Responsibilities
The Department of Interior (DOI) CHS III program is leading the way for Cloud Hosting and Applications Modernization across DOI and its subordinate bureaus. CHS III will facilitate migration of legacy on-premises applications to a modern, secure and scalable multi-cloud platform. From sensors in active volcanic regions to earthquake detection data, CHS III is DOI's central cloud processing and data solution.
This fully-remote senior-level Solutions Architect role involves providing advanced Cloud Architecture, Administration, and Engineering support for National Geospatial Technical Operations Center (NGTOC) Hybrid Cloud Migration’s AWS Operations group. The primary focus of the position is to assess, migrate, and optimize NGTOC applications and workloads within a USGS-approved cloud environment.
Specializing in AWS and Hybrid Cloud solutions, with an emphasis on Kubernetes and container orchestration, the role requires designing reusable Infrastructure as Code (IaC) modules, managing large-scale Docker, ECS, and Kubernetes platforms, and overseeing GitLab CI/CD workflows to streamline development practices. Additionally, the position is responsible for implementing robust DevSecOps security gates, enforcing cloud governance policies, and maintaining mission-critical platform reliability through advanced observability tools like Prometheus, Grafana, and Splunk.
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in cloud automation, hybrid cloud architecture, and the ability to collaborate with government teams to design innovative, secure, and scalable solutions while adhering to federal standards. This role requires exceptional technical expertise and the ability to define best practices to support the successful delivery of NGTOC’s cloud initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Cloud Architecture and Migration
- Provide expertise in AWS cloud architecture, administration, and engineering to support NGTOC's AWS Operations group.
- Collaborate with government staff to assess, design, and migrate designated applications and workloads to the USGS-approved cloud environment.
Kubernetes and Container Management
- Manage large-scale Kubernetes platforms, ensuring efficient container orchestration.
- Oversee deployment and orchestration of workloads using Docker and AWS ECS to meet organizational needs.
Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
- Design and develop reusable Infrastructure as Code (IaC) modules using tools like Terraform, OpenTofu, and AWS CDK.
- Automate infrastructure deployment to streamline cloud operations and enable scalability.
CI/CD Pipeline Development and Management
- Take full ownership of the GitLab CI/CD ecosystem to establish and enhance development workflows.
- Implement and maintain highly efficient CI/CD practices across the development lifecycle.
DevSecOps Implementation
- Integrate advanced DevSecOps tools such as SAST, DAST, and IAST to ensure comprehensive security testing.
- Enforce security best practices to protect cloud infrastructure and applications.
Cloud Governance Enforcement
- Develop, implement, and enforce automated cloud governance policies.
- Manage mechanisms like automated tagging and AMI factory patching to maintain compliance and operational efficiency.
Observability and Monitoring
- Establish and maintain observability standards using tools like Prometheus, Grafana, and Splunk to ensure infrastructure reliability.
- Monitor mission-critical systems and implement alerting solutions to proactively address system issues.
Hybrid Cloud Solutions Design
- Develop and implement hybrid cloud solutions that align with organizational goals and federal requirements.
Technical Leadership and Development Guidance
- Define “golden paths” for development teams by establishing reusable processes and best practices.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams and government staff to create efficient, scalable solutions.
Issue Troubleshooting and Optimization
- Analyze and resolve system-wide issues in complex cloud environments.
- Optimize platforms for reliability, scalability, and enhanced performance.
Compliance with Federal Standards
- Ensure all cloud operations and solutions adhere to federal government and USGS standards for security, governance, and compliance.
Qualifications
Required Experience
- Candidate must be a US Citizen
- Candidate must have an Active Public Trust or the Ability to Obtain one is required
- Minimum of 12 years with BS/BA; Minimum of 10 years with MS/MA; Minimum of 7 years with Ph.D or 16 years with a HS Diploma
- Extensive expertise in AWS cloud platforms, including designing, managing, and migrating cloud-based applications and workloads.
- Proficiency in managing Kubernetes clusters, Docker, and AWS ECS for container orchestration and workload deployment.
- Strong experience with Infrastructure as Code tools such as Terraform, OpenTofu, and AWS CDK for developing reusable, scalable automation modules.
- Advanced knowledge of CI/CD principles and experience managing GitLab CI/CD ecosystems to automate and optimize development and deployment workflows.
- Familiarity with DevSecOps practices, including implementing security gates such as SAST, DAST, and IAST for comprehensive security testing.
- Candidate must have at least one of the following certifications or be able to attain within 90 Days:
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate or Professional
- AWS Certified DevOps Engineer - Professional
- AWS Certified Developer – Associate
Preferred Qualifications
- Understanding cloud governance strategies, including automated tagging, policy enforcement, and AMI factory patching.
- Hands-on experience with observability tools like Prometheus, Grafana, and Splunk for monitoring system performance and reliability.
- Experience designing and implementing solutions in hybrid cloud environments.
- Strong leadership and collaboration skills to work with government staff and cross-functional teams while promoting best practices for development.
- Proven ability to troubleshoot and optimize performance, reliability, and scalability of cloud infrastructure.
- Knowledge of federal government standards, security protocols, and compliance frameworks for cloud operations.
- Proficiency in programming and scripting languages commonly used in cloud infrastructure automation (e.g., Python, Bash, etc.).
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills for efficiently working with technical teams and government personnel.
Peraton Overview
Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world’s leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can’t be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we’re keeping people around the world safe and secure.
Target Salary Range
$135,000 - $216,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual’s experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.
EEO
EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.
