Cloud Engineer - SOF AT&L

Applied Res; Tampa (FL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Solutions is seeking a Cloud Engineer to support SOF modernization efforts at MacDill AFB, FL. You will lead complex cloud and software integration initiatives, leverage Kubernetes, and apply DevSecOps practices within a DoD context.

Candidates should have 10+ years of technical engineering experience, TS/SCI clearance, and a strong background in cloud architectures and RMF security. On-site role with travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field required; Master's preferred.
• Minimum 10+ years of technical engineering experience with DoD context.
• Active TS/SCI clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Provides expert-level engineering leadership in Cloud, DevSecOps, and software integration for SOF modernization.
• Reviews engineering change proposals and evaluates DoDAF artifacts.
• Applies RMF understanding to ensure Cloud architectures meet security requirements.
• Leads Kubernetes orchestration and Cloud-native architectures; evaluates major Cloud Platforms.
• Engages in SAFe-aligned software development; guides backlog refinement and PI planning.
• Coordinates with managers, budget personnel, and stakeholders on program effort.
• Performs market research and evaluations of emerging technologies relevant to SOF missions.

Skills

Cloud architecture

Kubernetes

DevSecOps

RMF security

DoD experience

Education

Bachelor's Degree in technical field

Master's Degree in technical field (preferred)

Job description

Applied Research Solutions has an exciting new opportunity for a Cloud Engineer in support of Special Operations Forces Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (SOF AT&L) Program Executive Office for Software Development & Acquisition (PEO-SDA).

PEO-SDA delivers operational software and digital platforms across multiple networks to automate complex SOF workflows and rapidly close capability gaps. By partnering with USSOCOM S&T and leveraging external investments and best practices, SDA matures and transitions emerging technologies into fielded capabilities while increasing SOF buying power. The organization operates in real-world exercises and experiments to ensure solutions work in complex operational environments, and it advances secure modern delivery through accredited DevSecOps infrastructure, rapid prototyping approaches, and scalable digital ecosystem, intelligence, and mission command applications.

This is a full-time position located at MacDill AFB, FL

Why Work with us?

Applied Research Solutions (ARS) is respected as a world-class provider of technically integrated solutions as we deliver premier talent and technology across our focused markets for unparalleled, continuous mission support.Awarded a Best Places to Work nominee since 2020, ARS recognizes that without our career-driven, loyal professionals, we would not be able to deliver state-of-the-art results for our mission partners. We firmly believe that prioritizing our employees is of the upmost importance. We provide a culture where our employees are challenged to meet their career goals and aspirations, while still obtaining a work/life balance. ARS employees are motivated through our industry competitive benefits package, our awards and recognition program, and personalized attention from ARS Senior Managers.

Responsibilities include:

• Provides expert-level engineering leadership in support of SOF enterprise modernization efforts, with responsibility for complex multi-disciplinary engineering activities supporting Cloud, DevSecOps, and enterprise software integration.
• Completes advanced engineering demand tasks including reviewing engineering change proposals, conducting evaluations of DoDAF artifacts, analyzing Cloud architectures, and assessing operations in multi-Cloud environments.
• Applies extensive knowledge of RMF within Cloud architectures to ensure enterprise solutions adhere to security and accreditation requirements.
• Serves as a senior technical advisor on Kubernetes orchestration, deployment patterns, and Cloud-native architectures; provides expert-level analysis of strengths and weaknesses of major Cloud Platforms and their applicability to SOF Cloud Operations.
• Provides expert guidance on Cloud platform selection and design based on mission requirements, operational environment, performance considerations, and security constraints.
• Engages in advanced Agile SAFe-aligned software development activities; leads and participates in Agile ceremonies; utilizes SAFe management tools to guide backlog refinement, PI planning, and cross-team coordination.
• Applies significant software and/or systems integration experience within SOF or IC environments to ensure alignment with mission needs and enterprise technical baselines.
• Possesses a midlevel understanding of networking concepts and applies advanced tools to document and analyze complex technical tasks, including implementation of Center for Internet Security (CIS) benchmarks and controls within enterprise engineering solutions.
• Conducts and supports DoD software testing methodologies, including evaluation of test plans, scripts, results, and required documentation for enterprise-grade systems—preferably within SOF or IC mission contexts.
• Employs and evaluates state-of-the-art information technology, environmental engineering technologies, and Cloud-native frameworks, integrating them into system planning, design, operation, and modernization strategies.
• Supports development, planning, and management of enterprise-level system engineering efforts, coordinating with organizational managers, engineering authorities, budget personnel, and mission stakeholders.
• Provides advanced inputs and recommendations for status briefings, engineering reports, and leadership updates on assigned programs and technical efforts.
• Conducts market research, technology scouting, and evaluations of emerging technologies relevant to SOF missions.
• Performs surveillance of design, development, integration, and production activities on behalf of government counterparts, ensuring compliance with approved engineering processes.
• Identifies engineering deficiencies, evaluates impacts, and recommends corrective actions based on detailed examination and trend analysis of engineering performance data.
• Coordinates and participates in technical reviews, readiness assessments, and engineering decision forums across multi-disciplinary teams.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/ Technical Experience Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.

Clearance: Must possess and maintain a TS w/SCI eligibility.

Education: Bachelor's Degree in a technical field (Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cloud Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline). Master's Degree in any field (technical preferred).

Years of Experience: Minimum of 10+ years of technical engineering experience to include:

• 5+ years of DoD experience (SOF or IC preferred).
• 3+ years of experience in Cloud architecture, Kubernetes, enterprise DevSecOps, or similar technical areas.
• Experience integrating and modernizing enterprise IT systems, preferably in SOF or IC operational environments.
• Experience applying RMF to Cloud architectures, containerized workloads, and enterprise IT systems.
• Experience with software integration, systems integration, mission system engineering, and complex systems-of-systems environments.

Additional Information

Location: MacDill AFB, FL

On-Site/Hybrid/Remote: On-Site

Travel: 10%

All positions at Applied Research Solutions are subject to background investigations. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history and identity check.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans and requires affirmative action by covered contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.