Cloud Architect Lead (DoD Programs)

Five Stones Research Corporation•Schriever Air Force Base, CO

1d•$145,000 - $176,000•Onsite

About The Position

Five Stones Research Corporation (5SRC) is seeking an experienced Cloud Architect to support mission-critical modernization efforts for DoD customers. In this advisory SETA role, the Cloud Architect Lead will influence cloud strategy, guide architecture decisions, and help government stakeholders adopt secure, scalable solutions across AWS and Azure environments. The role offers the opportunity to shape next-generation cloud capabilities while working with a collaborative, growing team headquartered in Huntsville. The position is full-time in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with some travel expected (less than 10%). An active DoD Secret security clearance and U.S. citizenship are required. The position supports government stakeholders by analyzing cloud strategies, advising on architectures and modernization, evaluating contractor deliverables, and promoting secure cloud and DevSecOps practices.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a STEM-related field from an accredited institution and 10 years of relevant IT experience on missile defense-related or other complex, large DoD programs or projects; alternatively, a bachelor’s degree and 15 years of such relevant experience.
Must possess an active Department of Defense Secret security clearance.
U.S. citizenship required.
Ability to work independently, as a team member, or while leading teams or tasks, applying engineering rigor to solve engineering or scientific problems.
Ability to develop technical solutions to complex problems requiring regular use of ingenuity and creativity.

Responsibilities

Analyze and document government cloud strategies, architectures, and modernization plans.
Translate mission and program requirements into actionable cloud design patterns and technical concepts.
Conduct analyses of alternatives and recommend cloud services and architectures across AWS, Azure, and on-premises environments.
Provide technical oversight of cloud infrastructure designs and implementation plans from development contractors.
Assess and advise on infrastructure-as-code tools, including Terraform and CloudFormation, and automation best practices.
Evaluate and recommend strategies for migrating applications and data from on-premises systems to cloud environments.
Ensure cloud solutions align with DoD security requirements, including Zero Trust principles and Impact Level controls.
Review and advise on identity management, encryption, network security, and other key cloud security controls.
Support preparation and review of documentation for security assessments and ATO processes.
Analyze and provide guidance on CI/CD pipelines to improve automation, security, and delivery speed.
Promote DevSecOps practices across government and contractor teams.
Serve as a SETA advisor by offering unbiased technical recommendations to government leadership.
Evaluate contractor deliverables for alignment with architectural, performance, and security standards.
Mentor government technical personnel on emerging cloud technologies, trends, and best practices.