Cloud Technical SME

We are seeking a highly capable and collaborative Cloud Technical Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support mission-critical DoD programs. This role operates in a non-implementation capacity, evaluating cloud architecture, modernization approaches, system integrations, and compliance alignment to ensure proposed solutions meet engineering, cybersecurity, and mission requirements. The SME supports PMO leadership, engineers, and cybersecurity SMEs as a senior subject-matter expert, ensuring cloud efforts are feasible, secure, interoperable, and aligned with program objectives., This role supports a high-visibility DoD program focused on advancing secure, mission-aligned cloud capabilities across digital engineering, cybersecurity, and PMO workflows. As a Cloud Technical SME, you will provide senior-level advisory expertise to evaluate cloud architectures, modernization strategies, compliance requirements, and integration approaches. You will guide leadership and engineering teams to ensure cloud solutions are secure, interoperable, feasible, and aligned with program objectives.

As a Cloud Technical SME, your responsibilities will include:

• Technical Advisory & Architecture Review: Evaluate cloud architecture designs for scalability, security, resilience, and mission alignment.
• Review proposed cloud solutions supporting PMO workflows, DEE environments, and lifecycle management operations.
• Assess integration strategies involving MBSE, PLM, CAD/simulation, and engineering tool chains to identify risks and ensure interoperability.
• Compliance, Cybersecurity & Governance Advisory: Advise on implementing and interpreting NIST SP 800-53, NIST SP 800-171, and CMMC controls across program cloud environments.
• Evaluate IAM and security design approaches to ensure sensitive program data is appropriately protected.
• (Preferred) Provide guidance on RMF, DISA STIGs, and FedRAMP when applicable.
• Performance, Availability & Optimization Advisory: Review performance strategies supporting scalability, redundancy, and mission assurance.
• Recommend optimizations related to resource utilization, cost efficiency, and digital engineering workflow support.
• Migration & Modernization Strategy Support: Review cloud migration strategies involving legacy systems, engineering tools, and PMO workflows.
• Advise on modernization including containerization, Infrastructure-as-Code automation, and cloud-native patterns.
• Emerging Technology & Innovation Advisory: Evaluate emerging cloud technologies, engineering frameworks, and mission-aligned platforms.
• Provide insight on integrating cloud-native AI/ML capabilities were beneficial.
• Documentation & Reporting: Produce technical evaluation reports, decision briefs, risk assessments, and recommendations.
• Communicate findings to PMO leadership, engineering stakeholders, and cybersecurity teams.

• Bachelor’s degree in Cloud Computing, IT, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or related field. Preferred Master’s.
• 15 years of experience as a cloud engineer, architect, or technical SME supporting secure government or defense environments.

Required Clearance:

Active Secret clearance, Top Secret Preferred; US Citizenship required.

Technical Experience:

• Expertise in NIST SP 800-53, NIST SP 800-171, and CMMC, with demonstrated experience evaluating compliance alignment.
• Familiarity with AWS, Azure, GCP, and DoD cloud offerings such as GovCloud or milCloud.
• Experience reviewing engineering tool integrations (MBSE, PLM, CAD/simulation, digital engineering systems).
• Excellent analytical skills, communication abilities, and technical writing proficiency.

Core Competencies:

• Ability to synthesize complex technical proposals and develop structured recommendations.
• Strong understanding of cloud architecture, engineering workflows, and cybersecurity principles.
• Skilled in risk evaluation, decision analysis, and technical SME oversight.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and leadership.

Desired Qualifications:

• Familiarity with RMF, DISA STIGs, and FedRAMP.
• Cloud certifications such as AWS Solutions Architect, Azure Architect, CISSP, CCSP, Security+.
• Experience advising PMO or acquisition programs.
• Knowledge of DevSecOps and Agile digital engineering practices.