> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2268616-cloud-architect](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2268616-cloud-architect). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Cloud Architect - **Company:** Guidehouse Inc. - **Location:** McLean, VA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $130,000.0 - $216,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Agile Methodology, Artificial Intelligence, Amazon Web Services, Business Analytics Applications, Automation of Tests, BigQuery, Cloud Computing, Cloud Engineering, Information Systems, Continuous Integration, Data Transformation, Data Migration, Programming Tools, Identity and Access Management, Machine Learning, Network Architecture, Performance Tuning, Systems Development Life Cycle, Cloud Services, Azure Machine Learning, Policy as Code, Data Logging, Google Cloud, Enterprise Software Applications, System Availability, Large Language Models, Generative AI, Amazon Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), Kubernetes, Infrastructure Automation Frameworks, Information Technology, Deployment Automation, Cloud Migration, Terraform, Code Restructuring, Devsecops - **Published:** August 27, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9122522/cloud-architect ## About the Role * Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field. * TEN (10+) years of progressive experience in cloud architecture and enterprise modernization. * Demonstrated experience migrating complex systems from AWS to Google Cloud at scale. * Deep expertise across GCP services: Compute, GKE, VPC networking, IAM, Cloud SQL/AlloyDB, BigQuery, KMS, logging/monitoring. * Strong understanding of federal SDLC/SELC or similar structured lifecycle methodologies. * Expert-level proficiency with Terraform, CI/CD pipelines, DevSecOps, and security engineering principles. * Experience leading large cloud engineering teams in Agile environments. * Google Professional Cloud Architect certification ( or obtained within first 6 months ). What Would Be Nice To Have : * Experience modernizing large federal systems or other regulated enterprise environments. * Hands-on experience with data modernization, analytics platforms, and cloud-native data pipelines. * Experience developing cloud governance frameworks, COE structures, FinOps practices, and cost-optimization strategies. * Experience deploying or integrating cloud-based AI/ML services-such as Google Cloud Vertex AI, Gemini, or Dialogflow-into enterprise applications. ## Description Guidehouse is seeking a Senior Cloud Architect to lead the modernization and migration of large, mission-critical applications from AWS to Google Cloud. This role provides architectural leadership across cloud platforms, data modernization, security, DevSecOps, and enterprise systems engineering. The Architect will support a high-visibility federal system, ensuring secure, reliable, and scalable cloud operations aligned with federal SDLC/SELC methodologies., Cloud Architecture & Modernization * Lead the end-to-end strategy, design, and implementation of cloud modernization initiatives for a complex federal enterprise system. * Architect secure, scalable environments in Google Cloud and drive migration from AWS using industry-standard patterns (rehost, re-platform, refactor). * Establish cloud governance, resource hierarchy, network architecture, IAM policies, and resiliency strategies. * Support teams in deploying managed Google Cloud AI products (e.g., Vertex AI endpoints, Gemini-based developer tools, Dialogflow agents) as part of broader cloud modernization efforts Migration Leadership (AWS * Google Cloud) * Assess existing architectures and develop migration roadmaps, sequencing, and cutover plans. * Map AWS services to Google Cloud equivalents and ensure platform readiness for production workloads. * Oversee containerization, orchestration (e.g., Kubernetes/GKE), data migration, and modernization of legacy components. DevSecOps, CI/CD, and Infrastructure Automation * Define and implement Terraform-based IaC, GitOps workflows, automated deployments, security gates, and policy-as-code. * Mature CI/CD pipelines to support release-on-demand, automated testing, and compliance validation. SDLC / SELC Compliance (Federal Environment) * Ensure all architecture deliverables, design artifacts, security documentation, readiness reviews, and testing approaches comply with federal SDLC/SELC standards, including traceability, documentation, verification/validation, and audit readiness. * Partner with program management, engineering teams, and federal stakeholders to meet lifecycle governance requirements. Operational Excellence & Reliability * Implement observability across logging, monitoring, tracing, performance tuning, and resilience testing. * Maintain high availability and continuity-of-operations (COOP) expectations required for critical federal systems. Technical Leadership & Collaboration * Advise senior leadership and technical teams; guide architectural decisions and modernization direction. * Mentor engineering teams across multiple Agile squads and support PI planning, backlog refinement, and architectural reviews. * Represent the cloud architecture discipline in stakeholder engagements, technical forums, and enterprise planning sessions. AI-Enablement * Demonstrates expertise in designing, implementing, and governing AI-enabled cloud solutions. * Applies knowledge of generative AI, machine learning, and large language model (LLM) technologies to architect scalable, secure, and cost-effective enterprise solutions. * Develops Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) architectures, vector search solutions, and AI-driven automation workflows that integrate enterprise data sources while adhering to security, privacy, and regulatory requirements. ## Related Videos - [The Cloud is Calling: Answer with In-Demand Skills](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/945-the-cloud-is-calling-answer-with-in-demand-skills) - [Infrastructure as Code: The Developer's Secret Weapon](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1221-infrastructure-as-code-the-developer-s-secret-weapon) - [DevSecOps: Injecting Security into Mobile CI/CD Pipelines](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/273-devsecops-injecting-security-into-mobile-ci-cd-pipelines) - [Data Science in Retail](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/586-data-science-in-retail) - [Implementing Feature Environments with AWS and Terraform](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/531-implementing-feature-environments-with-aws-and-terraform) - [DevSecOps: Security in DevOps](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/36-devsecops-security-in-devops) ## Related Articles - [Got AI ideas but no money? Here are 10 free ways to level up your AI skills with Google Cloud](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/600-got-ai-ideas-but-no-money-here-are-10-free-ways-to-level-up-your-ai-skills-with-google-cloud) - [7 Cloud Computing Trends Coming in 2025 for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/412-7-cloud-computing-trends-coming-in-2025-for-developers) - [What Are The Top Skills Required For Azure Developers?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/77-what-are-the-top-skills-required-for-azure-developers) - [Best US AI Conferences for CTOs in 2026: Build vs. Buy, Vendor Evaluation, and Peer Intelligence](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/736-best-us-ai-conferences-for-ctos-in-2026-build-vs-buy-vendor-evaluation-and-peer-intelligence) - [Top Must-Visit Developer Conferences in the US in 2026](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/679-top-must-visit-developer-conferences-in-the-us-in-2026) - [Graph and AI Trends 2026: Why Is AI Running but Not Yet Delivering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/680-graph-and-ai-trends-2026-why-is-ai-running-but-not-yet-delivering)