Cloud Architect / Cloud Security Engineer (REMOTE)

Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Cloud Architect / Cloud Security Engineer to support the State of Missouri in administering, designing, and implementing secure, scalable cloud solutions. This role requires a strong background in AWS, Azure, and GCP, with the ability to drive architectural decisions, ensure compliance, and mentor technical teams.
Key Responsibilities

• Infrastructure Design & Implementation : Design and implement cloud infrastructure aligned with organizational security, performance, and cost optimization goals.
• Automation & IaC : Build and configure resources using Infrastructure as Code (IaC) methodologies and best practices.
• Cloud Adoption Support : Lead agencies in cloud migration initiatives, including architectural planning, environment setup, and operational guidance.
• Documentation & Standards : Develop and maintain technical documentation such as design diagrams, configuration standards, and runbooks.
• Collaboration : Work closely with security, networking, database, and application teams to ensure cross-functional alignment and successful integration.
• Governance & Compliance : Ensure alignment with enterprise governance standards, NIST 800-53, FedRAMP, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and other applicable regulations.
• Security & Monitoring : Provide guidance on native cloud tools, resource policies, role-based access control (RBAC), tagging, and monitoring strategies.
• Technical Problem-Solving : Troubleshoot and resolve environment-related issues, escalating complex challenges as needed.
• Mentorship & Leadership : Coach and manage existing cloud team members, fostering a high-performing, collaborative environment

Required Qualifications

• 6+ years of hands-on cloud experience with AWS , Azure , and GCP .
• Strong expertise with cloud frameworks, architecture patterns, and services including Aurora, Elastic Beanstalk, PaaS, IaaS, and cloud-native databases .
• Proficiency in Ansible, Kubernetes , and DevOps toolchains.
• Experience with cloud-native security platforms : AWS Security Hub, Azure Security Center, GCP Security Command Center.
• Solid knowledge of SIEM solutions and cloud security tooling.
• Familiarity with compliance frameworks: NIST, CIS, FedRAMP, PCI-DSS, HIPAA .
• Strong scripting and automation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to debate technologies, identify design flaws, and recommend optimized solutions.
• Hands-on experience with IaC and policy-as-code tools (Terraform, CloudFormation, etc.).
• Proven leadership in mentoring/managing cloud teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications such as AWS Certified Security, Azure Security Engineer Associate, Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer, CISSP, or CCSP .
• Prior experience with State of Missouri IT systems , including multi-platform environments, infrastructure management, and large-scale development/M&O projects.