Principal Platform Engineer - Cloud Architect

Mks2, Llc; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 150,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company specializing in Cyber Security and IT support is seeking a Principal Platform Engineer / Cloud Architect. This role involves designing and optimizing cloud infrastructure while driving cloud modernization initiatives. Ideal candidates will have extensive engineering experience and a strong background in AWS services alongside TS/SCI clearance.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of systems engineering experience required.
• Active TS/SCI clearance is essential.
• Proven experience with AWS architecture and DevOps.

Responsibilities

• Design and support private cloud infrastructure.
• Monitor AWS cloud spending and implement cost management.
• Collaborate with program leadership on cloud strategies.

Skills

Cloud architecture

Cloud security

DevOps tools

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Government IT Division

MKS2 Technologies, LLC, an award-winning high growth small business, creates innovative and customer-centric technology solutions in the areas of Cyber Security, Instructional Design and Training, Software Engineering and IT Support Services to improve the security and well-being of our clients. Our commitment to excellence and our “Mission First” orientation has resulted in steady growth and an expanding client base across government agencies. We have employees nationwide and for the past three consecutive years were named one of the fastest growing Veteran-owned companies in the nation. Please take a moment to browse through our website and learn more about what it means to serve with MKS2.

**Location:** On-Site – Aurora, CO

**Clearance Required:** Active TS/SCI

**Salary:** $150 – $160K annually

**Schedule:** Full-Time | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Job Summary

We are seeking a Principal Platform Engineer / Cloud Architect to join our Platform Engineering team, supporting a high-visibility program based at our Aurora, CO campus. In this role, you will serve as a senior technical leader responsible for delivering and optimizing private cloud infrastructure. You will be instrumental in driving cloud modernization and cost optimization initiatives while collaborating with program leadership, stakeholders, and government partners to ensure successful mission execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, deploy, and support private cloud and DevOps infrastructure using industry best practices.
• Modernize cloud resources to improve efficiency and support long-term scalability.
• Monitor and analyze AWS cloud spending across accounts and services.
• Implement and maintain cloud cost management tools, dashboards, and alerts.
• Maintain and forecast annual cloud expenditure and provide financial reporting.
• Track ICITE efficiency metrics and manage annual exception requests.
• Cloud Technical Optimization
• Identify and execute cost-saving initiatives (e.g., right-sizing instances, optimizing reserved instances and compute savings plans).
• Establish and document best practices for cloud cost optimization.
• Eliminate underutilized or unnecessary cloud resources.
• Stakeholder & Program Engagement
• Collaborate with component and chief architects to design cost-effective cloud solutions.
• Interface with program leadership to communicate strategies and provide reporting.
• Act as liaison with AWS Technical Account Managers (TAMs) for cost-related initiatives.
• Coordinate with SETAs to support ICITE metrics and RI purchasing recommendations.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM and 10+ years of systems engineering experience.
• Active and transferable TS/SCI clearance.
• Strong understanding of AWS cloud services and architecture.
• Proven experience with:
  – Cloud architecture and implementation
  – Cloud environment monitoring and management
  – Cloud security and compliance practices
  – DevOps tools and infrastructure automation
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Current CompTIA Security+ (or equivalent) certification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with cloud migrations and hybrid-cloud environments.
• Proficiency in containerization and orchestration tools (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
• Familiarity with cloud-deployed database systems.
• Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: MKS2 Technologies is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

MKS2 Technologies, LLC, an award-winning high growth small business, creates innovative and customer-centric technology solutions in the areas of Cyber Security, Instructional Design and Training, Software Engineering and IT Support Services to improve the security...

MKS2 Technologies, LLC, an award-winning high growth small business, creates innovative and customer-centric technology solutions in the areas of Cyber Security, Instructional Design and Training, Software Engineering and IT Support Services to improve the security...