Cloud Solutions Architect with Security Clearance

Nightwing; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 122,000 - 253,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

401k plan

Job summary

Nightwing is seeking a Cloud Solutions Architect to design, optimize, and scale cloud-based engagement kit architectures for rapid deployment in support of ESS operations. The role emphasizes secure, cost-effective, and high-performance cloud solutions across diverse mission scenarios.

You will lead architecture discussions, implement automation, and collaborate with DevOps to improve CI/CD pipelines, applying best practices in cloud security and compliance. A TS/SCI clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance required.
• 8+ years of directly relevant experience.
• 5+ years designing cloud architectures, preferably on AWS.
• Strong expertise in AWS services (EC2, S3, VPC, IAM, Lambda, CloudFormation).
• Experience with infrastructure-as-code tools (Terraform, CloudFormation, etc.).
• Strong documentation and technical communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and architect maintainable cloud infrastructure for engagement kits aligned with mission requirements.
• Customize kit configurations to engage scope and operational parameters.
• Develop automation frameworks to streamline provisioning and deployment processes.
• Create and maintain infrastructure-as-code templates and documentation.
• Ensure architecture supports rapid reconfiguration for dynamic mission needs.
• Implement security controls including encryption and hardened configurations.
• Collaborate with DevOps to enhance CI/CD pipelines.
• Evaluate new cloud services to improve operations.
• Conduct architecture reviews and guide implementation teams.
• Support troubleshooting of complex architectural issues during operations.

Skills

Security clearance

Cloud design

Python scripting

Technical communication

Networking basics

CI/CD collaboration

Tools

Terraform

CloudFormation

Kubernetes

Job description

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers' most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets. Nightwing is supporting a U.S. Government customer to provide rapid deployment and management of secure cloud-based engagement kits for cyber incident response and threat hunting operations. As part of the Engagement Support Services (ESS) contract, this program enables analysts to quickly access the tools and environments they need to investigate cyber threats affecting federal agencies, state and local governments, and critical infrastructure. Working on this team means directly supporting the nation's cybersecurity defenders by ensuring they have reliable, scalable, and secure cloud infrastructure available within hours of a cyber incident-helping protect America's digital infrastructure when it matters most. The Cloud Solutions Architect will design, optimize, and enhance cloud-based engagement kit architectures to support ESS operational requirements. This role focuses on creating scalable, secure, and high-performance solutions that enable rapid deployment and customization of engagement infrastructure across diverse mission scenarios.

Responsibilities

• Design and architect maintainable cloud infrastructure for engagement kits aligned with mission requirements
• Customize kit configurations to align with engagement scope, technical, and operational parameters
• Develop automation frameworks to streamline provisioning and deployment processes
• Create and maintain infrastructure-as-code templates and documentation
• Ensure architecture supports rapid reconfiguration for dynamic mission needs
• Implement security controls including encryption, namespace obfuscation, and hardened configurations
• Collaborate with DevOps engineers to enhance CI/CD pipelines
• Evaluate and recommend new cloud services and technologies to improve operational capabilities
• Conduct architecture reviews and provide technical guidance to implementation teams
• Support troubleshooting of complex architectural issues during active operations

Required Skills

• U.S. Citizenship
• Must have an active TS/SCI clearance
• Must be able to obtain DHS Suitability
• 8+ years of directly relevant experience
• 5+ years of experience designing cloud architectures, preferably on AWS
• Strong expertise in AWS services including EC2, S3, VPC, IAM, Lambda, and CloudFormation
• Experience with infrastructure-as-code tools (Terraform, CloudFormation, etc.)
• Deep understanding of cloud security best practices and compliance requirements
• Proven ability to design scalable, resilient, and cost-effective solutions
• Strong documentation and technical communication skills
• Experience with automation and scripting (Python, Bash, PowerShell)
• Layman networking knowledge - network infrastructure, protocols, TLS encryption, and VPC firewall management

Desired Skills

• Experience designing solutions for cybersecurity or incident response operations
• Knowledge of multi-cloud or hybrid cloud architectures
• Experience with container orchestration (Kubernetes, ECS)
• Familiarity with federal compliance frameworks (FedRAMP, NIST)
• Background in system administration or DevOps

Desired Certifications

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional

Salary & Benefits

• The salary associated with this position ($122,000-$253,000) is commensurate with the selected candidate's qualifications, years of relevant experience, and demonstrated level of expertise. Compensation will be determined based on these factors to ensure alignment with skills, responsibilities, and market standards.
• Nightwing offers medical, vision and dental insurance coverage in addition to a 401k plan, PTO, Holidays, and additional insurances.

Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.