Sr. Cloud Engineer (Azure) with Security Clearance

# Senior Cloud Engineer (Azure) I **Salary:** $128,000–$151,000
**Employment Type:** Full-Time
**Clearance:** Active Secret Security Clearance Required
Location onsite in Washington DC. ## Position Overview We are seeking a **Senior Cloud Engineer (Azure) I** to design, deploy, secure, and optimize enterprise cloud infrastructure within Microsoft Azure environments supporting federal programs. The ideal candidate will have strong experience with Azure architecture, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), automation, networking, security, and DevOps practices. This position will collaborate with engineering, DevOps, security, and other technical teams to build cloud solutions that are secure, scalable, reliable, and aligned with federal compliance requirements. ## Key Responsibilities **Cloud Infrastructure Management**
Design, implement, and maintain Azure infrastructure utilizing Virtual Machines (VMs), Virtual Networks (VNets), Azure SQL Database, Blob Storage, Managed Disks, and Microsoft Entra ID/Azure Active Directory. **Infrastructure as Code (IaC)**
Automate cloud resource provisioning and configuration using Terraform, Azure Resource Manager (ARM) templates, and Ansible. **Security & Compliance**
Implement Azure security best practices, including role-based access control (RBAC), DDoS protection, Microsoft Defender for Cloud, encryption at rest and in transit, and controls aligned with FedRAMP, NIST, and DoD standards. **CI/CD Pipeline Management**
Develop and maintain CI/CD pipelines using GitLab, Jenkins, and Azure DevOps Pipelines to streamline deployments and improve delivery efficiency. **Monitoring & Optimization**
Use Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, Application Insights, and Activity Logs to monitor system health, troubleshoot issues, optimize performance, and improve reliability. **Networking & Load Balancing**
Configure and optimize Azure networking technologies, including Virtual Networks, Azure DNS, VPN connectivity, Azure Load Balancer, Application Gateway, and ExpressRoute. **Hybrid Cloud & Migration**
Support cloud migrations and hybrid environments integrating Azure with on-premises infrastructure using technologies such as Azure Arc, Azure Migrate, and Azure Site Recovery. **Automation & Scripting**
Develop automation using Python, PowerShell, Bash, YAML, and JSON to improve operational efficiency and reduce manual processes. **Disaster Recovery & Backup**
Implement backup and disaster recovery strategies using Azure Backup, storage lifecycle management, snapshots, and recovery technologies. **Cross-Functional Collaboration**
Partner with DevOps, security, infrastructure, and technical stakeholders to ensure Azure solutions meet mission, operational, security, and compliance requirements. ## Required Qualifications * **Active Secret security clearance**
* 5+ years of experience in cloud engineering, DevOps, systems administration, or related infrastructure roles
* 3+ years of hands-on Azure cloud engineering experience
* 3+ years of experience with Infrastructure as Code, including Terraform
* Experience developing and maintaining GitLab and CI/CD pipelines
* 4+ years of PowerShell scripting experience
* Hands-on experience with Ansible, Jenkins, GitHub, and Azure DevOps
* Experience supporting hybrid environments integrating Azure and on-premises infrastructure
* Strong knowledge of Azure networking, including VNets, Azure DNS, VPN Gateway, ExpressRoute, Load Balancer, and/or Application Gateway
* Strong understanding of identity and access management, encryption, security monitoring, and cloud security practices
* Experience working with federal security and compliance frameworks such as FedRAMP, NIST, and DoD standards
* Proficiency with Python, PowerShell, Bash, YAML, and JSON for automation and system management ## Preferred Qualifications * Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect certification or equivalent Azure certification
* Experience supporting cloud infrastructure within federal government environments
* Experience with multi-cloud or complex hybrid-cloud architectures ## Compensation **Salary Range: $128,000–$151,000** Compensation will be based on the candidate's qualifications, relevant experience, technical expertise, responsibilities of the position, and other applicable factors. Additional compensation and professional development opportunities may be available, including performance incentives, training, certifications, and referral programs.