Cloud SME with Security Clearance

Overview:
Seeking an experienced Cloud Services Subject Matter Expert (SME) to provide technical leadership and operational support for government cloud initiatives primarily focused on AWS and Azure platforms. The role entails end-to-end cloud service lifecycle management, cost optimization, compliance with DoD cloud policies, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure secure, scalable, and cost-effective cloud environments. Key Responsibilities: Serve as primary Cloud SME supporting the government Chief of Cloud Services, offering expert guidance on cloud architecture, operations, and security across all DoD impact levels in accordance with the Cloud Computing Security Requirements Guide (SRG) and Cloud Computing Protection Profile (CPG). Conduct technical risk assessments, perform impact analyses, and advise on mitigation strategies for cloud adoption and ongoing operations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams-including operations, cybersecurity, program management, and contracting-to align cloud initiatives with enterprise goals and federal mandates. Oversee Cloud Service Provider (CSP) personnel and subcontractors, ensuring compliance with service level agreements (SLAs) and project schedules. Develop, review, and manage cloud contract documentation including Performance Work Statements (PWS), Statements of Work (SOW), Statements of Objectives (SOO), and Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCE). Lead cloud cost management efforts: monitoring AWS, Azure, Oracle, Google Cloud invoicing and usage, implementing savings plans, optimizing snapshot retention, and adjusting backup policies. Create and enforce cloud utilization policies and strategies to maximize efficiency of virtualized infrastructure and support cloud-first mandates aligned with DARPA and DoD directives. Analyze cloud expenditure forecasts and assist with budget planning to ensure sustainable cloud resource allocation. Facilitate knowledge transfer and training on cloud and hybrid cloud technologies for government and contractor IT staff. Evaluate, test, and recommend solutions for cloud identity and access management (IAM), collaboration platforms, and other cloud-based tools. Support lifecycle planning and management of cloud environments, including license administration, instance consolidation, and resource utilization tracking. Act as Product Manager under the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), defining acceptance criteria, managing backlog, and delivering cloud project solutions that are viable, feasible, and sustainable. Monitor cloud environment health, report anomalies, and drive standardization and foundational IT resolutions across networks within IT divisions. Required Qualifications: Minimum 15 years in IT with 5-10 years of specialized experience in Cloud Operations, Cloud Architecture, or Cloud Security Architecture. Proven experience managing cloud managed service providers (MSPs) and operating Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS) environments. In-depth knowledge of DoD cloud policies, particularly compliance with DOD Cloud Computing SRG and CPG. Cyber Workforce Advanced qualification per DoD 8140.01. Proficiency in cloud cost tracking, budgeting, and cost optimization techniques. Strong understanding of Agile methodologies, preferably certified in SAFe or equivalent frameworks.