Cloud Architect

Opportunity Overview

Northramp is seeking a Cloud Architect to join the team supporting the client's Cloud program - a mission-critical effort to consolidate, modernize, and operate the client's enterprise cloud services across IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS environments under FedRAMP High authorization.


You will design, govern, and continuously mature the client's enterprise cloud architecture across IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS environments. The role provides strategic architectural leadership in support of the client's CI/CD DevOps model, FedRAMP High compliance, and the consolidation of cloud services - ensuring cloud solutions are scalable, secure, highly available, and aligned with the client's enterprise IT strategy and DHS security policies.


This role is part of Northramp's integrated delivery model, where engineers and advisors work as one team to bring sound judgment, disciplined execution, and deep federal experience to high-stakes modernization programs.


Location & Work Arrangement

Hybrid, based in the Washington, DC metro area. On-site presence at the client's or designated client locations is expected on a cadence aligned to program needs. Remote work is supported around mission and security requirements. This role is not open to candidates outside the DC region.


The Ideal Candidate

You have designed and governed enterprise cloud architectures in a FedRAMP High environment; you can speak fluently across AWS, Azure, and GCP, and you understand how federal SELC processes and DHS security policies shape real architectural decisions. You can move easily between deep technical reviews and executive briefings.


Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of cloud-based enterprise architectures supporting the client's IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS requirements, including FedRAMP High-authorized Commercial Cloud Brokers (CCBs).

• Develop and enhance the client's Cloud Architecture Repositories and technical insertion processes; align with enterprise target architectures per SOO Section 4.2.1.

• Create and promote cloud architecture frameworks and reference models that reduce IT complexity through reuse of existing solutions.

• Design architectures incorporating Virtual Compute Services (VCS), Scaling Automation Services (SAS), containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), serverless compute, and managed databases (relational, NoSQL, Data Warehouse).

• Architect Private Virtual Cloud Networks (PVCNs), Virtual Load Balancing (VLB), Direct Connection Services (DCS), and hybrid connectivity including DHS TIC 3.0 compliance and the the client hub-and-spoke model.

• Provide architectural guidance for KMS/HSMs, Identity and Access Management (IAM), Infrastructure as Code (IaC), and Content Delivery Services (CDS).

• Align Enterprise Architecture with the client's Strategic SELC processes and IT investment decision-making; conduct gap analysis of existing Disaster and Cloud architectures.

• Lead cloud architecture planning for Joint Field Offices (JFOs), COOP, and disaster recovery operational scenarios.

• Ensure architectural designs meet FISMA High categorization, NIST 800-53, FedRAMP JAB Full-ATO (High Impact Level), and DHS 4300A standards.

• Collaborate with the client's Data Governance Council to support data architecture activities.

• Evaluate emerging cloud technologies, AI/ML platforms, and development platform capabilities (Python, .Net, Java, Node JS, etc.) for adoption within the client's cloud portfolio.

• Interface with Engineering teams, Program Managers, and the client for OCIO leadership to ensure architectural solutions support mission-critical IT objectives.

• Support security engineering tasks including the client Enterprise Security Stack (FESS), WAF, Palo Alto VM-Series NGFWs, and the client's SOC visibility requirements.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• 7-10 years of progressive, hands-on experience in enterprise cloud architecture design across AWS, Azure, and GCP.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.

• Deep expertise in cloud enterprise architecture across AWS, Azure, and GCP; strong knowledge of FedRAMP High, FISMA, and DHS compliance.

• Strong proficiency designing IaaS/PaaS services - virtual compute, auto-scaling, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), serverless functions, managed databases, multi-tier storage.

• Expert-level knowledge of cloud networking - VPCs, VPNs, Direct Connect/ExpressRoute, hybrid connectivity, TIC 3.0, hub-and-spoke models.

• Experience with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, CloudFormation, Ansible) and CI/CD pipeline architectures.

• Strong understanding of KMS, HSMs, IAM, and multi-factor authentication standards.

• Knowledge of SELC processes and federal enterprise architecture frameworks (TOGAF, DoDAF, or equivalent).

• Experience with cloud security tools - Palo Alto firewalls, WAF, Splunk SIEM integration, McAfee, Tenable Nessus, ForeScout.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement; ability to brief senior government officials.

• Familiarity with Section 508 accessibility requirements for ICT deliverables.

• U.S. Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a DHS suitability / Public Trust clearance.

Desired Qualifications

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional, Azure Solutions Architect Expert, or GCP Professional Cloud Architect.

• TOGAF certification.

• FedRAMP or cloud security certifications (CCSP, CISSP).

• Relevant or DHS architecture experience.

• Active Public Trust or higher clearance.

Clearance

DHS suitability and a Public Trust background investigation are required for this role. Active Public Trust or higher clearance is preferred. Selected applicants will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to controlled or classified information.


About Northramp

Northramp is a federal consulting firm that helps agencies modernize and operate mission-critical systems with sound judgment, disciplined execution, and deep federal experience. We specialize in high-stakes digital transformation in highly regulated environments where failure is not an option. Our integrated delivery model brings engineers and advisors together as one team, combining technical depth with an operator's mindset to move organizations from strategy to execution with confidence.


We hold high standards because our clients' missions demand it, and we support our people in meeting them. Northramp is where you are challenged, trusted, and supported - a place for people who take pride in their work, value clarity and follow-through, and want to make a meaningful impact through technology.


Equal Opportunity

Northramp is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Northramp participates in E-Verify.


Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Work From Home
• Wellness Resources
• Employee Bonus Programs