Cloud Engineer (TS/SCI with Poly Required)

Socket.dev; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

GCI is seeking an AWS Cloud Engineer to design, build, and deploy scalable, secure cloud infrastructure in production. You will work as a SME for AWS, focusing on automation, PKI, and infrastructure as code, with independence and collaboration across teams.

The role requires hands-on cloud engineering expertise, ability to translate requirements into actionable plans, and a strong drive to reduce manual operations. A TS/SCI clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a technical field.
• Hands-on AWS cloud infrastructure experience with VPCs/subnets/ gateways.
• Strong PKI knowledge and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience with IaC tools: Terraform, CloudFormation, Ansible.
• Experience with version control and code reviews; automation advocate.

Responsibilities

• Translate requirements into detailed cloud implementation plans.
• Design, develop, test, and deploy scalable AWS cloud infrastructure and tooling.
• Migrate applications to Cloud and DevOps with guidance to teams.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to secure cloud environments.
• Troubleshoot PKI, networking, proxies; push for automation and day-two ops.

Skills

AWS

PKI

Networking

Automation

Version control

Infrastructure as Code

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related

Tools

Terraform

CloudFormation

Ansible

Docker

Kubernetes

EKS

Job description

GCI embodies excellence, integrity and professionalism. The employees supporting our customers deliver unique, high-value mission solutions while effectively leverage the technological expertise of our valued workforce to meet critical mission requirements in the areas of Data Analytics and Software Development, Engineering, Targeting and Analysis, Operations, Training, and Cyber Operations. We maximize opportunities for success by building and maintaining trusted and reliable partnerships with our customers and industry.

At GCI, we solve the hard problems. As an Cloud Engineer, a typical day will include the following duties:

JOB DESCRIPTION

The AWS Cloud Engineer will serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME), responsible for designing, building, and implementing cloud-based applications and solutions in a production environment. The ideal candidate is a hands-on Cloud engineering professional with significant experience in developing and deploying scalable, secure, and efficient cloud infrastructure using AWS. The must have strong technical expertise in configuration automation, deployment, networking, and PKI technologies, with the ability to translate high-level requirements into actionable plans and implement solutions with high degree of independence. They should be able to learn quickly and adapt to new technologies and challenges, bringing strong problem‑solving skills, attention to detail, and excellent communication and collaboration skills when working with project teams. This person should embody a passion for automation, continuous improvement, and innovation, with a strong dislike for manual “click‑ops” and firefighting approaches.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Translate high-level requirements into detailed, actionable plans and implement cloud solutions with a high degree of independence
• Design, develop, test, debug, and deploy scalable, secure, and efficient cloud infrastructure and tooling using AWS
• Collaborate with non-cloud team members to migrate their applications to Cloud and DevOps, providing guidance and expertise as needed
• Work with cross-functional teams of software engineers, data scientists, analysts, project managers, and other engineering groups to build, administer, and secure cloud environments in a repeatable and reliable manner
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues related to PKI, networking, proxy servers, and related technologies
• Implement and advocate for automation, configuration management, and day‑two operations practices
• Provide recommendations for continuous improvement and innovation
• Work alongside other engineers on the team to sustain and advance our organization’s capabilities

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or an equivalent combination of education, technical training, and relevant work or military experience.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• In-depth understanding of AWS cloud infrastructure and its applications, including demonstrated hands‑on experience configuring cloud VPC’s, subnets, route tables, and gateways
• Strong knowledge of PKI and its applications, including troubleshooting and resolution
• Expertise in networking with proxy servers and related technologies
• Experience deploying code in AWS utilizing Infrastructure s Code (IaC) solutions such as Terraform, CloudFormation, and Ansible
• Knowledge of software patterns that encourage reuse, such as encapsulation and interfaces
• Experience with version control and code reviewsStrong advocate for automation and configuration management with demonstrated ability to implement solutions that minimize manual operations

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• AWS Certification: Solutions Architect Professional or equivalent AWS certification.
• Familiarity with infrastructure‑as‑code tools such as Terraform, CloudFormation, and Ansible
• Linux expertise, including Systemd, Firewalld, and Bash scripting
• Programming skills in Python (boto3, etc.) and/or Go (custom Terraform providers)
• Containerization experience using Dockerfiles and buildpacks
• Demonstrated experience with Kunernetes, EKS, or other container orchestration platforms
• Familiarity with customer accreditation processes (NIST 800‑53 security controls) or willingness to learn
• Understanding of the complete software development lifecycle, including the tools, libraries, dependencies, and workflows required to build, deploy, and maintain applications form conception to production

A candidate must be a US Citizen and requires an active/current TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans