Lead Cloud Architect (2026-0135)
At a glance
Senior Cloud role at Acclaim Technical Services. Chantilly · full-time · $225,000–$250,000 base.
devopsroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Design AWS and hybrid reference architectures, then define how accounts, environments, networks, and compute and storage are separated
- Build reusable Terraform modules for AWS networking, access controls, load balancing, and logging, with patterns teams can promote across environments
- Set up VMware-based on-premises compute fleets, including image standards, patch baselines, and provisioning workflows
- Work with security teams on least-privilege access, encryption, audit logging, backups, recovery, and multi-AZ resilience
- Enable Git-based Terraform delivery and provide application teams with deployment blueprints and clear architecture diagrams
What you bring
- A related bachelor's degree, or four additional years of experience in its place
- Ten to fifteen or more years in cloud, systems, or infrastructure engineering, including at least three years leading hands-on AWS architecture
- Strong AWS security and core-service expertise, plus production Terraform experience covering modules, state, promotion, and drift
- Experience designing and operating environments that combine cloud services with on-premises virtualization
- An active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph, and a passport or the ability to obtain one after hiring
Who this fits
This senior, hands-on architecture role suits someone who can guide implementation across AWS and on-premises infrastructure while working with engineering, operations, security, and networking teams. The position supports a Chantilly, Virginia program and requires international travel of up to ten percent.
From the employer
We are actively hiring a Cloud Architect with a TS/SCI clearance and polygraph to support a program in Chantilly, VA. In this role, you will design, build, and evolve a large-scale, globally distributed mission system operating across both AWS cloud environments and on-premises virtualized infrastructure.
You will lead the architecture and implementation of secure, repeatable Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) patterns to deploy and operate compute fleets, network connectivity, and platform services across multiple environments (development, test, staging, production, and lab). This role requires close collaboration with engineering, operations, security, and networking teams to improve reliability, standardize deployments, and accelerate delivery through automation.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Design and implement reference architectures for AWS and hybrid environments (cloud + on-prem virtualization).
- Define deployment patterns for multi-account and multi-environment separation, network segmentation, and scalable compute/storage stacks.
- Establish standardized “landing zone” practices, including account structure, guardrails, logging, tagging, and cost controls.
- Build and maintain Terraform modules and reusable IaC patterns for AWS infrastructure, including VPCs, IAM roles/policies, load balancing, and logging foundations.
- Architect and support virtualized compute fleets using VMware/vSphere patterns for on-prem environments, including golden images, patching baselines, and provisioning workflows.
- Partner with security teams to implement secure-by-design architectures, including least privilege IAM, encryption, and centralized audit logging.
- Design for resilience and continuity with backup/restore strategies, disaster recovery considerations, and multi-AZ patterns.
- Support CI/CD enablement for infrastructure deployments using Git-based workflows integrated with Terraform plans/applies.
- Collaborate with application teams to provide standardized environments and deployment blueprints.
- Produce clear architecture documentation, including logical/physical diagrams, environment definitions, and “as-built” artifacts.
- Bachelor's degree in related field. 4 additional years of experience will substitute in lieu of degree.
- 10-15+ years of experience in cloud architecture, systems engineering, or infrastructure engineering, including 3+ years as a hands-on AWS architect/lead.
- Deep expertise with AWS core services and secure architectures (networking, IAM, logging, compute, storage).
- Hands-on expertise with Terraform for production-grade IaC (modules, state management, promotion strategies, drift detection).
- Experience designing and operating hybrid environments (cloud + on-prem virtualization).
- Ability to translate requirements into scalable, maintainable, and secure architectures while providing implementation guidance.
- Ability to travel internationally up to 10%.
- Must possess an active Passport or obtain one upon hire.
- AWS certifications (Solutions Architect Professional preferred).
- Experience with VMware/vSphere architecture and operations (templates, clusters, networking, storage).
- Familiarity with configuration automation tools (Ansible, Packer) and GitOps-style workflows.
- Experience with observability patterns (metrics/logs/traces) and integrating monitoring into operations.
- Experience implementing multi-account AWS governance (Organizations, SCPs) and cost controls (tagging, budgets).
ABOUT
Acclaim Technical Services (ATS), founded in 2000, is a premier provider of tech-enabled solutions and operational services to a broad range of U.S. Federal agencies. As an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company—an uncommon advantage in our sector—we foster a culture of ownership, accountability, and shared success. This commitment to our people shows: ATS is consistently recognized as a top workplace in the DC area and continues to experience strong, strategic growth.
SALARY TRANSPARANCY
There are many factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employee owners value the flexibility at ATS that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, career growth, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad mix of exceptional benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families.
At ATS, you will be eligible to participate in a comprehensive benefits package such as healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits. Learn more at Employee Resources
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) STATEMENT
ATS is committed to a program of equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, age, religion/creed, hairstyles and hair textures, handicap/disability, genetic information/history, military/veteran status, or any other characteristic or condition protected by applicable law. We support the employment and advancement in employment of individuals with disabilities and of protected veterans, and we treat qualified individuals without discrimination on the basis of their physical or mental disability or veteran status.
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