Cloud Services Architect

Who we are:

Raft (https://TeamRaft.com) is a customer-obsessed non-traditional small business with a purposeful focus on Distributed Data Systems, Platforms at Scale, and Complex Application Development, with headquarters in McLean, VA. Our range of clients include innovative federal and public agencies leveraging design thinking, cutting edge tech stack, and cloud native ecosystem. We build digital solutions that impact the lives of millions of Americans.

We’re looking for an experienced Cloud Services Architect to support our growing efforts and join our passionate team of high-impact problem solvers. This is a unique opportunity to help build and shape a game-changing organization where we put our customers and people first.

About the role:

As a Cloud Services Architect, you should be a proven leader and problem solver with the ability to deliver superior results as part of a high performing team in a high-profile, fast-paced environment. This role will provide direct cloud architect and engineering support to drive data-informed decisions at speed, maximizing the Service’s flexibility and efficiency in delivering cybersecurity capabilities to protect the USSF’s Operational Enterprise. You possess a deep understanding of private, public, and hybrid cloud architectures and services, excellent communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

• Study, analyze, recommend, and ultimately design and build new hybrid cloud-based environment(s) for the customer's cloud initiatives, ensuring that critical applications are designed and optimized for high availability and disaster recovery
• Integrate capabilities and models into the new cloud-based environment
• Define requirements for the customer throughout the software development lifecycle (SDLC) to include integrating, upgrading, and sustaining the hybrid cloud-based environment
• Back decisions with research and the “why/so what”, and articulate options, pros and cons for each recommendation
• Develop solutions architectures and evaluate architectural alternatives for hybrid cloud models, including IaaS, PaaS, and other cloud services
• Guide the migration of legacy systems to a modern cloud platform solution and assist with the adoption into the customer's solution
• Design enterprise and systems security throughout the cloud development life cycle; translate technology and environmental conditions into security designs and processes
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product management, UX/UI designers, and quality assurance, to define and deliver software solutions that meet customer requirements and needs
• Utilize cloud services and technologies to architect and develop scalable and reliable software solutions

What we are looking for:

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant hands-on experience
• Demonstrable knowledge of cloud architecture and implementation features (OS, multi-tenancy, virtualization, orchestration, elastic scalability)
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience deploying capabilities to DoD Cloud Service Providers, such as AWS, Microsoft, Google Support Services, Oracle
• Demonstrable knowledge of DevSecOps tool chains and processes, including infrastructure as Code
• Experience with Big Data (e.g., Hadoop, NiFi, Spark, PySpark, Dask, etc.)
• Experience in application migration
• Agile development experience
• Able to obtain a Security+, or IAT II certification within 90 days of employment with Raft
• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, data science, software development or STEM related specialty

Highly Preferred:

• Relevant DoD and/or Industry work experience in Space Systems Command
• Experience with Cyber Operations Branch (SSC/SZWO) program office
• Ability to guide teams and mentor junior members
• Understanding of data security practices
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and strong analytical skills
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills
• Cloud Security Implementation experience
• Familiarity with security procedures while working in a SCIF/SAPF environment.
• Azure Solutions, Google Professional Cloud, AWS Certified Solutions, and/or Red Hat Certified Architect

Clearance Requirements:

• Active Secret security clearance

Work Type:

• Hybrid - Colorado Springs, CO
• May require up to 10% travel
  

Salary Range:

• $95,000 - $130,000
• The determination of compensation is predicated upon a candidate's comprehensive experience, demonstrated skill, and proven abilities

What we will offer you:

• Highly competitive salary
• Fully covered healthcare, dental, and vision coverage + 401(k)
• Take as you need PTO + 11 paid holidays
• Education & training benefits
• Annual budget for your tech/gadgets needs
• Remote, hybrid, and flexible work options
• Team off-site in fun places!
• Generous Referral Bonuses
• And More!

Our Vision Statement:

We bridge the gap between humans and data through radical transparency and our obsession with the mission.

Our Customer Obsession:

We will approach every deliverable like it's a product. We will adopt a customer-obsessed mentality. As we grow, and our footprint becomes larger, teams and employees will treat each other not only as teammates but customers. We must live the customer-obsessed mindset, always. This will help us scale and it will translate to the interactions that our Rafters have with their clients and other product teams that they integrate with. Our culture will enable our success and set us apart from other companies.

How do we get there?

Public-sector modernization is critical for us to live in a better world. We, at Raft, want to innovate and solve complex problems. And, if we are successful, our generation and the ones that follow us will live in a delightful, efficient, and accessible world where out-of-box thinking, and collaboration is a norm.

Raft’s core philosophy is Ubuntu: I Am, Because We are. We support our “nadi” by elevating the other Rafters. We work as a hyper collaborative team where each team member brings a unique perspective, adding value that did not exist before. People make Raft special. We celebrate each other and our cognitive and cultural diversity. We are devoted to our practice of innovation and collaboration.