Cloud Engineer

Position: Cloud Operations Engineer

Location: Phoenix, AZ (Hybrid / Remote (In-office once monthly, and as required for business needs))

Contract: 6+ Months (Contract to Hire)

Client: Arizona State Retirement System

Position ID: 14166

ON W2 Only.

Key Responsibilities
• Cloud Orchestration & Automation: Orchestrate and automate enterprise cloud platforms across the agency using Infrastructure as Code (IaC), scripting, and Source Control Management (SCM) platforms.
• Environment Management: Own the deployment, configuration, and operation of scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant systems across Public Cloud environments (IaaS and PaaS).
• Strategic Architecture & Delivery: Partner with enterprise architects to gather system requirements and deliver robust, secure, and resilient IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS solutions adhering to cloud best practices.
• Operational Oversight: Proactively monitor, audit, and debug technical issues across complex application stacks involving virtualization, containers, and microservices in a 24x7 mission-critical environment.
• Security & Cost Governance: Implement agency security guidelines across all cloud environments and establish proactive operational cost-control and optimization mechanisms.
• Documentation & Standards: Author technical project documentation and maintain desk procedures and standards for cloud application protocols and platform usage.
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
• Cloud Infrastructure: Strong knowledge and ability to create and administer cloud computing solutions - especially with AWS.
• Systems & Architecture: Thorough understanding of multi-tiered application architecture, with hands-on systems administration knowledge of Microsoft Windows Server and Linux Server operating systems in virtualized environments.
• Automation & Scripting: 3-5+ years of experience automating operational routines using PowerShell, Python, Bash, JSON, or CLI tools.
• DevOps & Source Control: Proficiency in administering and utilizing Git/SCM platforms, modern DevOps automation workflows, and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) implementations.
• AI-Assisted Engineering: Demonstrated proficiency in leveraging modern AI tools and Large Language Models (LLMs) to accelerate scripting, debug complex infrastructure issues, draft documentation, and optimize daily operational workflows.
• Enterprise Networking: Solid working knowledge of core networking principles, including DNS, TCP/IP, firewalls, load balancing, and provider-level data flow controls.
• Professional Competencies: Demonstrated analytical problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Ability to manage tasks independently with minimal supervision, adapt to shifting priorities, and communicate effectively across all organizational levels.
Preferred Qualifications
• Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Management Systems, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience), alongside 3–5+ years of experience managing enterprise public cloud environments and automated infrastructure.
• Cloud Certifications: Possession of at least one active, industry-recognized cloud vendor certification:
o AWS: Associate or Professional level (Solutions Architect, CloudOps Engineer, DevOps Engineer).
o Microsoft Azure: Associate or Professional level (Administrator or Solutions Architect).
• Specialized Cloud Skills: Proven track record in Cloud Cost Optimization, automated auditing/monitoring, and managing database deployments across public cloud service models.
Additional Position Details
• Work Schedule & Support: Standard business hours with participation in periodic after-hours operational change and maintenance windows.
• Benefits Structure: Benefits are managed through the contract staffing agency during the initial temp-to-hire phase. Upon conversion to a permanent role, employees are eligible for the State of Arizona benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, and enrollment in the ASRS Defined Benefit Pension Plan.
• Background Check: Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of an enterprise background investigation.
Required Skills
At least 5 years of experience as a Cloud Engineer
Microsoft Windows Server and Linux Server
Cloud Infrastructure: Strong knowledge and ability to create and administer cloud computing solutions with AWS

AI experience
Preferred Skills
Debug complex infrastructure issues
AWS certification