📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Google Cloud Platform Engineer
Company: LightFeather IO LLC
Location: Washington, DC
Job Type: On-site, Full Time
Category: DevOps Engineer, System Administrator
Date Posted: 2025-08-01
Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (2-5 years)
Remote Status: In-person, 5 days/week

🚀 Role Summary

Design, implement, and manage secure and scalable cloud infrastructure using Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
Develop and maintain infrastructure-as-code (IaC) using tools like Terraform or Deployment Manager
Support CI/CD pipeline automation, integration, and management
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support development and deployment workflows
Ensure cloud services meet Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and comply with federal security standards

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in cloud engineering, with a focus on GCP services. The ideal candidate will have experience working in high-security environments and be comfortable collaborating with diverse teams.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Cloud Infrastructure Management: Design, implement, and maintain secure and scalable cloud infrastructure using GCP services such as Compute Engine, Cloud Functions, VPC, IAM, GKE, and BigQuery.
Infrastructure-as-Code: Develop and maintain IaC using tools like Terraform, Ansible, or Deployment Manager to automate infrastructure provisioning and management.
CI/CD Pipeline Support: Support CI/CD pipeline automation, integration, and management using tools such as GitLab CI, Jenkins, or Cloud Build.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with software engineers, security personnel, and government stakeholders to support development and deployment workflows.
System Performance Monitoring: Monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and ensure cloud services meet SLAs.
Cloud Best Practices: Implement cloud best practices and ensure compliance with federal security standards (e.g., FedRAMP, NIST).
Documentation and Knowledge Sharing: Provide documentation and share knowledge with the broader engineering team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong understanding of Linux systems, networking, and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes). Experience with scripting in Python, Bash, or Go is a plus.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. Relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Experience: 4+ years of experience in cloud engineering, with at least 2 years on GCP.

Required Skills:

Proven expertise in cloud engineering, with a strong focus on GCP services
Hands-on experience with infrastructure-as-code tools like Terraform, Ansible, or Deployment Manager
Familiarity with CI/CD tools such as GitLab CI, Jenkins, or Cloud Build
Solid understanding of Linux systems, networking, and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)
Experience working in an Agile/Scrum environment
Willingness to obtain a security clearance

Preferred Skills:

GCP Professional Cloud Architect or DevOps Engineer certification
Experience supporting federal government contracts and understanding of ATO processes
Familiarity with other cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) is a plus
Scripting skills in Python, Bash, or Go

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate experience with GCP services through case studies or projects
Showcase your infrastructure-as-code skills with examples of Terraform or similar tool configurations
Highlight your CI/CD pipeline experience with examples of automated deployment processes
Include examples of system performance monitoring and troubleshooting

Technical Documentation:

Provide clear and concise documentation for your cloud infrastructure and deployment processes
Include any relevant scripts or code snippets that demonstrate your scripting skills
Highlight your understanding of federal security standards and how you've ensured compliance in previous projects

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, it's essential to showcase your GCP-specific skills and experience. Highlight any projects that demonstrate your ability to design, implement, and manage secure and scalable cloud infrastructure using GCP services.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (based on experience and qualifications)

Benefits:

Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance plans
401(k) retirement plan with company matching
Generous paid time off (PTO) and holiday schedule
Professional development opportunities and training
A dynamic and collaborative work environment

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexible scheduling for deployment windows and maintenance tasks as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is based on market research for cloud engineering roles in the Washington, DC area. Final compensation will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: LightFeather IO LLC operates in the government technology sector, focusing on delivering innovative, mission-critical solutions to government agencies.

Company Size: LightFeather is a mid-sized company, providing a collaborative and agile work environment for its employees.

Founded: 2015

Team Structure:

The cloud engineering team consists of 10-15 members, with a mix of cloud engineers, DevOps engineers, and system administrators.
The team is organized into squads, each responsible for specific projects or services.
The cloud engineering team works closely with software engineering, security, and project management teams to deliver solutions that meet federal security standards and user needs.

