Job#: 3019159 Job Description: Principal Cloud EngineerPlease reach out to apply at . This is a full-time position and is open to hybrid candidates in Appleton, WI only, We are unable to provide sponsorship to candidates now or in the future.
OverviewWe are seeking a
Principal Cloud Engineer to serve as a technical and strategic leader for our cloud platform and enablement function. This role drives enterprise cloud strategy, innovation, and standards across hybrid and multi-cloud environments (Azure, Google Cloud Platform, on-prem). You will mentor architects and senior engineers, influence executive stakeholders, and lead large-scale cloud transformation initiatives aligned with business objectives.
What You'll Do- Set technical direction and vision for enterprise cloud architecture and platform enablement
- Lead adoption of advanced cloud-native practices including GitOps, SRE, FinOps, and Zero Trust
- Sponsor and guide major cloud transformation initiatives (migration, modernization, automation at scale)
- Establish and track organizational SLOs for reliability, security, and cost optimization
- Design and oversee secure, scalable, and resilient cloud solutions
- Champion automation, Infrastructure as Code, and modern CI/CD practices
- Mentor architects and senior engineers; foster a high-performing, inclusive cloud engineering culture
- Represent cloud engineering in executive forums, influencing investment, risk, and compliance decisions
- Lead critical incident response and post-mortem analysis
Primary Technologies- Cloud: Azure, Google Cloud Platform, AWS; hybrid/on-prem (VMware, SAN/NAS)
- IaC & Automation: Terraform, Bicep, Ansible/Chef/Puppet, Packer
- CI/CD & DevOps: Azure DevOps, GitHub, Git, Cloud Build
- Containers: Docker, Kubernetes (AKS/GKE/EKS), Service Mesh
- Observability: Azure Monitor, Cloud Monitoring/Logging, PrometheGrafana, Elastic
- Security: Entra ID/Azure AD, Google Cloud Platform IAM, Key Vault, Secret Manager, KMS, Policy-as-Code
QualificationsRequired- 10+ years of progressive cloud engineering/architecture experience (Azure and/or Google Cloud Platform)
- Proven leadership in large-scale hybrid or multi-cloud transformations
- Deep expertise in cloud architecture, automation, CI/CD, SRE, and security
- Strong leadership presence with excellent executive communication skills
Preferred- Advanced certifications (e.g., Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Google Cloud Platform PCA, AWS SA-Pro, CKA/CKAD)
- Experience with enterprise migrations, modernization, and FinOps
- Knowledge of compliance frameworks (SOC2, ISO, HIPAA)
- Published thought leadership or industry presentations
Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.
Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.