System Engineer

Illumination Works; United States; Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Illumination Works is seeking a Systems Engineer to design and implement scalable AWS-based architectures across cloud and on-premises environments. You will contribute to system architecture, integration activities, and operational support in a Digital Depot setting spanning cloud, on‑premises, and partner systems.

Requirements include 4+ years in systems/cloud engineering, a Bachelor’s in CS/Engineering, and the ability to obtain a Secret Clearance.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in systems engineering, cloud engineering, or related roles.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or comparable discipline.
• Must have or be willing to obtain Secret Clearance (US Citizenship required).
• Ability to pass background screening and drug testing.
• Experience with OT and IT environments is preferred.
• Hands-on AWS services: EC2, S3, RDS, Lambda, VPC, IAM.
• IaC tools such as Terraform or CloudFormation.
• Understanding of microservices, distributed systems, and high availability.
• Networking fundamentals: DNS, TCP/IP, routing, load balancing.
• APIs and data exchange patterns (REST, SOAP).
• Scripting/Programming: Python, Bash, or Java.
• Containerization: Docker, Kubernetes.
• Monitoring/logging: CloudWatch, Prometheus, Grafana.
• Security frameworks and compliance (NIST, RMF, Zero Trust).
• AWS certifications are a plus.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• Experience with DoW or USAF environments is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement scalable system architectures using AWS services (EC2, S3, RDS, Lambda, VPC).
• Develop and maintain cloud infrastructure with IaC tools (Terraform, CloudFormation).
• Implement and support system integrations, APIs and data exchanges across internal/external systems.
• Monitor performance, availability, reliability, and perform root cause analysis.
• Ensure interoperability across cloud, on-premises, and partner environments.
• Support CI/CD pipelines and automation processes.
• Troubleshoot issues and provide root cause analysis.
• Support security/compliance against NIST/RMF frameworks.

Skills

AWS Cloud

System Design

Distributed Systems

Security Awareness

Scripting (Python)

Networking Basics

Containers Docker

CI/CD Automation

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering

Tools

Terraform

CloudFormation

CloudWatch

Kubernetes

Job description

We are looking for a Systems Engineer with experience in AWS cloud services, system design, and interoperability across distributed environments to support the development and sustainment of scalable, secure, and interoperable systems. This role will contribute to system architecture implementation, integration activities, and operational support within a Digital Depot environment spanning cloud, on-premises, and partner-connected systems.

Location: Near Tinker Air Force Base (Oklahoma City, OK), Hill Air Force Base (Ogden, UT) or Robins Air Force Base (Warner Robins, GA) preferred, remote considered

Required Qualifications:

• 4+ years of experience in systems engineering, cloud engineering, or related roles
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or comparable academic discipline
• Must have or be willing to obtain Secret Clearance (this requires US Citizenship)
• Ability to pass required background screening and drug testing
• Experience working across Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) environments is preferred
• Hands-on experience with AWS services (EC2, S3, RDS, Lambda, VPC, IAM)
• Experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools such as Terraform or CloudFormation
• Solid understanding of system architecture concepts, including microservices, distributed systems, and high availability
• Experience with networking fundamentals, including DNS, TCP/IP, routing, and load balancing
• Knowledge of interoperability standards, APIs (REST, SOAP), and data exchange patterns
• Experience with scripting or programming languages like Python, Bash, or Java
• Familiarity with containerization tools (Docker, Kubernetes)
• Awareness of monitoring and logging tools (CloudWatch, Prometheus, Grafana, or similar)
• Knowledge of security frameworks and compliance standards (NIST, RMF, Zero Trust concepts)
• Experience with monitoring tools (CloudWatch, Prometheus, Grafana)
• AWS certifications are a plus
• Outstanding problem-solving and analytical skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience with DoW or U.S. Air Force environments is a plus

Key responsibilities for this position include:

• Design and implement scalable system architectures using AWS services such as EC2, S3, RDS, Lambda, and VPC
• Develop and maintain cloud infrastructure using Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools (i.e. Terraform, CloudFormation)
• Implement and support system integrations, including APIs, data exchanges, and connectivity across internal and external systems
• Monitor system performance, availability, and reliability, and support issue resolution and root cause analysis
• Ensure system interoperability across cloud, on-premises, and partner environments
• Support CI/CD pipelines and automation processes
• Troubleshoot system issues and provide root cause analysis
• Support system security and compliance efforts, including implementation of security controls aligned to NIST/RMF frameworks

Required Qualifications:

• 4+ years of experience in systems engineering, cloud engineering, or related roles
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or comparable academic discipline
• Must have or be willing to obtain Secret Clearance (this requires US Citizenship)
• Ability to pass required background screening and drug testingExperience working across Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) environments is preferred
• Hands-on experience with AWS services (EC2, S3, RDS, Lambda, VPC, IAM)
• Experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools such as Terraform or CloudFormation
• Solid understanding of system architecture concepts, including microservices, distributed systems, and high availability
• Experience with networking fundamentals, including DNS, TCP/IP, routing, and load balancing
• Knowledge of interoperability standards, APIs (REST, SOAP), and data exchange patterns
• Experience with scripting or programming languages like Python, Bash, or Java
• Familiarity with containerization tools (Docker, Kubernetes)
• Awareness of monitoring and logging tools (CloudWatch, Prometheus, Grafana, or similar)
• Knowledge of security frameworks and compliance standards (NIST, RMF, Zero Trust concepts)
• Experience with monitoring tools (CloudWatch, Prometheus, Grafana)
• AWS certifications are a plus
• Outstanding problem-solving and analytical skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience with DoW or U.S. Air Force environments is a plus

About ILW

At Illumination Works, we know data, and we should, we've been doing it since we started in 2006! We specialize in everything data from big data to data science, data engineering, software engineering, and cloud design. We are a trusted technology partner in user-centered digital transformation- delivering impactful business results to clients. We partner with customers to solve their unique technology and data challenges and stay on top of modern technologies and advancements leveraging our Innovation Lab. Check out our website to learn more at www.ilwllc.com.

Why choose us?

We invest in our employees in all aspects of their life and we value family. We offer market-competitive salary, a generous PTO package, and comprehensive medical, dental, vision and life insurance plans. We also offer 401K, short/long-term disability insurance, a fun and engaging culture, and training opportunities to keep you up to speed on the latest technologies.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.

Know Your Rights Poster

Accommodations

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable workplace accommodation for any part of our employment process, please contact the Human Resources Staff by sending an email to [e-mail]. This option is reserved only for individuals who are requesting a reasonable workplace accommodation. It is not intended for other purposes or inquiries.

Notification for current or previously cleared professionals:

Official U.S. Government information appearing in the public domain shall not automatically be considered UNCLASSIFIED or approved for public release. ILW recognizes that information contained in resumes of current or previously cleared professionals may be sensitive, containing potentially proprietary and/or protected information. Protected Information is considered classified, in the process of a classification determination, or unclassified, but protected by statute. Therefore, all resumes should be approved for public release by a U.S. Government Official with Original Classification Authority, prior to posting the resume to ILW's applicant tracking system.

By submitting my resume, I understand that I am NOT authorized to upload content with Official U.S. Government information that is considered, sensitive, proprietary, or protected.