Cloud Engineer (TS/SCI CI Poly) (5304) (Chantilly, VA; Herndon, VA; Aurora, CO)

SMX; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 111,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid leave

Retirement plan

Job summary

SMX is seeking a Cloud Engineer to join a fast-paced, on-site team supporting national defense programs. You will lead design, development, and integration of cloud- and network-architectures and work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure optimal system performance.

The role requires Security+ certification and an active TS/SCI CI Poly clearance, with on-site work in Chantilly, VA, Herndon, VA, or Aurora, CO. A strong background in cloud platforms and automation is essential.

Qualifications

• Security+ certification required for the role.
• Active TS/SCI CI Poly clearance is required.
• 4+ years of hands-on experience in building, deployment, or orchestration of cloud applications across AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
• Experience with infrastructure‑as‑code, automated configurations, large‑scale deployments, and CI/CD processes.
• Proficiency with containerization tools such as Docker, OpenShift, or Kubernetes.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and integration of cloud and network architectures for national defense programs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure system performance.
• Perform system assessments, troubleshoot, and propose optimizations.
• Prepare technical diagrams, documentation, and reports.
• Guide architecture design for Windows Server–based IT systems and management tools.
• Assess current environments and migration dependencies with systems and network teams.
• Develop workload migration plans with timelines and risk mitigations.
• Coordinate with program managers to align architecture with project goals.
• Provide oversight during implementation to ensure compliance.
• Advance automation and orchestration across systems and networks.

Skills

Security+ certification

TS/SCI CI Poly clearance

Cloud experience (AWS/Azure/GCP)

Infrastructure as Code

CI/CD

Docker

Kubernetes

OpenShift

Tools

Windows Server

Job description

SMX has an immediate opportunity for a Cloud Engineer who is excited to apply their talents to our customer's challenging project and one who will thrive in a collaborative environment. The ideal candidate is a recognized professional with hands‑on expertise and an excellent understanding of engineering processes supporting large, National Defense, Agile software development programs. With a team of system and software engineers in a fast‑paced environment you will be an integral part of Intel Community programs.

This role is on site Monday - Friday in either Chantilly, VA, Herndon, VA or Aurora, CO. This position requires the Security+ certification and an active TS/SCI CI Poly clearance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, development, and integration of ashore and afloat network and cloud-agnostic system architectures to meet operational objectives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineers, program managers, and other stakeholders, to ensure seamless system performance.
• Conduct system assessments, troubleshoot issues, and recommend enhancements for optimal performance.
• Prepare technical documentation, diagrams, and reports for stakeholders.
• Lead the design of architectures for Windows Server–based enterprise IT systems and management tools.
• Collaborate with systems and network engineering teams to assess current‑state environments and identify migration dependencies.
• Develop detailed workload migration plans, including timelines, risk assessments, and mitigation strategies.
• Work closely with technical and program managers to ensure alignment of architecture plans with broader project goals and timelines.
• Provide guidance and oversight during implementation phases to ensure architectural compliance.
• Scale delivery of modern systems engineering best practices, including digital engineering, automation, and orchestration across both systems and network solutions.

Required Skills/Experience:

• Clearance: TS/SCI CI Polygraph
• On site support Monday - Friday in Chantilly, VA, Herndon, VA or Aurora, CO
• Security+ certification
• Minimum of 4+ years of experience in building, deployment, release automation, or orchestration, along with expertise in supporting cloud applications and infrastructures across platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud.
• Hands‑on experience with infrastructure‑as‑code environments, automated configurations, large‑scale software deployments, and continuous integration/delivery processes, as well as proficiency in containerization tools such as Docker, OpenShift, or Kubernetes.
• Must possess a TS/SCI clearance with a polygraph, a high school diploma or GED, and must have certifications such as Security+ CE, SSCP, CCNA‑Security, or GSEC.

Desired Qualifications:

• Additional preferred qualifications include scripting abilities in languages like Bash, PowerShell, or Python, familiarity with protocols including JSON and XML, an understanding of frameworks like OWASP or DevSecOps, and a cloud certification (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate, Google Cloud Architect, or MCSE – Cloud Platform).
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to enhance automation processes will set exceptional candidates apart.

Application Deadline: September 28, 2026

The SMX salary determination process takes into account a number of factors, including but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories, relevant prior work experience, specific skills, education and certifications. At SMX, one of our Core Values is to Invest in Our People so we offer a competitive mix of compensation, learning & development opportunities, and benefits. Some key components of our robust benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and retirement.

The proposed salary for this position is:: $110,800 USD - $184,700 USD

At SMX, we are a team of technical and domain experts dedicated to enabling your mission. From priority national security initiatives for the DoD to highly assured and compliant solutions for healthcare, we understand that digital transformation is key to your future success.

We share your vision for the future and strive to accelerate your impact on the world. We bring both cutting edge technology and an expansive view of what’s possible to every engagement. Our delivery model and unique approaches harness our deep technical and domain knowledge, providing forward‑looking insights and practical solutions to power secure mission acceleration.

SMX is an Equal Opportunity employer including disabilities and veterans.

Selected applicant may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification.

SMX does not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization or immigration related support for this position (i.e. H1B, F‑1 OPT, F‑1 STEM OPT, F‑1 CPT, J‑1, TN, E‑2, E‑3, L‑1 and O‑1, or any EADs or other forms of work authorization that require immigration support from an employer).