Cloud Technical Expert (TS/SCI Clearance with Full Scope Polygraph Required)

J&T; Elkridge (MD); On-site; USD 180,000 - 216,000; Full time

Job summary

J T in Elkridge, MD seeks a senior Cloud Technical Expert 3 to provide strategic advisory, architectural leadership, and direction for hybrid cloud initiatives. Active TS/SCI with Polygraph is required.

You will bridge government cloud use cases with commercial best practices, architect robust hybrid solutions across IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, modernize legacy apps, and implement advanced security and FinOps governance.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related technical discipline with at least 7 years of IT experience, including 5+ years in cloud computing.
• Deep understanding of commercial and government cloud architectures (AWS, Azure) across IaaS, PaaS, SaaS.
• Experience refactoring legacy systems into cloud-native designs and implementing FinOps.
• Knowledge of agency security controls and compliance baselines in cloud architectures.
• Strong ability to advise leadership and translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level technical guidance and architectural recommendations on hybrid and multi-cloud environments (AWS, Azure).
• Evaluate cloud service performance boundaries and engineer resilient architectural solutions.
• Architect and modernize applications into cloud-native architectures (microservices, serverless, containers).
• Incorporate agency cybersecurity policies into cloud design patterns.
• Implement FinOps methodologies to optimize IT spend and model long-term cloud investments.
• Design automated cost guardrails and governance for engineering teams.
• Advise senior government leaders on emerging cloud technologies and roadmaps.

Skills

Cloud architecture leadership

FinOps knowledge

Security governance

Hybrid/multi-cloud guidance

Stakeholder communication

Education

Master’s degree in related technical discipline

Tools

AWS

Azure

Job description

Clearance Requirement: Active TS/SCI with Polygraph

Salary Range: $180,000 – $216,000 / year (dependent on experience, education, and skill set)

About the Role

Seeking a senior Cloud Technical Expert 3 to provide strategic advisory, architectural leadership, and technical direction supporting hybrid cloud computing initiatives in Elkridge, MD.

In this role, you will serve as a subject matter expert, bridging commercial best practices, government cloud use cases, and academic research to assist government stakeholders in achieving strategic cloud modernization objectives. You will architect robust hybrid cloud solutions across IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS models, guide the refactoring of legacy applications into cloud-native architectures, implement advanced security frameworks, and establish Cloud Financial Operations (FinOps) cost governance structures.

Key Responsibilities

Provide high-level technical guidance and architectural recommendations on hybrid and multi-cloud environments (e.g., AWS, Microsoft Azure).

Evaluate cloud service performance boundaries and engineer resilient architectural solutions to mitigate potential constraints.

Architect and execute application modernization strategies, transforming monolithic legacy systems into secure, scalable, cloud-native solutions.

Integrate agency-specific cybersecurity policies and industry best practices into all cloud design patterns.

Implement Cloud Financial Operations (FinOps) methodologies to optimize IT expenditures, minimize resource waste, and model long-term cloud investments.

Design, document, and establish automated cloud cost guardrails and governance mechanisms for engineering teams.

Advise senior government leadership and program managers on emerging cloud technologies, service adoption roadmaps, and trade-offs.

Required Qualifications & Experience

Security Clearance: Active TS/SCI with a current Polygraph.

Education & Experience: Master’s degree in a related technical discipline plus at least 7 years of general IT experience, with a minimum of 5 years dedicated to cloud computing environments.

Cloud Architecture & Engineering: Deep understanding of commercial and government cloud architectures across AWS, Azure, or comparable platforms across IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS models.

Application Modernization: Proven track record refactoring and redesigning legacy software systems using cloud-native design principles (microservices, serverless, containerization).

FinOps & Cost Governance: In-depth knowledge of cloud cost-control guardrails, budget monitoring mechanisms, and financial optimization strategies.

Cloud Security: Demonstrated expertise incorporating enterprise/agency-specific security controls and compliance baselines into cloud architectures.

Benefits & Compensation

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees both personally and professionally:

Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Basic Life and Disability Insurance

Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays

401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match

Tuition Reimbursement for continued education and professional certifications

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, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law.