Cloud Architect SME - Cloud-Native Platforms Data Systems

DescriptionSummaryActioNet is seeking a Cloud Architect Subject Matter Expert to lead the architecture, modernization, and cloud adoption of mission-critical enterprise systems supporting federal programs. This role serves as the technical authority for designing secure, scalable, and resilient cloud-native environments that integrate front-end applications, API-driven microservices, enterprise databases, queueing services, large-scale computation engines, and analytical platforms. The Cloud Architect SME partners with engineering, cybersecurity, and program stakeholders to define migration and modernization strategies, establish reference architectures, and guide implementation teams across the full system lifecycle. The position emphasizes AWS-based architectures, microservices, containerization, DevSecOps enablement, and data platform integration.Location: Hybrid/Remote. Candidates should be local to the DMV area.Salary range for this position is up to $200,000, depending on qualifications, including relevant certifications, education, years of experience, and demonstrated experience supporting Federal Government programs within the field. Candidates with specialized expertise, industry-recognized certifications, and strong Federal contracting experience may be considered at the higher end of the range.Duties and ResponsibilitiesServe as the technical authority for enterprise and solution-level cloud architecture, guiding the design and modernization of complex application ecosystemsAssess legacy and on-premises environments and define cloud migration and modernization strategies including rehost, re-platform, refactor, and cloud-native redesignDefine target-state architectures that support front-end applications, API platforms, enterprise databases, queueing systems, scalable computation engines, and analytical servicesArchitect secure AWS-based environments leveraging services such as EC2, ECS, EMR, EKS, S3, RDS, Aurora, Lambda, Step Functions, EventBridge, and CloudWatchLead the architectural design of microservices-based platforms emphasizing API-first integration, loose coupling, stateless and stateful service separation, and elastic scalabilityEstablish containerization and orchestration standards using Docker and Kubernetes to support portability, resilience, and automated deploymentArchitect data platforms integrating Oracle, PostgreSQL, MariaDB, Aurora, and cloud-native object storage for large-scale transactional and analytical workloadsDefine architectures for computation engines that execute Python-based analytical workloads and large-scale data processingDesign secure cloud-native environments incorporating identity and access management, encryption, secrets management, logging, monitoring, and compliance controlsLead DevSecOps and CI/CD architecture integrating GitHub, Bitbucket, Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, Terraform, CloudFormation, and automated testing and security scanning toolsDefine infrastructure-as-code standards and reusable deployment patterns for cloud environmentsOptimize cloud architectures for performance, scalability, reliability, and cost efficiencyCollaborate closely with cybersecurity teams to ensure architectures align with federal security requirements and cloud compliance frameworksProduce and maintain cloud architecture artifacts including reference architectures, system diagrams, data flows, and migration roadmapsGuide engineering teams during implementation, providing architectural oversight, design reviews, and technical risk managementSupport planning and execution of phased migration efforts including validation, testing strategies, and rollback planningProvide post-migration architectural support including performance tuning, resiliency improvements, and continuous optimizationMentor technical teams and contribute to the development of cloud standards, best practices, and long-term modernization roadmapsBasic QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Cloud Computing, Computer Science, or a related field8+ years of experience in cloud engineering, cloud architecture, or enterprise infrastructure modernizationDemonstrated experience architecting complex cloud-native platforms and leading migration and modernization initiativesStrong hands-on experience with AWS cloud services and enterprise-scale deploymentsProven expertise in automation and infrastructure-as-code tools such as Terraform, CloudFormation, and AnsibleStrong background in microservices architecture, containerization, and cloud-native application designExcellent communication skills with experience presenting architecture designs to technical and executive stakeholdersPreferred QualificationsAWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional or equivalent certificationExperience architecting data platforms, analytics solutions, or large-scale computation environmentsExperience with Kubernetes and container orchestration in regulated or federal environmentsBackground in disaster recovery, high availability architecture, and continuity planningExperience supporting Agile or SAFe development organizationsActioNet is a CMMI-DEV Level 4, CMMI-SVC Level 4, ISO 20000, ISO 27001, ISO 9001, HDI-certified, woman-owned IT Solutions Provider with strong qualifications and expertise in Agile Software Engineering, Cloud Solutions, Cyber Security and IT Managed Services. With 26+ years of stellar past performance, ActioNet is the premier Trusted Innogrator!Core Capabilities:Advanced and Managed IT ServicesAgile Software DevelopmentDevSecOpsCybersecurityHealth ITC4ISR & SIGINTData Center Engineering & OperationsEngineering & InstallationWhy ActioNet?At ActioNet, our Passion for Quality is at the heart of everything we do:Commitment to Employees: We are committed to making ActioNet a great place to work and continue to invest in our ActioNeters.Commitment to Customers: We are committed to our customers by driving and sustaining Service Delivery Excellence.Commitment to Community: We are committed to giving back to our community, helping others, and making the world a better place for our next generation.ActioNet is proud to be named a Top Workplace for the 13th year in a row (2014 - 2026). We have a 98% customer retention rate. We are passionate about the inspirational missions of our customers, and we entrust our employees and teams to deliver exceptional performance to enable the safety, security, health, and well-being of our nation.What's in It For You?As an ActioNeter, you get to be part of an exceptional team and a corporate culture that nurtures mutual success for our customers, employees, and communities. We give you the tools to be successful; all you need to do is bring your best ideas, your energy, and a desire to develop your skills, experience, and career. Are you ready to make a difference?ActioNet is an equal-opportunity employer and values inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Full-Time Employees are eligible to participate in our ActioNet’s Benefits Program:Medical InsuranceVision InsuranceDental InsuranceLife and AD&D Insurance401(k) Savings PlanEducation and Professional TrainingFlexible Spending Accounts (FSA)Employee Referral and Merit Recognition ProgramsEmployee Assistance and Identity Theft ProtectionPaid Holidays: 11 per yearPaid Time Off (PTO)Disability InsuranceActioNet is an equal opportunity employer and value inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.********Direct Applicants, only. No Agencies, No third-party recruiters, please********