Cloud Systems Administrator

This is a contract position for a Cloud Systems Administrator located in Washington, Washington, United States. The role is available for a duration of 6+ months and focuses on managing and securing modern cloud and on-premises infrastructure that supports essential public services and critical operations. You will work across Azure, AWS, automation, cybersecurity, and platform reliability while driving efficiency through DevOps, AIOps, and Infrastructure-as-Code practices. The position also supports digital transformation initiatives that help maintain resilient, always-available services for large communities. Responsibilities Administer, configure, and support Microsoft Azure, AWS, and on-premises environments, including virtual machines, networking, storage, and identity services. Develop and maintain automation solutions using PowerShell, Python, and Terraform to provision infrastructure, streamline operations, and enforce configuration standards through Infrastructure-as-Code practices. Leverage AI-driven platforms such as Splunk and Azure Monitor to identify anomalies, predict issues, automate incident response, and improve operational efficiency. Deploy, manage, and optimize containerized applications using Docker and Kubernetes to support scalable, resilient, and highly available environments. Implement and maintain security controls, manage Azure Active Directory and IAM solutions, enforce encryption standards, and perform regular security assessments and compliance reviews. Design, implement, and validate disaster recovery and business continuity strategies for cloud and on-premises systems to minimize downtime and data loss. Manage VMware vSphere and Windows Server environments, ensuring security, patch compliance, stability, and performance optimization. Partner with development and security teams to support DevOps and DevSecOps initiatives, CI/CD pipeline implementation, process improvements, and technical mentoring. Collaborate with data science teams to integrate AI agents and machine learning capabilities for capacity planning, infrastructure optimization, and automated resource management. Qualifications Required 5+ years of hands-on experience in a systems administration or similar role within an enterprise environment. Proven expertise in managing and administering cloud platforms like Microsoft Azure and/or Amazon Web Services (AWS). Strong experience with automation and scripting, particularly with PowerShell and/or Python. Experience with Microsoft Azure Entra ID, API Management, Front Door, Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, Application Proxy Gateway, Data Gateway. Experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools such as Terraform. Hands-on experience with virtualization technologies, specifically VMware vSphere. Experience with containerization and orchestration platforms like Docker and Kubernetes. Familiarity with AIOps tools and principles for predictive analysis and automated monitoring. Knowledge of Microsoft Office 365, Power Platform, Intune, MECM/SCCM. Solid understanding of modern networking concepts, including hybrid cloud connectivity, security groups, and load balancing. Strong knowledge of Microsoft Active Directory and modern identity management. Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex issues and provide effective solutions. Preferred A foundational understanding of machine learning concepts, intelligent agents, and their practical application in an IT infrastructure context. Relevant certifications, especially Azure Administrator Associate, AWS Certified SysOps Administrator, or VMware Certified Professional (VCP). Bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, or equivalent practical experience and certifications. #J-18808-Ljbffr Intone Inc