Sr Lead Engineer Cloud

Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America; Frisco (TX); Hybrid; USD 141,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA) seeks a Senior Lead Cloud Engineer to design, build, and operate enterprise cloud infrastructure on AWS. You will lead AI-ready cloud foundations, automate provisioning, and drive security, governance, and reliability across multiple accounts.

You will mentor engineers, shape cloud strategy, and collaborate with AI/ML teams to accelerate value while maintaining best-in-class operational excellence.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive experience in cloud engineering, infrastructure, or platform engineering roles.
• Experience designing and operating multi-account cloud environments using AWS Control Tower, AWS Organizations, and Account Factory for Terraform (AFT)
• Experience in cloud security, IAM, zero-trust principles, and compliance frameworks relevant to regulated industries
• Experience with Python and infrastructure-as-code with Terraform, OpenTofu, or CloudFormation

Responsibilities

• Lead design, implementation, and lifecycle management of enterprise-grade cloud platform infrastructure on AWS.
• Architect cloud foundations for AI/ML deployment, including compute, networking, storage, and security patterns.
• Apply AI-driven tooling and automation to cloud platform engineering — including AIOps, predictive monitoring, anomaly detection, and AI-assisted infrastructure management.
• Develop and maintain infrastructure-as-code (Terraform/OpenTofu) for automated provisioning at scale.
• Establish and enforce cloud governance, security guardrails, and architectural standards across accounts and environments.
• Drive observability, monitoring, and operational excellence initiatives to ensure platform reliability and performance.
• Partner with development, DevOps, SRE, security, and AI/ML teams to enable self-service platform capabilities.
• Lead cloud migration and modernization initiatives, including workload onboarding and platform rationalization.
• Evaluate, prototype, and pilot emerging cloud and AI technologies to inform platform direction.
• Serve as a senior technical thought leader and mentor for engineering excellence

Skills

AWS Cloud

Python

Multi-account Cloud

Education

University Degree Preferred

Tools

Terraform/OpenTofu

CloudFormation

AWS Control Tower

Account Factory for Terraform

Job description

Hybrid Flex

Iselin, NJ, USA

Charlotte, NC, USA

3965 Dallas Parkway Frisco, TX 75034

Full time

R260400408

We are seeking a Senior Lead Cloud Engineer, a hands‑on technical expert with an engineering and innovation mindset, to design, build, and operate the foundational cloud infrastructure that powers our enterprise. In this role, you will lead the architecture and implementation of scalable, secure, and highly available cloud platforms on AWS, while driving the enablement of AI‑ready cloud foundations that support large‑scale cloud, AI and machine learning solution deployment. You will also bring experience applying AI and automation to cloud platform engineering itself, using intelligent tooling to improve platform operations, accelerate delivery, and drive continuous innovation. You will mentor engineers, shape cloud strategy, and ensure our platform meets the highest standards of reliability, security, and operational excellence. This is a high‑impact opportunity to lead transformational cloud initiatives, work with cutting‑edge technologies, and define the future of our enterprise cloud platform in a collaborative, innovation‑driven environment.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Lead the design, implementation, and lifecycle management of enterprise‑grade cloud platform infrastructure on AWS, with a focus on scalability, resilience, and security
• Architect and deliver cloud foundations specifically optimized to enable scaled AI and machine learning solution deployment, including compute, networking, storage, and security patterns for AI workloads
• Apply AI‑driven tooling, automation, and intelligent operations to cloud platform engineering — including AIOps, predictive monitoring, anomaly detection, and AI‑assisted infrastructure management
• Develop and maintain infrastructure‑as‑code (Terraform/OpenTofu) to enable automated, repeatable, and self‑service provisioning at scale
• Establish and enforce cloud governance, security guardrails, compliance controls, and architectural standards across accounts and environments
• Drive observability, monitoring, and operational excellence initiatives to ensure platform reliability, performance, and proactive issue resolution
• Partner with development, DevOps, SRE, security, and AI/ML teams to enable self‑service platform capabilities and accelerate time‑to‑value for consuming teams
• Lead cloud migration and modernization initiatives, including workload onboarding, optimization, and platform rationalization
• Evaluate, prototype, and pilot emerging cloud and AI technologies to inform platform direction and drive innovation
• Serve as a senior technical thought leader and mentor, fostering a culture of engineering excellence, continuous improvement, and innovation

Educational Requirements

• University (Degree) Preferred

Work Experience

• 5+ Years Required; 7+ Years Preferred

Physical Requirements

• Physical Requirements: Sedentary Work

Career Level

9IC

Required Skills:

• 5+ years of progressive experience in cloud engineering, infrastructure, or platform engineering roles
• Experience designing and operating multi‑account cloud environments using AWS Control Tower, AWS Organizations, and Account Factory for Terraform (AFT)
• Experience in cloud security, IAM, zero‑trust principles, and compliance frameworks relevant to regulated industries
• Experience with Python and infrastructure‑as‑code with Terraform, OpenTofu, or CloudFormation

