Cloud Architect
At a glance
Mid-level Cloud role at Astor & Sanders. Silver Spring · $130,000–$155,000 base.
devopsroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Shape cloud designs for scientific software, heavy data workloads, and mission-related processes
- Move older and newer systems into hybrid and multi-cloud setups across AWS, Azure, OCI, and GCP
- Build secure, scalable platforms for research-to-operations work and high-throughput processing
- Set cloud rules for spending, data compliance, and security across scientific data systems
- Document architecture and reusable designs, troubleshoot infrastructure, and automate reliability and observability
What you bring
- A bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or a related technical discipline
- At least five years in IT, including two or more years in cloud architecture or engineering
- Practical experience with a major cloud provider and Infrastructure as Code tools such as Terraform or CloudFormation
- Strong knowledge of cloud networking, security, identity, and storage in hybrid or multi-cloud settings
- Scripting or programming ability for automation, plus familiarity with CI/CD and DevSecOps
Who this fits
This role suits a mid-career cloud architect who can work across cloud platforms and partner with scientific, DevOps, cybersecurity, and mission teams. The position is full-time and hybrid in Silver Spring, Maryland. The stated annual salary range is $130,000 to $155,000.
From the employer
Systems Integration & Developer (SID) is an award-winning IT solutions provider headquartered in Rockville, MD seeking a Cloud Architect. This is a full-time and hybrid position.
Roles & Responsibilities
- Design and develop cloud architecture strategies to support scientific applications, large-scale data processing, and mission-aligned workflows.
- Lead the migration of legacy and modern systems to hybrid and multi-cloud environments (AWS, Azure, OCI, GCP).
- Architect secure, scalable, and resilient platforms optimized for research-to-operations (R2O) and high-throughput workloads.
- Collaborate with scientific development, DevOps, cybersecurity, and mission stakeholders to deliver end-to-end cloud solutions.
- Establish and enforce cloud governance, including cost controls, data compliance, and security best practices for scientific data systems.
- Develop and maintain architecture documentation, diagrams, and reusable patterns to support scalable, cloud-native modernization.
- Troubleshoot cloud infrastructure issues, optimize performance, and implement automation for system reliability and observability.
- Stay informed on emerging cloud technologies and NOAA-relevant standards (e.g., cloud portability, FAIR data principles, etc.).
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
- 5+ years of experience in IT, with at least 2 years in a cloud architecture or engineering role.
- Proven experience with at least one major cloud provider (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, or Oracle Cloud Infrastructure).
- Hands-on experience with Infrastructure as Code tools (e.g., Terraform, CloudFormation) in support of automated, scalable deployments.
- Strong understanding of cloud networking, security, identity management, and storage services in hybrid or multi-cloud environments.
- Proficiency in scripting or programming (e.g., Python, Bash, PowerShell) for automation and orchestration.
- Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and DevSecOps principles, particularly for data-driven or scientific systems.
Preferred Qualifications
- Cloud certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect (Associate or Professional), Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect, or OCI Architect Associate/Professional..
- Experience supporting scientific, research, or mission-critical applications in federal or environmental agencies.
- Knowledge of containerization and orchestration (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes) for scalable application design.
- Familiarity with scientific data lifecycle challenges, including ingest, storage, processing, and dissemination.
- Experience integrating observability tools, cost management, and compliance into cloud-native environments.
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical users.
The anticipated salary range for this position is $130,000-$155,000 annually. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, candidate skills and education, geographical location, certifications, and business needs, as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position and could fall outside of this range. This salary range represents Astor's good-faith estimate of compensation for the position at the time of posting.
Benefits
Systems Integration & Development (SID) offers a unique, stimulating and challenging environment that fosters individual growth and rewards performance. Systems Integration & Development (SID) is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Some of our competitive benefits include
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and all Federal Holidays off
- Comprehensive Health Coverage
- Retirement Savings Plan
- Pre-Tax Benefit Programs
- Wellness and Work-Life Support
- Professional Development
- Performance and Referral Bonuses
- Life and Disability Insurance