Senior Cloud Platform Engineer

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers’ most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets. Nightwing Information Technology is seeking a Senior Cloud Platform Engineer to lead the operation, development, and continuous improvement of our network and server/application infrastructure in AWS GovCloud and Azure. You will provide technical leadership in a rapidly changing, fast ‑ paced environment supporting 20+ applications across three distinct networks, each with its own data protection requirements, connectivity, and support model. In this role, you will own the design of secure, scalable, and cost ‑ optimized cloud environments and mentor other engineers while empowering our development and operations teams. Key Responsibilities Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: Own the architecture and design of core cloud platform capabilities in AWS GovCloud and Azure, ensuring they meet security, availability, and performance requirements across three networks. Use and develop automation (Ansible roles, Terraform modules, Packer, GitLab CI/CD pipelines, AWS CLI) to provision and configure servers, services, applications, and security controls, and drive best practices for automation across the team. Set up and maintain applications in AWS GovCloud and commercial AWS environments, defining patterns and standards for development, test, and production environments used by multiple product teams. Manage and optimize AWS resources such as VPCs, EC2, ECS, EKS, S3, Control Tower, and Landing Zone Accelerator (LZA) at scale, including cost, resilience, and security posture. Lead technical projects end ‑ to ‑ end, working with team members and cross ‑ functional groups to define requirements, create implementation plans, and deliver new features and capabilities on schedule. Follow and establish best practices for disaster recovery and business continuity in server, network, and security design. Manage Linux and Windows servers, following best practices for logging, monitoring, patching, and system maintenance; help select and implement supporting tools. Provide senior ‑ level expertise and support for IT operations related to security monitoring, compliance, and auditing tools. Partner with security and compliance teams to support audits and implement technical controls that meet applicable regulatory and customer requirements. Mentor and coach junior and mid ‑ level engineers, conducting design and code reviews and sharing best practices for cloud architecture, automation, and operations. Contribute to roadmap and strategy discussions for the cloud platform, identifying opportunities for modernization, simplification, and efficiency. Required Skills and Experience 6 –10+ years of experience in IT (operations, security, development, or DevOps), including significant experience in hybrid or cloud ‑ native environments. 4 + years of experience with Linux system administration in production environments; experience designing standardized OS images and hardening baselines. Familiarity with Windows system administration in mixed Linux/Windows environments. 2 + years of experience running and supporting production services within AWS or another major cloud provider (e.g., Azure), with direct responsibility for availability, performance, and cost. Experience architecting new services using AWS resources and integrating them into existing environments (e.g., VPC, EC2, ECS/EKS, S3, load balancers, Auto Scaling, security groups). Proven experience troubleshooting complex distributed systems and cloud infrastructure issues, including networking, IAM/policy, containers, and CI/CD pipelines. Deep familiarity with infrastructure ‑ as ‑ code and configuration management tools to manage and deploy servers and applications (e.g., Ansible, Terraform, CloudFormation, Packer, Python, Bash, PowerShell). Familiarity with source code management tools for any automation code, scripts, or documentation (e.g., Git, GitLab, Bitbucket). Demonstrated experience leading technical projects or initiatives, including planning, estimation, and coordination with cross ‑ functional stakeholders. Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex cloud concepts to technical and non ‑ technical audiences. Strong sense of ownership and accountability to meet work deadlines and support sprint goals. Must be a U.S. citizen. Desired Skills and Experiences Experience developing automated solutions utilizing Docker Compose and Helm. Experience designing and operating containerized platforms using Docker and/or Kubernetes, including cluster design and security. Familiarity with multi ‑ account AWS architectures (e.g., AWS Organizations, Control Tower). Familiarity with multi ‑ account Microsoft Azure, including sovereign cloud architectures. Experience developing CI/CD pipelines for delivery and testing of services and applications. Experience within AWS GovCloud, particularly in government or other highly regulated environments. Experience influencing or defining cloud security and compliance standards in partnership with security and compliance teams. Professional certifications such as AWS Solutions Architect – Professional, AWS DevOps Engineer – Professional, AWS Solutions Architect – Associate, AWS Developer, Linux+, Security+, or CCNA. Required Education Bachelor of Science degree in a related engineering field; OR 6 additional years of engineering, computer science, or information science applicable professional experience in lieu of a degree. Salary & Benefits The salary associated with this position ($99,000-$206,000) is commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications, years of relevant experience, and demonstrated level of expertise. Compensation will be determined based on these factors to ensure alignment with skills, responsibilities, and market standards. Nightwing offers medical, vision and dental insurance coverage in addition to a 401k plan, PTO, Holidays, and additional insurances. Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class. Summary Location: Sterling, VA Type: Full time