📍 Job Overview

Job Title: AWS Lead Cloud Engineer
Company: LIGHTFEATHER IO LLC
Location: Washington, DC
Job Type: Full Time
Category: DevOps Engineer
Date Posted: 2025-08-01
Experience Level: 10+
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Lead the design, implementation, and optimization of AWS-based infrastructure for mission-critical government operations.
Oversee a team of cloud engineers, providing guidance on AWS best practices, DevOps strategies, and cloud security frameworks.
Collaborate with government agencies, security teams, and cloud engineers to ensure alignment with business and security objectives.
Drive cloud transformation initiatives, ensuring secure, efficient, and scalable AWS platform solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong technical leader with extensive AWS experience, capable of navigating complex federal regulations and driving cloud adoption in the public sector.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Cloud Architecture & Strategy: Design and implement scalable, resilient, and high-performance AWS environments for enterprise applications.
Technical Leadership & Mentorship: Lead a team of cloud engineers, providing guidance on AWS best practices, DevOps strategies, and cloud security frameworks.
Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Develop and manage AWS infrastructure using Terraform, CloudFormation, and Ansible to automate provisioning and configuration.
Security & Compliance: Enforce AWS security best practices, including IAM policies, AWS Shield, AWS Macie, encryption, and FedRAMP compliance.
CI/CD Pipeline Management: Oversee CI/CD processes using GitLab, Jenkins, AWS CodePipeline, and AWS CodeDeploy for automated deployments.
Cloud Monitoring & Optimization: Utilize AWS CloudWatch, CloudTrail, and AWS Security Hub to track system health, optimize performance, and detect anomalies.
Multi-Cloud & Hybrid Cloud Solutions: Support hybrid and cross-cloud environments, ensuring seamless integration between AWS, Azure, and on-premise systems.
Networking & Load Balancing: Configure VPCs, Route 53, Elastic Load Balancers (ELB), and AWS Direct Connect for secure, high-performance cloud networking.
Disaster Recovery & High Availability: Implement AWS backup, disaster recovery, and multi-region failover strategies to enhance system resilience.
Stakeholder & Client Engagement: Work closely with government agencies, security teams, and cloud engineers to ensure alignment with business and security objectives.
Automation & DevSecOps: Develop and implement automated security monitoring, logging, and compliance reporting solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a deep understanding of AWS services, with a focus on security, compliance, and automation to ensure efficient and secure cloud operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

Experience: Minimum 7+ years of experience in cloud engineering, DevOps, or technical leadership, with a strong focus on AWS cloud environments.

Required Skills:

US Citizenship and active Secret or higher clearance.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional (or equivalent AWS certification preferred).
Strong expertise in Terraform, Ansible, Kubernetes, AWS Lambda, and AWS DevOps services.
Proficiency in Python, PowerShell, Bash, and YAML/JSON for automation and cloud management.
Deep understanding of AWS security tools, IAM best practices, encryption standards, and DoD/Federal compliance frameworks (FedRAMP, NIST, RMF, Zero Trust Architecture).
Experience integrating AWS solutions with Azure and GCP environments.

Preferred Skills:

Experience working with federal agencies or DoD cloud modernization projects.
Knowledge of AWS AI/ML services, container orchestration (EKS), and serverless architectures.
Expertise in cloud cost optimization and performance tuning strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates with experience in the federal sector and a strong background in AWS security and compliance will be highly competitive for this role.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate experience in AWS cloud architecture, design, and implementation.
Showcase projects that highlight security, compliance, and automation best practices.
Include live demos or screenshots of AWS environments, infrastructure as code, and CI/CD pipelines.
Highlight projects that involve multi-cloud or hybrid cloud environments.

Technical Documentation:

Provide detailed documentation for AWS infrastructure, including Terraform, CloudFormation, and Ansible scripts.
Include code comments, version control, and deployment processes.
Demonstrate understanding of AWS security best practices, IAM policies, and encryption standards.
Showcase performance optimization, monitoring, and anomaly detection strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong AWS portfolio should emphasize security, compliance, and automation, with a focus on federal regulations and best practices.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $150,000 - $180,000 per year (based on market research for AWS Lead Cloud Engineer roles in the Washington, DC area, considering experience level and federal sector demand).

Benefits:

Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Generous paid time off (PTO) and holidays.
Professional development opportunities, including training and certifications.
A dynamic and collaborative work environment focused on meaningful impact.

Working Hours: Full-time position, with standard business hours Monday through Friday. Occasional overtime may be required to support mission-critical projects or maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range is estimated based on market research and considers the high demand for AWS expertise in the federal sector. Benefits are typical for a company of this size and industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

Company Culture:

Industry: Information Technology and Services.

Company Size: Medium (51-200 employees).

