Senior Cloud Engineer

Horizontal Talent; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

Horizontal Talent is seeking a cloud engineer to design, build, and modernize cloud-based infrastructure across a large enterprise. You will migrate applications, implement automation, and improve operational reliability using AWS and related tools.

You will work hands-on on multi-location environments, collaborate with teams, evaluate testing needs, and contribute to architecture and security compliance while guiding others through changes.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in IT solution delivery or engineering.
• Hands-on experience with public, private, and hybrid cloud services.
• Experience supporting application and service migration to cloud-based platforms.
• Strong working knowledge of AWS cloud technologies.
• Experience with Terraform, AWS Config, AWS Inspector, and GuardDuty.
• Knowledge of CI/CD automation and SDLC practices.
• Programming or scripting experience with Python, Bash, and Ansible.
• Ability to work through ambiguity, shifting priorities, and rapid change.
• Strong problem solving and the ability to handle complex technical issues.
• Clear communication skills and a collaborative mindset.

Responsibilities

• Design conceptual, logical, and physical infrastructure solutions that align with project and business requirements.
• Support the planning, development, migration, and integration of applications and services from on-premises environments to cloud platforms.
• Work hands‑on with cloud technologies to help implement strategic technical initiatives.
• Evaluate testing needs and help prepare testing, implementation, and transition plans.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues involving hardware, software, operating systems, and related subsystems.
• Help prevent service disruptions by monitoring cloud hosting environments and supporting problem avoidance efforts.
• Implement approved changes to business and technical systems while maintaining system standards.
• Review existing system logic and documentation and recommend improvements where needed.
• Support change and problem management processes using standard tools and procedures.
• Assist with evaluating new software and hardware options and may help recommend solutions that reduce risk and improve stability.
• Collaborate on highly technical projects and help guide other team members on tools, standards, and procedures.
• Monitor compliance with internal audit and information security requirements.

Skills

IT solution delivery

Cloud services

AWS cloud technologies

CI/CD automation

SDLC practices

Python

Bash

Ansible

Problem solving

Communication

Tools

Terraform

AWS Config

AWS Inspector

GuardDuty

Job description

Join a dynamic cloud engineering team supporting infrastructure initiatives across a large, multi-location enterprise environment. This role focuses on designing, building, and improving cloud-based solutions that help modernize systems, support business needs, and strengthen operational reliability.

Responsibilities

• Design conceptual, logical, and physical infrastructure solutions that align with project and business requirements.
• Support the planning, development, migration, and integration of applications and services from on-premises environments to cloud platforms.
• Work hands‑on with cloud technologies to help implement strategic technical initiatives.
• Evaluate testing needs and help prepare testing, implementation, and transition plans.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues involving hardware, software, operating systems, and related subsystems.
• Help prevent service disruptions by monitoring cloud hosting environments and supporting problem avoidance efforts.
• Implement approved changes to business and technical systems while maintaining system standards.
• Review existing system logic and documentation and recommend improvements where needed.
• Support change and problem management processes using standard tools and procedures.
• Assist with evaluating new software and hardware options and may help recommend solutions that reduce risk and improve stability.
• Collaborate on highly technical projects and help guide other team members on tools, standards, and procedures.
• Monitor compliance with internal audit and information security requirements.

Skills

• 6+ years of experience in IT solution delivery or engineering.
• Hands‑on experience with public, private, and hybrid cloud services.
• Experience supporting application and service migration to cloud-based platforms.
• Strong working knowledge of AWS cloud technologies.
• Experience with Terraform, AWS Config, AWS Inspector, and GuardDuty.
• Knowledge of CI/CD automation and SDLC practices.
• Programming or scripting experience with Python, Bash, and Ansible.
• Ability to work through ambiguity, shifting priorities, and rapid change.
• Strong problem solving and the ability to handle complex technical issues.
• Clear communication skills and a collaborative mindset.

Preferred Skills

• Broader experience across cloud computing and infrastructure automation.
• Exposure to architecture and design for cloud-based solutions.
• Experience supporting testing strategies and implementation planning.
• Familiarity with technical standards, audit processes, and information security practices.
• Experience mentoring or training technical team members.

Horizontal is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage you to apply if you’re excited about the opportunity and meet the qualifications outlined above.

The pay range for this role is $62 - $100 per hour based on qualifications and experience.