Principal Cloud Infrastructure Architect

job summary:

Randstad is seeking an exceptional Lead Cloud Infrastructure Architect on behalf of our client, a premier nationwide transportation enterprise based in Washington, D.C. (primarily remote, with required on-site attendance for quarterly Program Increment planning events). Reporting directly to the Senior Director of Solutions Architecture, this high-impact role is designed for a veteran technologist with a proven engineering heritage who operates as both an enterprise-level strategist and an active, hands-on "player-coach." You will define and advance the target-state enterprise architecture, reference standards, and multi-year roadmaps across core cloud infrastructure, networking, identity, and security-primarily within AWS alongside hybrid Azure environments. Crucially, you will personally execute technical implementations, write production-grade Infrastructure as Code (Terraform) and Git pipelines, and mentor engineering teams ("teach a man to fish") to bridge high-level strategy with real-world delivery in a complex, regulated enterprise.

location: Washington, Washington, D.C.

job type: Contract

salary: $75 - 85 per hour

work hours: 9am to 5pm

education: Bachelors

responsibilities:

Enterprise Strategy & Target-State Roadmaps: Define, govern, and communicate the enterprise vision, reference architectures, and multi-year strategic roadmaps for cloud infrastructure across IaaS, hybrid/multi-cloud networking, IAM integration, observability, and disaster resilience.

Hands-on IaC & Technical Mentorship: Act as a hands-on "player-coach" by creating reference implementations, developing automated CI/CD delivery pipelines, and writing production-grade Infrastructure as Code ( Terraform and Git ) to actively upskill and coach engineering teams.

Core Cloud Infrastructure & Networking: Lead the architectural design and operational patterns for large-scale AWS (primary) and Azure environments, with deep emphasis on software-defined networking, transit gateways, edge routing, hybrid connectivity, and account vending/landing zones.

Cybersecurity & Compliance Integration: Translate stringent regulatory, security, and policy requirements (including PCI DSS, NIST, ISO/IEC 27001, and FRA obligations) into secure, automated, and auditable infrastructure patterns, enforcing identity-aware access and microsegmentation.

Cross-Functional Governance & Influence: Champion architecture governance via the Architecture Review Board (ARB); guide cloud investment decisions, manage technical debt, resolve complex cross-domain design challenges, and align stakeholders ranging from hands-on engineers to C-level executives and board members.

Domain Partnership: Maintain clear architecture boundaries, shared controls, and seamless delivery integration with peer architecture leads across platforms, data, and corporate stewardship domains.

qualifications:

Deep Industry Experience: 20+ years of progressive technology leadership and architecture experience across enterprise infrastructure and cybersecurity (former CTO, CIO, or Principal Architect experience strongly preferred).

Hands-on Technical Mastery: Proven, current technical proficiency with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform), version control (Git), automated CI/CD pipelines, and cloud security architectures.

IaaS & Cybersecurity Depth: Core domain expertise in IaaS, software-defined networking, identity and access management (IAM), and automated security controls.

Exceptional Influence & Communication: Master-level interpersonal and presentation skills with a track record of driving change and accountability in complex, matrixed environments.

Enterprise Execution: Demonstrated ability to manage concurrent architecture engagements, scale technical capability, and deliver measurable outcomes for large-scale enterprise environments.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced Degree: Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Computer Science, or a related field.

Domain Expertise: Prior technology experience within the Transportation, Travel, or Logistics sectors.

Broad Architecture Domain Coverage: Comprehensive knowledge across Solution, Technical/Infrastructure, Security, and Enterprise Architecture frameworks.

skills:

AWS,AWS services,AWS Security,cloud infrastructure,Cloud,CI/CD,Cybersecurity,security architecture,Git,IAM,Computer Science,IaaS,Azure environments,Microsoft Azure,multi-cloud,PCI DSS,software-defined networking,SABSA,version control,technical debt,Terraform,Executive Communication,verbal and written communication skills,Executive Leadership,resilient,resilience,credibility,AWS certifications,AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional,architectural design,architecture,architecting,automated,MBA,Partnership,Enterprise Strategy,CISSP,Cybersecurity & Compliance,CTOs,Architecture Review,DirectConnect,Governance,ISO/IEC 27001,infrastructure,investment decisions,Logistics,Technical Mentorship,NIST,reference architectures,security,solutions architecture,Technical Proficiency,workflows

Equal Opportunity Employer: Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status.

At Randstad Digital, we welcome people of all abilities and want to ensure that our hiring and interview process meets the needs of all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to make your application or interview experience a great one, please contact


Pay offered to a successful candidate will be based on several factors including the candidate's education, work experience, work location, specific job duties, certifications, etc. In addition, Randstad Digital offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: medical, prescription, dental, vision, AD&D, and life insurance offerings, short-term disability, and a 401K plan (all benefits are based on eligibility).

This posting is open for thirty (30) days.