Cloud / Platform / Systems Specialist

Position: Cloud / Platform / Systems Specialist

Location: Des Moines, IA
Work Mode: Onsite
Interview Mode: Web Cam / In-Person
Duration: Long-Term Contract (Extension Expected)

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced Cloud / Platform / Systems Specialist to support enterprise-level infrastructure initiatives and modernization efforts. This role focuses on designing, optimizing, and supporting hybrid cloud environments, primarily leveraging AWS, while ensuring scalability, security, and operational efficiency.

The ideal candidate will work closely with senior engineers, automation teams, and application stakeholders to deliver reliable, cost-effective, and high-performing infrastructure solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Cloud & Hybrid Infrastructure

• Design, implement, and manage AWS environments (EC2, VPC, IAM, S3).
• Build and maintain hybrid cloud solutions integrating on-prem and AWS systems.
• Lead migration of legacy systems to AWS, including readiness assessments and roadmaps.
• Create and maintain architecture diagrams and technical documentation.

Support & Troubleshooting

• Provide advanced (L3) support for complex infrastructure issues.
• Troubleshoot AWS identity, networking, and compute-related problems.
• Analyze root causes and implement long-term fixes.
• Support hybrid dependency issues (e.g., IAM misconfigurations, routing conflicts).

Performance, Reliability & Optimization

• Ensure high availability and eliminate single points of failure.
• Implement backup, disaster recovery (DR), and meet RTO/RPO targets.
• Monitor performance across compute, storage, and network layers.
• Optimize cloud costs (rightsizing, storage tiers, lifecycle policies).

Automation & DevOps

• Collaborate on Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using Terraform.
• Define automation standards and provisioning workflows.
• Support CI/CD pipelines for infrastructure deployments.
• Work with teams to ensure consistent, scalable deployment patterns.

Security & Compliance

• Implement AWS security best practices (IAM, MFA, encryption, segmentation).
• Support audits by generating compliance evidence and documentation.
• Define and document platform hardening standards.
• Develop policy and configuration guidelines for engineering teams.

Documentation & Collaboration

• Maintain detailed architecture, operational, and process documentation.
• Prepare change impact assessments and release documentation.
• Provide technical guidance on cloud migration, performance tuning, and cost optimization.
• Deliver architecture presentations and executive summaries.

Required Skills & Experience

• 5+ years of experience in cloud/platform engineering or systems administration.
• Strong hands-on experience with AWS services (EC2, VPC, IAM, S3).
• Experience with hybrid cloud environments (on-prem + AWS).
• Proven experience in cloud migration and modernization strategies.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across infrastructure layers.
• Experience with Terraform and Infrastructure as Code (IaC).
• Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and automation frameworks.
• Experience with disaster recovery planning and implementation.
• Strong understanding of cloud security and compliance practices.
• Experience creating technical documentation and architecture diagrams.

Preferred / Nice-to-Have Skills

• Experience with Ansible.
• Strong understanding of AWS IAM and RBAC controls.
• Knowledge of FinOps (cost estimation, budgeting, and optimization).
• Experience working in public sector or regulated environments.