Cloud & AI Platform Engineer

SHARP is seeking a senior-level Cloud & AI Platform Engineer (Systems Analyst VII) to provide deep technical expertise and architectural guidance for our AWS-based analytics and AI platform. This position focuses on hands-on cloud engineering, platform reliability, forward-looking solution design, and operational support, while guiding technical decisions across cloud, data, and AI use cases.

The Cloud & AI Platform Engineer serves as a trusted technical advisor and subject-matter expert, working collaboratively with data engineers, analysts, systems administrators, and stakeholders.

Selected candidate must be willing to work from an HHS office located in Austin, Texas designated by the hiring manager.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

• 20% Responsible for the SHARP AWS environment, including design, configuration, monitoring, maintenance, and support of cloud infrastructure. Ensures availability, performance, scalability, security, and cost efficiency of AWS services supporting SHARP applications and data platforms. This includes configuration, implementation, and support of SHARP networking infrastructure. Participates in incident response and operational issue resolution as needed.
• 15% Participate in agile data engineering development and support the team with the database design and implementation based on data pipeline requirements.
• 10% Supports the implementation and operational enablement of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced analytics solutions within SHARP. Provides cloud infrastructure, integration support, and operational readiness to ensure AI solutions are securely deployed, monitored, and scalable.
• 10% Develops and maintains Python scripts and automation to support both operational tasks and data engineering tasks, incl integrations, monitoring, and platform efficiencies. Assists development and data teams with Python-based operational tooling as needed.
• 10% Perform as a backup administrator for other applications (non-database) that are part of the platform.
• 10% Collaborate with various internal and external stakeholders to formulate policies, procedures, and standards related to data management.
• 10% Perform timely resolution of incidents reported in production and ensure minimal disruption to operations.
• 10% Participate in meetings, report performance metrics, and support project management activities, including but not limited to timekeeping, status reporting, and presentations.
• 5% Other duties as assigned

• Knowledge of AWS cloud architecture and services used to support secure, scalable, and cost-efficient production platforms
• Knowledge of networking principles including TCP/IP, routing, firewalls, and cloud network design
• Knowledge of relational database technologies, including AWS RDS (PostgreSQL, MySQL, or similar)
• Knowledge of data engineering concepts, data pipelines, and analytics platform requirements
• Knowledge of governance, policies, and standards related to data management and platform operations
• Knowledge of operational support practices, including incident response and production support
• Skilled in designing, deploying, and supporting cloud infrastructure in enterprise environments
• Skilled in advanced Python scripting and automation for operational support, integrations, and monitoring
• Skilled in Linux system administration, troubleshooting, and performance tuning
• Skilled in diagnosing and resolving production issues using monitoring and logging tools
• Skilled in collaborating with cross-functional technical teams in agile development environments
• Skilled in developing and maintaining technical documentation, standards, and procedures
• Ability to serve as a trusted technical advisor and subject matter expert for cloud, data, and AI platforms
• Ability to ensure reliability, security, scalability, and cost efficiency of analytics and AI systems
• Ability to support the operational enablement of AI and advanced analytics solutions
• Ability to analyze complex technical problems and implement effective, sustainable solutions
• Ability to work independently while coordinating effectively with internal and external stakeholders

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

AWS Certification is preferred., * 6+ years of extensive AWS Cloud Engineering experience operating and supporting production AWS environments.

• 5+ years of strong knowledge of AWS cloud networking, security, monitoring, and cost optimization.
• 8+ years Advanced Python scripting, automation, and operational tooling.
• 8+ years of Linux system administration and troubleshooting.
• 8+ years of Networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, routing, firewalls, security groups).
• 4+ years AWS RDS (PostgreSQL, MySQL, or similar).

Preferred:

• 1+ Years Experience supporting analytics or AI platforms at enterprise scale.
• 1+ Years Experience in public-sector or regulated environments.
• 1+ Years Experience supporting or enabling AI/ML or advanced analytics workloads in cloud environments.
• 1+ Years Snowflake administration, performance, and support.

Additional Information:

Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the requirements of HHSC Human Resources Manual.

• Selected candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
• Selected candidate must be willing to work from an HHS office located in Austin, designated by the hiring manager.

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.