Senior Cloud Engineer

Western Governors University; United States; On-site; USD 143,700 - 222,700; Full time

Job summary

Western Governors University is seeking a Senior Cloud Engineer to bridge software development and infrastructure operations. You will design, implement, and maintain scalable, secure, and highly available cloud environments in a full-time in-office role in Salt Lake City, UT.

The position emphasizes leadership in cloud deployments, cost optimization, AI-enabled tooling, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to drive reliable, scalable infrastructure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology or related field.
• 7+ years of related experience.
• Experience with AWS cloud services and Kubernetes preferred.

Responsibilities

• Leads and performs software deployments across cloud environments.
• Designs and implements advanced monitoring and observability solutions.
• Develops and maintains automation tools for deployment and infrastructure management.
• Optimizes application and system performance and responsiveness.
• Proactively identifies and resolves operational issues to ensure system reliability.
• Implements AI-enabled solutions to improve efficiency and developer productivity.

Skills

AWS core technologies

Kubernetes

Linux administration

Scripting: Bash

Python

Java

Node.js

DevOps

CI/CD pipelines

Observability/Monitoring

Education

Bachelor's Degree in IT or related field

Tools

Terraform

CloudFormation

Chef

SaltStack

Dynatrace

Nagios

CloudWatch

Job description

If you’re passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country—and you’re committed to working hard to play your part in building that future—consider WGU as the next step in your career. The Senior Cloud Engineer serves as a strategic technical leader bridging software development and infrastructure operations and is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining scalable, secure, and highly available cloud environments.

Salary range: $143,700.00 - $222,700.00.

Key Responsibilities

• Leads and performs software deployments across cloud environments.
• Designs and implements advanced monitoring and observability solutions.
• Develops and maintains automation tools for deployment and infrastructure management.
• Optimizes application and system performance and responsiveness.
• Proactively identifies and resolves operational issues to ensure system reliability.
• Enhances infrastructure scalability and stability through continuous improvement.
• Implements and monitors AWS cost optimization strategies to ensure efficient resource usage and budget adherence.
• Documents technical processes and progress using in-house tools.
• Communicates delays and roadblocks to leadership and stakeholders.
• Provides expert guidance and mentorship to development and infrastructure teams.
• Leads maintenance and innovation‑based projects with cross‑functional teams.
• Participates in and supports the team’s on‑call rotation.
• Performs other job‑related duties as assigned.
• Evaluates, develops, and implements AI‑enabled solutions to improve operational efficiency, automation, observability, and developer productivity.
• Identifies opportunities to leverage generative AI and machine learning capabilities within cloud platforms and engineering workflows.
• Builds and maintains strong working relationships with stakeholders across engineering, technology, and business teams.
• Collaborates closely with partner teams to understand technical needs, provide guidance, and ensure successful delivery of cloud solutions and services.
• Serves as a technical resource and trusted partner for stakeholders, helping drive communication, alignment, and resolution of complex technical challenges.

Technical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Expert‑level understanding of AWS core technologies and tools.
• Expert‑level understanding of Kubernetes and containerization.
• Advanced administration knowledge of Linux systems.
• Proficient in scripting/programming with Bash, Java, Python, and Node.js.
• Deep understanding of DevOps, Scrum, and ITIL methodologies.
• Expertise in virtualization and containerization technologies.
• Strong knowledge of GitFlow and CI/CD pipelines using Travis, Jenkins, or similar tools.
• Experience with Infrastructure as Code using Terraform, CloudFormation, Chef, or SaltStack.
• Skilled in monitoring and observability tools such as Dynatrace, Nagios, CloudWatch, or IPMon.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and leadership skills.
• Self‑motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong customer service orientation and analytical problem‑solving skills.
• Experience designing, developing, or integrating AI‑powered tools, automation workflows, or generative AI solutions.
• Experience leveraging AI‑assisted software development and operational tooling to improve engineering productivity and service reliability.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and establish productive relationships across diverse teams.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts effectively to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Proven ability to collaborate across organizational boundaries and influence outcomes through partnership and expertise.

Qualifications

• Minimum: Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology or related field.
• Minimum: 7 years of related experience.
• Minimum: 3 years of AWS Cloud Services experience.
• Preferred: 4+ years of experience working with Kubernetes.
• Preferred: 8+ years of experience as a Linux Systems Administrator/Engineer.
• Preferred: 6+ years of experience collaborating with development and operational teams.
• Experience in lieu of education: Equivalent relevant experience performing essential functions may substitute for education requirements.

Work Location

This is a full‑time, in‑office position requiring five days per week at our Salt Lake City, Utah office.

Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected characteristics as required by law.