Cloud Engineer SME

SAIC is a trusted leader in delivering advanced command and control capabilities across the Department of the Air Force, bringing deep expertise in how cutting edge technologies are engineered, secured, and delivered to the fight. At the center of this mission, the Common Mission Control Center (CMCC) unifies data, sensors, mission applications, cloud based services, and emerging AI enabled automation to give warfighters a decisive edge-turning complex, multidomain information into fast, clear, and actionable decisions in the moments that matter most. The CMCC System Facilitator contract positions SAIC to accelerate how new capabilities are integrated, tested, secured, and transitioned into operational use, working side by side with operators, engineers, Capability Providers, and government teams to ensure every delivery strengthens mission readiness. This effort offers the chance to directly shape how the Air Force sees, decides, and acts across all domains-making a tangible and immediate impact on warfighter effectiveness.

SAIC is seeking a highly qualified Senior Cloud Engineer (SME) to support the United States Air Force's Common Mission Control Center Facilitator contract. This role provides expert-level cloud engineering leadership, supporting hybrid and multiclassification cloud environments, enabling secure data and network flows, and advancing the CMCC's cloud, automation, and cross domain ecosystem. The Senior Cloud Engineer acts as a trusted technical advisor, supporting DSOP, integration, and cyber teams while mentoring engineers and strengthening CMCC's resilient, secure deployment architecture.

Job Duties include:

• Architect, deploy, and maintain secure hybrid cloud environments (GovCloud, SC2S, on prem K8s) supporting CMCC development, test, experimental, and operational tiers.
• Design and manage Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and Configuration as Code (CaC) using Terraform, Ansible, Helm, and Argo CD.
• Develop automation pipelines and tooling to support CI/CD integration, cloud resource provisioning, and container orchestration.
• Enable secure data flows, cross domain integrations, and network configurations compliant with MLS/MILS and NSA "Raise the Bar" standards.
• Build and maintain cloud test environments-including hardware, software, and network components-and oversee cloud monitoring, observability, and incident response.
• Collaborate with DSOP, Cyber, Software, and Integration teams to ensure secure pipeline execution, STIG compliance, vulnerability scanning, and cATO aligned security automation.
• Mentor engineering team members and serve as a cloud technical authority during design reviews, risk assessments, and CCB/PI Planning activities.
• Identify opportunities for increased automation, performance optimization, cost-efficiency, and operational resiliency across CMCC cloud infrastructure.

• Bachelors and eighteen (18) years or more of related experience; Masters and sixteen(16) years or more of related experience; PhD or JD and thirteen (13) years or more of related experience.
• TS/SCI Clearance or SCI Eligible
• Extensive experience designing, operating, and securing hybrid or multiclassification cloud environments.
• Expertise with cloud platforms (AWS GovCloud, SC2S, Platform One) and containerization (Docker/Podman) with Kubernetes orchestration.
• Hands on experience with IaC/CaC tools such as Terraform, Ansible, Helm, and GitOps tools like Argo CD.
• Experience supporting cross domain solutions, secure network flows, and MLS/MILS architectures.
• Familiarity with DevSecOps practices, CI/CD integration (GitLab, Jenkins, Bitbucket), and cloud automation pipelines.
• Ability to serve as a cloud technical advisor, mentor engineers, and support enterprise level cloud modernization.
• Experience supporting cloud testing, performance monitoring, incident response, and resilience engineering.
• Strong understanding of cloud security, Zero Trust models, STIG hardening, and RMF/cATO-aligned controls.

Desired qualifications and experience:

• Network or Security Operations Center background; familiarity with DoD acquisition and test enterprise.
• Experience with commercial cloud and optical networking solutions.
• Experience with cybersecurity automation, vulnerability scanners, and continuous monitoring frameworks.
• Prior support to CMCC, CBC2, AOC Falconer, DI, JFN, or related DAF C3BM programs.

Desired Skills and Certifications:

• CompTIA Cloud+, Security+ (IAT II), SAFe Agilist certification.
• AWS / Microsoft / Google / IBM / Cisco cloud certifications.
• Experience with multi-layer security, cross-domain solutions, and NSA RaisetheBar standards.
• Experience with Continuous ATO, RMF, Program Protection Plans.
• Experience with Kubernetes, containers, Zero Trust architecture, and modern source control tools (Git, Bitbucket).
• Strong technical writing, documentation, and briefing skills.
• Understanding of hybrid cloud/local architectures at scale.

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.