Cloud Senior Solutions Architect (4077)

SMX is seeking a driven candidate to fill a Senior Solutions Architect role, with a special emphasis on supporting environments up to Impact Level 5 (IL5) standards. This role is crucial in helping our customers navigate the challenges and opportunities of the modern cloud landscape, focusing on meeting the stringent security requirements necessary for handling controlled unclassified information (CUI) in compliance with Department of Defense (DoD) and FedRAMP guidelines. The position centers around crafting high-impact technical solutions tailored to high-profile client engagements, especially within regulated industries where providing cutting-edge, compliant, and efficient solutions is paramount. We're looking for someone who understands the technical nuances of cloud computing and cybersecurity at an IL5 level and values the importance of innovation and client-focused problem-solving. As a Senior Solutions Architect at SMX, you won't just be a technical expert; you'll be an industry pioneer, setting benchmarks in a constantly evolving space. Ideal candidates will demonstrate a robust understanding of DoD Cloud Computing Security Requirements Guide (SRG) policies and FedRAMP, with proven experience in designing and implementing solutions in IL5 environments. Your role will involve close collaboration with clients to ensure their missions are supported by secure, resilient, and compliant cloud architectures, empowering them to confidently achieve their strategic objectives. This is a remote position supporting a Herndon, VA based team. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and enforce strategies ensuring cloud environments meet or exceed IL5 security requirements, focusing on protecting CUI and complying with DoD guidelines.
• Integrate secure cloud computing architectures using encryption, IAM, and network security technologies.
• Lead security assessment and authorization activities to achieve and maintain ATO for IL5-hosted services, collaborating with government compliance agencies.
• Assess cloud architectures and systems' security posture by applying secure cloud computing principles.
• Serve as an SME for integrating advanced cloud technologies in IL5 environments and advising on secure migration and deployment best practices.
• Ensure consistent application of secure cloud computing architecture principles across all cloud initiatives.
• Collaborate with engineering and development teams to integrate secure SDLC practices and cloud architecture standards for IL5 environments.
• Participate in strategic planning to align cloud strategies with organizational goals, emphasizing IL5 compliance and secure cloud architectures for government projects.
• Mentor junior architects and engineers on designing and operating IL5-compliant cloud environments, fostering a security-aware culture.
• Implement process efficiencies and automation to enhance security and compliance through secure cloud computing practices.
• Lead architecture discussions to clarify complex cloud concepts and ensure effective implementation of secure cloud architectures.
• Work with cybersecurity teams to integrate secure cloud architectures and improve security postures.
• Establish and enforce cloud governance policies incorporating secure cloud architecture principles to ensure compliance and security.
• Provide training and mentorship on cloud best practices and secure cloud architectures to enhance organizational capabilities.
• Engage with cloud service providers to address security-related issues and negotiate terms supporting secure cloud requirements.
• Develop and test PoCs for new cloud technologies to ensure alignment with secure cloud architecture standards before implementation.
• Document cloud architectures, design patterns, and operational procedures, highlighting secure architecture components for security and compliance.
• Identify and mitigate risks in cloud projects, focusing on those impacting secure cloud architecture and IL5 compliance.
• Maintain AWS and Azure certifications, specializing in secure cloud architectures and best security practices.

Required Skills:

• 15+ years of experience in technology.
• Demonstrated mastery of Cloud Services and technology.
• Proficiency in cybersecurity principles, cloud security best practices, and compliance standards relevant to IL5, including DoD Cloud Computing SRG, NIST frameworks, and FedRAMP.
• Deep understanding of SCCA and experience designing solutions for VDSS/VDMS in AWS.
• Experience with container technologies like Docker and Kubernetes for developing, deploying, and managing applications in IL5 environments.
• Expertise in the DoD's Impact Level standards, particularly IL5, and the associated security controls and compliance processes.
• Skilled in audit preparation, documenting compliance, and developing security policies and procedures.
• Proficiency with CI/CD tools and container management systems.
• Capability to deconstruct technical architecture into actionable tasks and plans.
• Experience writing comprehensive Statements of Work (SoWs) and Proposals.
• Exceptional customer interaction skills and professionalism.
• Leadership abilities to guide and mentor junior team members.
• A strong commitment to organizational growth, including contributions to the sales process, candidate interviews, and fostering deep customer relationships.
• Experience in agile development environments and familiarity with Scrum methodologies.
• Outstanding communication skills, capable of explaining complex cloud and security concepts to diverse audiences.
• Customer-focused attitude with a strong emphasis on satisfaction and relationship building.
• Willingness to travel up to 25%.
• Direct experience in architecting and designing environments for IL5 or other high-security settings.
• Proven track record of successfully leading complex projects in regulated industries or government sectors, meeting stringent security and compliance requirements.
• A technical degree or an additional 10 years of relevant experience.

Desired Skills:

• BS/BA in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Over 7 years of hands-on experience with AWS.
• AWS Solution Architect Professional certification or equivalent credentials.

Additional Comments:
Location & Travel Requirements:
•    This is a remote role, but travel may be required to meet with customers, partners, or SMX teams.
•    Candidates in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area are preferred.

Application deadline 2-28-2025

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The SMX salary determination process takes into account a number of factors, including but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories, relevant prior work experience, specific skills, education and certifications. At SMX, one of our Core Values is to Invest in Our People so we offer a competitive mix of compensation, learning & development opportunities, and benefits. Some key components of our robust benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and retirement.

At SMX®, we are a team of technical and domain experts dedicated to enabling your mission. From priority national security initiatives for the DoD to highly assured and compliant solutions for healthcare, we understand that digital transformation is key to your future success.

We share your vision for the future and strive to accelerate your impact on the world. We bring both cutting edge technology and an expansive view of what’s possible to every engagement. Our delivery model and unique approaches harness our deep technical and domain knowledge, providing forward-looking insights and practical solutions to power secure mission acceleration.

SMX is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability status, protected veteran status, race, color, age, religion, national origin, citizenship, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy or genetic information.  SMX is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer including disability and veterans. 

Selected applicant may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification.