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

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid leave

Retirement

Job summary

SMX seeks a Cloud Engineer to join a challenging National Defense project in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. On-site roles are available in Chantilly, VA, Herndon, VA, or Aurora, CO.

Qualified candidates hold a TS/SCI CI Poly clearance and Security+ CE, with 4+ years in cloud deployments across AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. Expertise in IaC, CI/CD, and container tech (Docker/OpenShift/Kubernetes) is required.

Qualifications

• TS/SCI clearance with polygraph is required.
• Security+ CE or equivalent certification.
• 4+ years in building, deploying, and automating cloud apps.
• Experience across AWS, Azure or Google Cloud and IaC/CI/CD.
• Hands-on with containerization (Docker/OpenShift/Kubernetes).

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and integration of cloud/enterprise IT architectures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure system performance.
• Troubleshoot, document, and recommend enhancements.
• Prepare technical diagrams and reports for stakeholders.
• Guide architecture implementation and ensure compliance.
• Scale modern systems engineering practices across systems and networks.

Skills

Security clearance TS/SCI CI Poly

Cloud platforms AWS

Cloud platforms Azure

Cloud platforms Google Cloud

Infrastructure as Code

CI/CD

Docker

Kubernetes

OpenShift

Scripting (Bash PowerShell Python)

Education

High school diploma or GED

Security+ CE or equivalent certifications

Tools

Docker

OpenShift

Kubernetes

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