Cloud Engineer

Azure Cloud Engineer

1st Edge is a growing business seeking top performers to join in our mission of developing Artificial Intelligence solutions for our Government customers. We offer technically advanced, challenging work in an employee-centered environment driven by the desire to contribute to a meaningful purpose. Our employees work closely with Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC), Missile Defense Agency (MDA), and The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM).

1st Edge is seeking a highly skilled and hands-on Azure Cloud Engineer to join our team. This is a deeply technical role focused on the daily administration, management, and operational health of hybrid-cloud infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in traditional administration with proven, hands-on experience in a cloud environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Server & Cloud Admin: Provision, configure, and maintain cloud and on-prem VMs; support migrating on-prem apps to Azure.
• IaC & Automation: Automate resource deployment and infrastructure management using Terraform.
• Storage & Recovery: Manage Azure Storage (Blob, File, Queue) and maintain backup/disaster recovery workflows.
• Networking: Configure virtual networks, subnets, and Network Security Groups (NSGs).
• Security & Compliance: Apply DISA STIGs, handle data encryption, configure Azure Group Policies, and manage identity/secrets with Entra ID and Key Vault.
• DevOps & Containers: Manage Azure DevOps Server repositories and deploy, scale, and orchestrate AKS clusters.
• Operations & Support: Monitor system performance, support developers/cyber teams/users, and maintain operational and architecture documentation.

Required Qualifications

• Clearance & Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship; Active DoD security clearance (or clearance-eligible).
• Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in a technical field (or equivalent experience) + 3+ years in sysadmin, with significant cloud experience.
• Core Cloud Skills: Strong knowledge of storage/backup/DR, container management, Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, Entra ID (with RBAC), Defender for Cloud, Cost Management, and Azure Update Management.
• Automation Tools: Hands-on experience with IaC tools (Terraform, OpenTofu, Ansible, or AWS CloudFormation).
• Certifications (Required/Obtainable before start): * CompTIA Security+ CE (or other IAT Level II cert).
• Cloud cert (e.g., Azure Fundamentals/Admin/Security/Architect, AWS Architect/Developer, CCSP, or GCSA).

Preferred Qualifications

• Scripting & CI/CD: PowerShell, Azure CLI, and Azure DevOps or Jenkins pipelines.
• Advanced Networking: VNet peering, VPN Gateway, and ExpressRoute.
• Advanced Cloud: AWS experience, hybrid cloud infrastructure, and enclave federation.
• Terraform Expertise: Terraform HCS, Enterprise, and CLI.

Bonus Qualifications

• HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate.
• Multi-cloud cost optimization and management.