Cloud Security Engineer in Sacramento CA

Title: Cloud Security Engineer

Location : Sacramento, CA (Hybrid)
Duration : 12+ Months Contract

Job Description

Under limited general direction, supports the ongoing evolution of the company’s technology landscape, with an emphasis on expanding and maturing security capabilities across cloud-based platforms while maintaining strong protections across existing systems.

This position will be hybrid, coming into the office three days per week, and working from home two days per week.

Essential Responsibilities

· Designs, implements, and manages security controls across the company’s cloud environments (Azure, AWS, Google Cloud Platform), ensuring secure configurations, access controls, and compliance with company standards.

· Supports the organization’s transition from on-prem infrastructure to cloud platforms by embedding security into architecture, migration, and deployment processes.

· Establishes and maintains cloud security baselines, guardrails, and configuration standards (CSPM, identity, networking, and data protection).

· Configures and manages native cloud security services (Microsoft Defender for Cloud, Azure Security Center, AWS Security Hub, etc.).

· Acts as a cloud security SME supporting IT and engineering teams through design reviews, threat modeling, and security validation.

· Partners with infrastructure, application, and data teams to integrate security into system design and project delivery.

· Identifies and remediates security gaps in cloud and hybrid architectures.

· Implements and manages secure identity and access controls using Azure AD and related technologies (RBAC, Conditional Access, least privilege principles).

· Supports the design and implementation of identity strategies across cloud and on-prem environments.

· Develops and enhances threat detection capabilities across cloud and enterprise environments using SIEM and cloud-native telemetry.

· Participates in incident response activities, including investigation, containment, and post-incident reviews.

· Builds and maintains automation workflows for security monitoring, alerting, and response.

· Improves security processes through scripting and integration with existing tools and platforms.

· Develops and track KPIs and metrics to measure cloud security posture and program effectiveness.

· Supports security audits and ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks including NIST CSF, PCI DSS, ISO 27001, and CCPA.

· Develops and maintain cloud-specific security standards, procedures, and documentation

· Contributes to vulnerability management and risk remediation efforts across cloud and enterprise systems.

· Works closely with IT, Security, and business stakeholders to align security initiatives with organizational goals.

· Provides guidance on emerging cloud threats, risks, and best practices.

· Supports disaster recovery and business continuity planning for cloud systems.

· Other duties as assigned.

Job Responsibilities

· Cloud Safeguards & Governance: Architect, deploy, and administer security measures across multi-cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform). Enforce proper configurations, manage access policies, and establish cloud security baselines, guardrails, and compliance standards (including CSPM, network security, identity management, and data protection).

· Cloud Transformation: Embed proactive security controls into system architecture, migration pipelines, and deployment frameworks to facilitate safe transitions from legacy on-premise setups to cloud ecosystems.

· Security Administration & Tooling: Oversee cloud-native security utilities (such as AWS Security Hub, Azure Security Center / Defender for Cloud, and related platform tools).

· Subject Matter Expertise & Advisory: Function as the primary technical advisor for cybersecurity. Conduct design evaluations, lead threat modeling, perform security validations, and partner across software engineering, IT, and data teams to incorporate security early in the project lifecycle.

· Identity & Access Management (IAM): Configure and maintain robust identity controls using Azure Active Directory and modern access solutions (enforcing least-privilege principles, Role-Based Access Control, and Conditional Access policies) across enterprise and cloud landscapes.

· Threat Detection & Incident Handling: Utilize SIEM tools and cloud telemetry to enhance threat monitoring and detection capabilities. Lead containment, root-cause investigations, and post-incident analysis during security events.

· Automation & Process Improvement: Streamline security monitoring, alerting, and incident response operations by creating automated workflows and scripts (e.g., Python, PowerShell).

· Metrics, Risk & Compliance: Define and monitor key performance indicators to assess overall posture. Assist with security audits and maintain alignment with industry benchmarks and regulatory mandates (e.g., NIST CSF, ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, CCPA).

· Risk Mitigation & Remediation: Contribute to vulnerability management programs, enterprise risk reduction efforts, and disaster recovery / business continuity planning for cloud services.

· Documentation & Leadership: Draft and maintain cloud security guidelines, standard operating procedures, and technical documentation while staying current on emerging threats and industry trends