Cloud Automation Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Cloud Automation Engineer Company OverviewDutch Ridge Consulting Group, LLC (DRCG) is an ISO 9001:2015, Small Business Administration (SBA) Certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). DRCG provides cleared technical support staff throughout the United States with corporate offices in Ashburn, Virginia. DRCG offers expertise in Systems Integration (SI), Information Technology (IT) solutioning, Program Management, Risk Management, Business Process Reengineering (BPR), Requirements Engineering, Workflow Solutioning, and Business Consulting Services. Established in 2016, DRCG is 100% US owned and predominately supports the DoJ, DoW, and DHS. DRCG optimizes client investments by leveraging expertise to better manage the growth and transformation of existing IT environments. DescriptionDRCG is seeking a talented Cloud Automation Engineer to design, build, and maintain automated cloud infrastructure and deployment pipelines across AWS and Azure environments. The ideal candidate will have a passion for automation, a deep understanding of Infrastructure as Code principles, and the ability to create repeatable, scalable processes that enable rapid and reliable cloud deployments. Location: Arlington, VA (onsite 3 days a week)Clearance: Secret Key Responsibilities:Infrastructure as Code & AutomationDesign, develop, and maintain Terraform modules for multi-cloud infrastructure provisioningImplement Infrastructure as Code (IaC) best practices and standards across the organizationCreate and maintain Ansible playbooks for configuration management and application deploymentBuild reusable, modular automation frameworks that can be leveraged across multiple projectsDevelop and maintain infrastructure templates and blueprints for common deployment patternsAutomate manual processes to improve efficiency and reduce human errorCloud Platform ManagementDeploy and manage infrastructure across AWS and Azure cloud platformsImplement and optimize AWS services including EC2, S3, VPC, Lambda, RDS, and CloudFormationImplement and optimize Azure services including VMs, Storage, Logic Apps, Functions, and ARM templatesDesign and implement serverless solutions using AWS Lambda and Azure Logic AppsManage cloud networking components including VPCs, subnets, security groups, and routingImplement cloud security best practices and compliance controls CI/CD Pipeline DevelopmentDesign and implement automated deployment pipelines using GitHub ActionsBuild continuous integration and continuous deployment workflows for infrastructure and applicationsCreate automated testing frameworks for infrastructure validationImplement pipeline security scanning and compliance checksDevelop rollback and recovery mechanisms for failed deploymentsOptimize pipeline performance and reliability Networking & ConnectivityDesign and implement cloud network architectures across AWS and AzureConfigure VPNs, ExpressRoute, Direct Connect, and hybrid connectivity solutionsImplement network security controls including firewalls, NSGs, and NACLsTroubleshoot network connectivity and performance issuesDesign and implement load balancing and traffic management solutionsManage DNS, routing, and network monitoring Troubleshooting & SupportDiagnose and resolve complex infrastructure and automation issuesPerform root cause analysis on deployment failures and system outagesProvide technical support and guidance to development teamsMonitor infrastructure health and performance metricsImplement proactive alerting and monitoring solutionsDocument troubleshooting procedures and known issues Process Improvement & StandardizationDevelop and document repeatable processes for infrastructure deploymentCreate standardized workflows and procedures for common tasksEstablish best practices for cloud automation and IaC developmentConduct code reviews and provide feedback on automation scriptsMentor team members on automation tools and techniquesDrive continuous improvement initiatives Required Qualifications:Technical Skills:Infrastructure as Code: 3+ years of hands-on experience with TerraformConfiguration Management: Strong proficiency with AnsibleCloud Platforms: Solid experience with both AWS and AzureServerless: Experience with AWS Lambda and Azure Logic AppsCI/CD: Hands-on experience building pipelines with GitHub ActionsScripting: Proficiency in Python, Bash, or PowerShellVersion Control: Strong Git and GitHub workflow knowledgeNetworking: Deep understanding of cloud networking concepts and protocols Core CompetenciesStrong understanding of TCP/IP, DNS, VPN, and routing protocolsExperience with network troubleshooting tools and methodologiesKnowledge of security best practices and compliance requirementsUnderstanding of containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes)Experience with monitoring and logging tools (CloudWatch, Azure Monitor, etc.)Familiarity with API development and integrationUnderstanding of software development lifecycle and agile methodologies Problem-Solving SkillsExcellent analytical and troubleshooting abilitiesAbility to diagnose complex technical issues across multiple systemsStrong attention to detail and commitment to qualityProactive approach to identifying and resolving potential issuesAbility to work under pressure during incident response Soft SkillsStrong written and verbal communication skillsAbility to document technical processes clearly and conciselyCollaborative team player with cross-functional experienceSelf-motivated with ability to work independentlyCustomer -focused mindset with emphasis on delivering value Preferred Qualifications:Bachelor 's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related fieldAWS Certified Solutions Architect or Developer AssociateAzure Administrator or Developer Associate certificationHashiCorp Certified: Terraform AssociateGitHub Actions or GitHub Certified expertiseExperience with multi-cloud deployment strategiesKnowledge of compliance frameworks (FedRAMP, NIST, CIS)Experience with infrastructure testing tools (Terratest, InSpec, Pester)Familiarity with GitOps practices and toolsPrevious experience in DevOps or Cloud Engineering rolesExperience with cost optimization and FinOps practices Technical EnvironmentCloud Platforms: AWS, AzureIaC Tools: Terraform, CloudFormation, ARM TemplatesConfiguration Management: AnsibleCI/CD: GitHub Actions, GitHub WorkflowsServerless: AWS Lambda, Azure Logic Apps, Azure FunctionsScripting: Python, Bash, PowerShellVersion Control: Git, GitHubMonitoring: CloudWatch, Azure Monitor, Prometheus, GrafanaNetworking: VPC, VNet, VPN, ExpressRoute, Direct Connect