Principle AWS Architect

Principal AWS Cloud Architect (DoD Contract)

About the Role

We are seeking a Principal AWS Cloud Architect to lead a critical DoD workload modernization initiative. This strategic role involves transforming legacy lifted-and-shifted monolithic systems into modern, well-architected cloud-native solutions while ensuring DoD IL4 compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead multi-year modernization strategy for DoD workloads, defining technical roadmaps and implementation phases

• Conduct current state assessments and design future state architectures aligned with mission requirements

• Apply AWS Well-Architected Framework principles for availability, scalability, cost optimization, and security

• Drive organizational change management initiatives across resistant stakeholders and legacy environments

• Influence high-level technical decisions impacting enterprise architecture, security posture, and operational efficiency

Technical Architecture

• Design cloud-native architectures migrating from monolithic EC2 deployments to serverless, containerized solutions

• Reduce ATO footprint by consolidating EC2 instances into managed services and Infrastructure as Code

• Architect Infrastructure as Code solutions using Terraform/Terragrunt for repeatable, compliant deployments

• Optimize cost structures while improving system reliability, performance, and security compliance

• Modernize CI/CD architectures with integrated security scanning, automated testing, and compliance validation

• Transition existing toolchains (e.g., Nexus, Fortify, BIG-IP, GitLab, Jenkins, Elasticsearch, RHEL) toward AWS-native alternatives

• Guide adoption of serverless patterns across the organization

Leadership & Mentorship

• Provide technical leadership to development teams transitioning from traditional to cloud-native approaches

• Mentor engineering staff on modern architecture patterns, DevSecOps practices, and AWS best practices

• Establish architectural standards and governance frameworks

• Facilitate knowledge transfer from advanced teams to those beginning cloud transformation

Requirements

• with ability to obtain/maintain Secret clearance for IL4 environments

• On-site presence required at Alexandria VA (preferred), San Diego CA, or Monterey CA offices

• Hybrid flexibility up to 2 days remote after probation

• BS degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (MS preferred)

• 12+ years of enterprise cloud architecture and modernization experience

• 7+ years of DoD contract experience with IL4 deployments, compliance frameworks, and security requirements

• Expert-level AWS architecture across compute, storage, networking, security, and managed services

• Proven modernization leadership transforming legacy monolithic systems to cloud-native architectures

• Advanced Infrastructure as Code expertise with Terraform, CloudFormation, and GitOps practices

• Enterprise security experience with DoD frameworks (NIST, RMF, DoD CC SRG, STIG compliance)

• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• AWS certifications (Solutions Architect Professional, Security Specialty)

• Container orchestration expertise with EKS, Fargate, and microservices patterns

• FinOps and cost optimization experience with large-scale AWS environments

• J2EE application modernization and legacy system transformation

• Agile/DevSecOps coaching and organizational transformation

• Federal compliance experience beyond DoD (FedRAMP, FISMA, etc.)

• Technical writing and architecture documentation for compliance requirements