Founded: 2015.

Team Structure:

A dedicated team of cloud engineers, focusing on AWS architecture, security, and automation.
Close collaboration with government agencies, security teams, and other technical stakeholders.
A flat organizational structure that encourages open communication and innovation.

Development Methodology:

Agile/Scrum methodologies for project management and sprint planning.
Code reviews, testing, and quality assurance practices to ensure high-quality deliverables.
CI/CD pipelines and automated deployment strategies for efficient and secure cloud operations.

Company Website: www.lightfeather.io

📝 Enhancement Note: LightFeather's culture emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and meaningful impact, with a focus on driving cloud transformation in the federal sector.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Senior/Lead Cloud Engineer – AWS.

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the CTO and oversees a team of cloud engineers.

Technical Impact: Lead the design, implementation, and optimization of AWS-based infrastructure for mission-critical government operations, ensuring security, scalability, and compliance with federal regulations.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Growth: Expand expertise in AWS services, multi-cloud environments, and emerging technologies (e.g., AI/ML, serverless architectures).
Leadership Development: Gain experience in technical leadership, mentoring, and team management.
Architecture & Strategy: Contribute to high-level architecture decisions and cloud strategy development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential, with opportunities to advance technical expertise, leadership skills, and influence cloud strategy in the federal sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: In-person, with a dedicated workspace for each employee.

Office Location(s): Washington, DC (20036).

Workspace Context:

A collaborative workspace with open communication and knowledge sharing.
Access to multiple monitors, testing devices, and development tools for optimal productivity.
Regular team meetings, workshops, and training sessions to foster continuous learning and growth.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with standard business hours Monday through Friday. Occasional overtime may be required to support mission-critical projects or maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: LightFeather's work environment encourages collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, with a focus on driving meaningful impact in the federal sector.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone/Video Screen: A brief conversation to assess communication skills, cultural fit, and initial technical qualifications.
Technical Deep Dive: A comprehensive discussion of AWS architecture, security, and automation, with a focus on federal regulations and compliance.
Team & Stakeholder Engagement: Meet with cloud engineers, government agencies, and other technical stakeholders to assess communication skills, leadership potential, and cultural fit.
Final Evaluation: A review of the candidate's overall qualifications, technical impact, and alignment with the company's mission and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight AWS architecture, security, and automation projects that demonstrate a deep understanding of federal regulations and best practices.
Include live demos or screenshots of AWS environments, infrastructure as code, and CI/CD pipelines.
Showcase projects that involve multi-cloud or hybrid cloud environments, with a focus on seamless integration and performance optimization.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on AWS services, with a focus on security, compliance, and automation.
Familiarize yourself with federal regulations and best practices for AWS environments.
Prepare for questions on AWS architecture, design, and implementation, with a focus on real-world scenarios and problem-solving.

ATS Keywords:

Programming Languages: Python, Bash, PowerShell, YAML, JSON
Web Frameworks & Tools: Terraform, CloudFormation, Ansible, Kubernetes, AWS Lambda, AWS DevOps services (GitLab, Jenkins, AWS CodePipeline, AWS CodeDeploy)
Server Technologies: AWS (EC2, RDS, ECS, EKS, etc.), Azure, GCP
Databases: Amazon RDS, DynamoDB, Aurora, Redshift
Tools: AWS CloudWatch, CloudTrail, AWS Security Hub, AWS Shield, AWS Macie, Route 53, Elastic Load Balancers (ELB), AWS Direct Connect
Methodologies: Agile/Scrum, CI/CD, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), DevSecOps
Soft Skills: Leadership, mentoring, communication, collaboration, problem-solving
Industry Terms: FedRAMP, NIST, RMF, Zero Trust Architecture, AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional, AWS Certified Security – Specialty, AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong AWS portfolio and interview preparation strategy will focus on security, compliance, and automation, with a deep understanding of federal regulations and best practices.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies: Not applicable for this role.

Backend & Server Technologies:

AWS Services: EC2, RDS, ECS, EKS, Lambda, API Gateway, S3, Glacier, CloudFront, Route 53, Elastic Load Balancers (ELB), AWS Direct Connect, AWS Shield, AWS Macie, AWS CloudWatch, CloudTrail, AWS Security Hub, IAM, Secrets Manager, Parameter Store, Certificate Manager, etc.
Multi-Cloud & Hybrid Cloud: Azure, GCP

Development & DevOps Tools:

Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Terraform, CloudFormation, Ansible
CI/CD Pipelines: GitLab, Jenkins, AWS CodePipeline, AWS CodeDeploy
Monitoring & Logging: AWS CloudWatch, CloudTrail, AWS Security Hub, Prometheus, Grafana, ELK Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana)
Containerization & Orchestration: Docker, Kubernetes, Amazon EKS
Version Control: Git, GitLab, AWS CodeCommit, Bitbucket
Scripting & Automation: Python, Bash, PowerShell, YAML, JSON