Preferred Skills:

• AWS certifications: Solutions Architect Professional, AI Specialty
• Hands‑on experience applying AI and automation to cloud platform operations, such as AIOps platforms, AI‑assisted infrastructure tooling, or intelligent observability solutions
• Familiarity with FinOps practices and cloud cost optimization tooling
• Experience leading large‑scale cloud migration or modernization programs in regulated industries such as financial services or healthcare

Related Skills

Application Programming Interface (API) Development/Integration, Automation, Communication, Consultative Communication, Containerization, DevOps, Enterprise Application Integration, Influence, Organizational Savviness, Problem Solving, Prototyping, Relationship Management, Scalability/Reliability, Software Development Life Cycle, Systems Design/Analysis

Anticipated Posting End Date:

2026-08-31

Base Pay Range:

$141,000/yr - $185,000/yr

Actual base salary may vary based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience, time in role, base salary of internal peers, prior performance, business sector, and geographic location. In addition to base salary, the competitive compensation package may include, depending on the role, participation in an incentive program linked to performance (for example, annual discretionary incentive programs, non‑annual sales incentive plans, or other non‑annual incentive plans).

Company Overview

Every worker deserves a secure retirement. For more than 100 years, TIAA has delivered it for millions of people. Founded to help educators retire with dignity, today weʼre a market‑leading retirement company fueled by world‑class asset management. But weʼre not just another legacy financial services firm. Weʼre fighting harder than ever before for our clients and the many Americans who need us.

Our Culture of Impact

At TIAA, we're on a mission to build on our 100+ year legacy of delivering for our clients while evolving to meet tomorrow's challenges. We equip our associates with future‑focused skills and AI tools that enable us to advance our mission. Together, we are fighting to ensure a more secure financial future for all and for generations to come. We are guided by our values: Champion Our People, Be Client Obsessed, Lead with Integrity, Own It, and Win As One. They influence every decision we make and how we work together to serve our clients every day. We thrive in a collaborative in‑office environment where teams work across organizational boundaries with shared purpose, accelerating innovation and delivering meaningful results. Our workplace brings together TIAA and Nuveen's entrepreneurial spirit, where we work hard and work together to create lasting impact. Here, every associate can grow through meaningful learning experiences and development pathways—because when our people succeed, our impact on clients' lives grows stronger.

Benefits and Total Rewards

The organization is committed to making financial well‑being possible for its clients, and is equally committed to the well‑being of our associates. That’s why we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to make a positive difference in the lives of our associates and their loved ones. Our benefits include a superior retirement program and highly competitive health, wellness and work life offerings that can help you achieve and maintain your best possible physical, emotional and financial well‑being. To learn more about your benefits, please review our Benefits Summary (https://www.tiaa.org/public/pdf/benefits-at-a-glance.pdf) .

Equal Opportunity

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. TIAA does not discriminate against any candidate or employee on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, sex, religion, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected status.

Our full EEO & Non‑Discrimination statement is on our careers home page (https://careers.tiaa.org/), and you can read more about your rights and view government notices here (https://www.dol.gov/general/topics/posters).

Accessibility Support

TIAA offers support for those who need assistance with our online application process to provide an equal employment opportunity to all job seekers, including individuals with disabilities.

If you are a U.S. applicant and desire a reasonable accommodation to complete a job application please use one of the below options to contact our accessibility support team:

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Drug and Smoking Policy

TIAA maintains a drug‑free and smoke‑free workplace.

Privacy Notices

For Applicants of TIAA, Nuveen and Affiliates residing in US (other than California), click here (https://www.tiaa.org/public/tiaa-nuveen-privacy).

Privacy Notices

• For Applicants of TIAA, Nuveen and Affiliates residing in US (other than California), click here (https://www.tiaa.org/public/tiaa-nuveen-privacy).
• For Applicants of TIAA, Nuveen and Affiliates residing in California, please click here (https://www.tiaa.org/public/tiaa-nuveen-ca-privacy).
• For Applicants of TIAA Global Capabilities, click here (https://www.tiaa.org/public/support/privacy/tiaa-global-capabilities-privacy-notice).
• For Applicants of Nuveen residing in Europe and APAC, please click here (https://www.tiaa.org/public/nuveen-eu-uk-privacy).

Nondiscrimination & Equal Opportunity Employment

TIAA is committed to providing equal opportunity across all employment practices and we believe our employees have a right to a diverse and inclusive workplace.

EEO is the Law (https://assets.phenompeople.com/CareerConnectResources/TIAAGLOBAL/documents/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights-1688394514088.pdf)

Pay Transparency

Pay Transparency

Philadelphia Ban the Box

Philadelphia Ban the Box (https://www.phila.gov/media/20210423160847/Fair-Chance-Hiring-law-poster.pdf)