Development Methodology:

LightFeather follows Agile/Scrum methodologies, with sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and regular retrospectives.
The company emphasizes code review, testing, and quality assurance practices to ensure the delivery of high-quality software.
LightFeather uses CI/CD pipelines and automated deployment strategies to streamline the development and deployment process.

Company Website: www.lightfeather.io

📝 Enhancement Note: LightFeather's company culture values collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to delivering high-quality solutions. The company fosters a dynamic and agile work environment that encourages continuous learning and growth.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: This role is at the mid-senior level, requiring a strong background in cloud engineering with a focus on GCP services. The ideal candidate will have experience designing, implementing, and managing secure and scalable cloud infrastructure.

Reporting Structure: The Cloud Engineer will report directly to the Director of Cloud Engineering and work closely with cross-functional teams, including software engineers, security personnel, and project managers.

Technical Impact: The Cloud Engineer will play a critical role in driving cloud optimization and automation efforts within LightFeather. Their work will directly impact the company's ability to deliver innovative, mission-critical solutions to government agencies.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Growth: The ideal candidate will have the opportunity to deepen their expertise in GCP services and cloud engineering best practices. They will also have the chance to learn and work with other cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) as needed.
Leadership Potential: With experience, the Cloud Engineer may have the opportunity to take on a leadership role within the cloud engineering team, mentoring junior team members and driving technical decision-making.
Career Progression: LightFeather offers opportunities for career progression, with potential paths including Senior Cloud Engineer, Cloud Engineering Manager, or other technical leadership roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: LightFeather's cloud engineering team is growing, providing ample opportunities for career growth and development. The company values internal promotions and encourages employees to take on new challenges and responsibilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: LightFeather's office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and creativity. The company encourages open communication and collaboration among team members.

Office Location(s): LightFeather's headquarters is located in Washington, DC. The company also has offices in other major cities across the United States.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Workspace: LightFeather's office features open-concept workspaces, collaborative areas, and meeting rooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology.
Development Tools: The company provides access to the latest development tools, multiple monitors, and testing devices to ensure high-quality software delivery.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: LightFeather encourages cross-functional collaboration between developers, designers, and stakeholders. The company's open office layout facilitates communication and idea-sharing.

Work Schedule: LightFeather offers a flexible work schedule, with core hours between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM EST. Employees are expected to work a total of 40 hours per week, with the option to work remotely up to two days per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: LightFeather's work environment is designed to support the needs of its employees, with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and work-life balance. The company's flexible work schedule and remote work options cater to the diverse needs of its team members.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen (30 minutes): A brief conversation with the hiring manager to discuss your experience, qualifications, and career goals.
Technical Deep Dive (60 minutes): A detailed discussion of your GCP experience, infrastructure-as-code skills, and CI/CD pipeline experience. Be prepared to discuss specific projects and provide examples of your work.
Behavioral Questions (30 minutes): A series of behavioral questions designed to assess your problem-solving skills, communication, and teamwork abilities.
Final Interview (60 minutes): A conversation with the Director of Cloud Engineering and other key stakeholders to discuss your fit within the team and the company's long-term goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight your GCP-specific skills and experience through case studies or projects
Include examples of your infrastructure-as-code skills and CI/CD pipeline experience
Showcase your ability to design, implement, and manage secure and scalable cloud infrastructure
Include any relevant scripts or code snippets that demonstrate your scripting skills

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your GCP services knowledge, focusing on Compute Engine, Cloud Functions, VPC, IAM, GKE, and BigQuery
Familiarize yourself with infrastructure-as-code tools like Terraform, Ansible, or Deployment Manager
Review your CI/CD pipeline experience and be prepared to discuss specific projects and challenges you've faced

ATS Keywords:

Programming Languages: Python, Bash, Go, Java, JavaScript
Web Frameworks: Flask, Django, Express.js
Server Technologies: GCP, AWS, Azure, Kubernetes, Docker, Terraform, Ansible, Jenkins
Databases: BigQuery, Cloud SQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB
Tools: Git, JIRA, Confluence, Slack, Jupyter Notebooks
Methodologies: Agile, Scrum, Kanban, ITIL
Soft Skills: Problem-solving, communication, teamwork, adaptability, time management
Industry Terms: Cloud Engineering, Infrastructure-as-Code, CI/CD Pipeline, Federal Security Standards, FedRAMP, NIST