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a deep understanding of AWS services, with a focus on security, compliance, and automation to ensure efficient and secure cloud operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Security-First: Prioritize security in all aspects of AWS architecture, design, and implementation.
Compliance-Driven: Ensure adherence to federal regulations and best practices for AWS environments.
Automation-Optimized: Develop and implement automated security monitoring, logging, and compliance reporting solutions.
Collaboration-Centric: Foster open communication and knowledge sharing within the team and with government agencies, security teams, and other technical stakeholders.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Work closely with government agencies, security teams, and cloud engineers to ensure alignment with business and security objectives.
Code Review Culture: Encourage peer programming, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning.
Knowledge Sharing: Regularly host workshops, training sessions, and team meetings to foster continuous learning and growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: LightFeather's culture emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and meaningful impact, with a focus on driving cloud transformation in the federal sector.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Security & Compliance: Ensure adherence to federal regulations and best practices for AWS environments, with a focus on IAM policies, encryption, and FedRAMP compliance.
Multi-Cloud & Hybrid Cloud: Support hybrid and cross-cloud environments, ensuring seamless integration between AWS, Azure, and on-premise systems.
Performance Optimization: Develop and implement strategies to optimize AWS environments for scalability, resilience, and cost-efficiency.
Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with AWS AI/ML services, container orchestration (EKS), and serverless architectures to drive innovation and growth.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Advancement: Expand expertise in AWS services, multi-cloud environments, and emerging technologies (e.g., AI/ML, serverless architectures).
Certification & Conference Attendance: Pursue relevant AWS certifications and attend industry conferences to stay current with best practices and emerging trends.
Mentorship & Leadership Development: Gain experience in technical leadership, mentoring, and team management to drive growth and success within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant technical challenges and growth opportunities, with a focus on driving cloud transformation in the federal sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

AWS Architecture & Security: Describe your approach to designing secure, scalable, and compliant AWS environments for mission-critical government operations.
Cloud Transformation: Discuss your experience driving cloud adoption and modernization initiatives in the federal sector, with a focus on security, compliance, and automation.
Multi-Cloud & Hybrid Cloud Integration: Explain your strategy for supporting hybrid and cross-cloud environments, ensuring seamless integration between AWS, Azure, and on-premise systems.
Performance Optimization: Detail your approach to optimizing AWS environments for scalability, resilience, and cost-efficiency, with a focus on real-world scenarios and best practices.

Company & Culture Questions:

Government Agency Collaboration: Describe your experience working with government agencies, security teams, and cloud engineers to ensure alignment with business and security objectives.
Cloud Security & Compliance: Discuss your understanding of federal regulations and best practices for AWS environments, with a focus on IAM policies, encryption, and FedRAMP compliance.
Cloud Transformation Leadership: Explain your approach to driving cloud adoption and modernization initiatives in the federal sector, with a focus on technical leadership, mentoring, and team management.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

AWS Architecture & Security: Highlight projects that demonstrate a deep understanding of AWS services, security best practices, and compliance with federal regulations.
Cloud Transformation: Showcase projects that illustrate your experience driving cloud adoption and modernization initiatives in the federal sector.
Multi-Cloud & Hybrid Cloud Integration: Include projects that demonstrate your ability to support hybrid and cross-cloud environments, ensuring seamless integration between AWS, Azure, and on-premise systems.
Performance Optimization: Present projects that highlight your approach to optimizing AWS environments for scalability, resilience, and cost-efficiency, with a focus on real-world scenarios and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong interview preparation strategy will focus on security, compliance, and automation, with a deep understanding of federal regulations and best practices for AWS environments.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this AWS Lead Cloud Engineer position:

Customize Your Portfolio: Highlight AWS architecture, security, and automation projects that demonstrate a deep understanding of federal regulations and best practices. Include live demos or screenshots of AWS environments, infrastructure as code, and CI/CD pipelines.
Optimize Your Resume: Emphasize your experience with AWS services, security, and compliance, with a focus on federal regulations and best practices. Include relevant keywords to improve resume optimization for web technology roles.
Prepare for Technical Interviews: Brush up on AWS services, with a focus on security, compliance, and automation. Familiarize yourself with federal regulations and best practices for AWS environments. Prepare for questions on AWS architecture, design, and implementation, with a focus on real-world scenarios and problem-solving.
Research the Company: Understand LightFeather's mission, values, and culture, with a focus on driving cloud transformation in the federal sector. Prepare questions to assess alignment with your career goals and technical expertise.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development/server administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

AWS Lead Cloud Engineer