Sr. Cloud Architect

Zachary Piper Solutions is currently seeking a Sr. Cloud Architect to support a federal data migration modernization project based in Huntsville, AL. This position is a full-time role that will be fully onsite. As a Sr. Cloud Architect, you will play a pivotal role in designing, deploying, optimizing, and sustaining secure cloud environments that support application modernization, data migration, DevSecOps initiatives, and mission-critical federal operations. This role is critical to ensuring secure, scalable, and resilient cloud infrastructure that enables successful modernization efforts within a high-stakes federal environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Cloud Architecture & Engineering

Design, build, and optimize cloud infrastructure supporting enterprise applications and data pipelines.Implement cloud-native services, compute configurations, load balancing, storage solutions, and networking components.Support modernization and migration of legacy workloads into AWS cloud environments.Ensure cloud deployments meet performance, scalability, availability, and reliability requirements.Infrastructure Automation & DevSecOps Support

Develop and maintain Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) using Terraform, CloudFormation, or similar automation tools.Support CI/CD integration and automation for application and infrastructure deployments.Implement monitoring, logging, observability, and automated alerting solutions.Collaborate with DevSecOps teams to maintain secure deployment pipelines and automation practices.Security & Compliance

Implement cloud security controls including IAM policies, encryption, network segmentation, auditing, and access controls.Ensure adherence to federal security standards and compliance requirements.Support vulnerability remediation, hardening efforts, patch management, and continuous compliance monitoring.Partner with security teams to proactively identify and mitigate cloud security risks.Troubleshooting & Optimization

Diagnose and resolve issues related to cloud infrastructure, networking, deployments, and integrations.Perform root-cause analysis of cloud performance degradations and service interruptions.Collaborate with development, testing, and migration teams to resolve cloud-related challenges.Optimize cloud performance, scalability, and operational efficiency.Collaboration & Agile Delivery

Participate in sprint planning, backlog refinement, and technical design discussions.Provide technical guidance and cloud engineering best practices across project teams.Coordinate cloud activities across development, migration, testing, operations, and security workstreams.Support mission-focused stakeholders and customer requirements through effective collaboration and communication.Documentation & Reporting

Develop and maintain architecture diagrams, runbooks, SOPs, and technical documentation.Provide reporting on cloud performance, incidents, optimization efforts, and operational metrics.Maintain documentation required for audits, compliance activities, and operational continuity.Requirements:

Active Top Secret Security ClearanceBachelor’s degree and 8+ years of experience in cloud engineering, cloud operations, or infrastructure engineeringHands-on experience with AWS cloud services, including compute, storage, networking, security, and automationStrong experience with Infrastructure-as-Code (Terraform, CloudFormation, or similar)Experience supporting CI/CD pipelines and cloud automation initiativesStrong knowledge of cloud networking, VPC design, routing, security groups, and load balancingExperience implementing cloud security controls and compliance requirementsExcellent troubleshooting, documentation, communication, and collaboration skillsPreferred Qualifications:

Experience supporting federal modernization, data migration, or national security programsExperience with containerization and orchestration technologies such as Docker and KubernetesFamiliarity with microservices, distributed systems, and cloud-native architecturesScripting experience with Python, Bash, or PowerShellExperience with cloud performance tuning and cost optimization initiativesExperience with DevSecOps practices, pipeline security, and automated vulnerability scanningSecurity certifications such as CISSP, CISM, Security+, AWS Security Specialty, or similarAWS certifications including Solutions Architect, SysOps Administrator, or DevOps Engineer preferredCompensation to include:

Salary Range: $170,000 - $210,000 depending on experience

Full Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, PTO, Sick Leave if Required by Law

This job opens for applications on 10/9/2026. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.

Keywords: AWS, Amazon Web Services, Cloud Engineer, Cloud Infrastructure, Cloud Architecture, Infrastructure as Code, IaC, Terraform, CloudFormation, Kubernetes, Docker, CI/CD, DevSecOps, Networking, Virtual Private Cloud, VPC, Security Groups, Load Balancing, Cloud Security, IAM, Encryption, Observability, Monitoring, Logging, Cloud Migration, Data Migration, Federal IT, Federal Modernization, Systems Engineering, Platform Engineering, Automation, Python, Bash, PowerShell, Microservices, Distributed Systems, Infrastructure Automation, Security Compliance, Top Secret Clearance, TS Clearance, Cloud Operations, Site Reliability Engineering, SRE, Scalability, High Availability, Cloud Optimization, Federal Programs, Mission-Critical Systems, AWS Solutions Architect, DevOps Engineering, Enterprise Cloud Solutions.