum of 3 business days. If a candidate has not been selected at that time, it will continue to be posted until a suitable candidate is selected or the position is closed.