Cloud Engineer

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues.

With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad.

Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission.

SPA : Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Space and Intelligence Division provides professional services to the US Space Force, Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, and NASA.

Our work includes enterprise architectural assessments, systems engineering and integration, test, planning and execution, cost estimating and analysis, acquisition support, and cybersecurity.

We are trusted partners developing approaches and concepts to meet emerging high priority needs, assessing cutting-edge technologies, and supporting capabilities for our National Defense.

Come join the fastest growing Division at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.!

The Space Systems Group, part of the Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.’s Space and Intelligence Division, provides timely and objective assessments and recommendations integrating technical, operational, programmatic, policy and business analysis.

We focus on our key clients in the Space community including the US Space Force’s Space Systems Command (USSF / SSC), one of the three designated Field Commands under USSF.

We work tirelessly to provide integrated solutions based on information and communications throughout the chain of command.

We provide clear and consistent analysis and recommendations which are aligned to strategic and leadership goals while balancing the ability to execute on time and on budget within the technical communities.

Come join an organization responsible for being a key enabler of Spacepower!

SPA has an immediate need for a Cloud Engineer

Responsibilities

About the Position

As a Cloud Engineer at SPA, you will be assigned to support the US Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC), Operational Command and Control Acquisition Delta, known as Kobayashi Maru.

Kobayashi Maru is responsible for continuously delivering impactful software for space operations. The program office’s mission includes the development and deployment of software for space defense, space domain awareness, and enabling data services.

Your goal will be the delivery and maturation of the Kobayashi Maru hybrid cloud infrastructure supporting over 36 software products and thousands of users across the On-Prem, IL4, IL6, and higher classification development, staging, and production environments.

You will be expected to have a deep understanding of cloud services, cloud computing principles, and practical experience managing large-scale hybrid cloud environments.

In this role you will be working primarily with Microsoft Azure technologies. Your range of responsibilities will include design, implementation, management, and optimization of cloud infrastructure and services.

You will be charged with implementing an Infrastructure as Code (IaC) solution in Azure for Kobayashi Maru. Therefore, proficiency in automation, scripting, and configuration management is required.

Your duties will include the following :

• Developing a scalable and secure cloud architecture using Azure services.
• Designing, implementing, and managing network / cloud-networks for and between clusters.
• Creating modular, reusable, and scalable IaC templates using tools like Azure Resource Manager templates, Terraform, or Bicep ensuring the architecture supports automated deployment and management.
• Implementing and managing Azure infrastructure and services consistently and reliably, including setting up virtual machines, databases, networking, and storage solutions, as well as configuring and managing Azure resources through the Azure portal, CLI, or automation scripts.
• Writing, maintaining, and debugging scripts in one or more of the following : PowerShell, Azure PowerShell, Azure CLI, Python, Terraform, and Bash, to automate the deployment, scaling, and monitoring of Azure resources.
• Ensuring the security of cloud resources by implementing Azure security best practices, such as identity and access management, network security, data encryption, and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Embedding security best practices and compliance requirements into IaC templates. Using policy as code tools like Azure Policy to enforce security and compliance rules automatically.
• Setting up monitoring and alerting systems to track the performance and health of Azure resources using Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, Sentinel, and Application Insights.

Optimizing resource usage to enhance performance and reduce costs.

• Implementing strategies for managing multiple environments (development, testing, production) using IaC.
• Identifying and resolving issues related to Azure infrastructure and services. Providing support for incident management, root cause analysis, and implementing preventive measures.
• Working closely with development teams, DevOps, and other stakeholders to integrate Azure services into the overall IT ecosystem.
• Creating and maintaining detailed documentation for the design, implementation, and management of Azure infrastructure.

Providing regular reports on system performance, costs, and security compliance. Creating guides and runbooks for team members to follow.

Planning and executing the migration of on-premises applications and data to Azure. Integrating Azure services with on-premises and other cloud environments as needed.

This is a hybrid position. You will be expected to work on-site with the Government customer at an off-Base location in either El Segundo, CA or Colorado Springs, CO at least 3 days per week due to the fast pace, quick-turn nature of the job and the persistent need to access secure networks.

Thus, residing in comfortable driving distance of El Segundo or Colorado Springs should be considered.

Qualifications

About the Must Haves

• US citizenship and an active Secet clearance
• Minimum 8 years of professional experience as a cloud engineer
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, STEM, or IT from an accredited institution
• Possession of a current CompTIA Sec+ certification
• Possession of at least one of the following certifications : Microsoft Azure Admin AssociateMicrosoft Solution Architect ExpertMicrosoft Azure DevOps Engineer ExpertHashicorp Terraform AssociateCertified Kubernetes Administrator
• Your resume must demonstrate hands-on experience : Planning and implementing scalable cloud architectures, cloud services, cloud networking & management, data flows, and service interactionsMonitoring performance, updating systems, and troubleshooting issuesUpdating security protocols and managing access controlsWriting and maintain scripts to automate routine tasks and optimize workflows.

Proficiency with Azure, GitOps, Kubernetes, Python, Terraform, Ansible, Bicep, ArgoCD, Active Directory

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc.

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Pay Transparency Range : 185k - 225k

SPA is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action. It is, and will continue to be, the policy of the company to afford equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals.

We recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, disability or genetics or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.