📝 Enhancement Note: LightFeather's interview process is designed to assess your technical skills and cultural fit within the team. Be prepared to discuss your experience with GCP services, infrastructure-as-code tools, and CI/CD pipelines in detail.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies: N/A (This role is focused on backend and infrastructure)

Backend & Server Technologies:

Compute Engine: LightFeather uses Compute Engine for virtual machine instances, running various applications and services.
Cloud Functions: The company leverages Cloud Functions for serverless computing, enabling event-driven architecture and automated scaling.
VPC: LightFeather uses VPC to provide network isolation and security for its cloud infrastructure.
IAM: The company employs IAM to manage access control and permissions for its cloud resources.
GKE: LightFeather uses GKE for container orchestration, enabling efficient management of microservices and application deployments.
BigQuery: The company leverages BigQuery for data warehousing and analytics, providing insights into user behavior and application performance.

Development & DevOps Tools:

Terraform: LightFeather uses Terraform for infrastructure-as-code, enabling automated provisioning and management of cloud resources.
Cloud Build: The company leverages Cloud Build for CI/CD pipeline automation, ensuring consistent and reliable deployments.
Stackdriver: LightFeather uses Stackdriver for monitoring and logging, enabling proactive identification and resolution of issues in its cloud infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: LightFeather's technology stack is built on GCP services, with a focus on providing secure, scalable, and high-performing cloud infrastructure. The company leverages infrastructure-as-code tools and CI/CD pipelines to ensure efficient and reliable software delivery.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Innovation: LightFeather values innovation and encourages its team members to explore new technologies and approaches to problem-solving.
Collaboration: The company fosters a culture of collaboration, with open communication and idea-sharing between team members.
Quality: LightFeather is committed to delivering high-quality software that meets the needs of its users and exceeds industry standards.
Continuous Learning: The company encourages its team members to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and best practices in cloud engineering.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: LightFeather encourages collaboration between developers, designers, and stakeholders to ensure that user needs are met and that projects are delivered on time and within budget.
Code Review Culture: The company emphasizes code review and peer programming practices to ensure high-quality software delivery.
Knowledge Sharing: LightFeather fosters a culture of knowledge sharing, with regular team meetings, brown bag lunches, and technical training opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: LightFeather's team culture is built on collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to delivering high-quality software. The company values open communication, idea-sharing, and continuous learning among its team members.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Cloud Security: LightFeather operates in a high-security government environment, requiring expertise in cloud security best practices and compliance with federal security standards (e.g., FedRAMP, NIST).
Scalability: The company's cloud infrastructure must be designed to handle sudden spikes in user traffic and ensure high availability and performance.
Automation: LightFeather is committed to automating its infrastructure and deployment processes to improve efficiency and reduce manual effort.
Emerging Technologies: The company encourages its team members to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and explore new approaches to problem-solving.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

GCP Certification: LightFeather encourages its team members to pursue GCP certifications, such as Professional Cloud Architect or DevOps Engineer, to deepen their expertise in GCP services.
Conferences & Training: The company provides opportunities for team members to attend industry conferences, webinars, and training sessions to stay current with the latest technologies and best practices.
Mentorship: LightFeather offers mentorship opportunities for team members looking to develop their leadership skills and technical expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: LightFeather's technical challenges and growth opportunities are centered around cloud security, scalability, automation, and emerging technologies. The company encourages its team members to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and best practices in cloud engineering.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

GCP Services: Be prepared to discuss your experience with GCP services, including Compute Engine, Cloud Functions, VPC, IAM, GKE, and BigQuery.
Infrastructure-as-Code: Demonstrate your expertise in infrastructure-as-code tools like Terraform, Ansible, or Deployment Manager.
CI/CD Pipelines: Showcase your experience with CI/CD pipeline automation, integration, and management using tools such as GitLab CI, Jenkins, or Cloud Build.
System Design: Be prepared to discuss your approach to designing, implementing, and managing secure and scalable cloud infrastructure.

Company & Culture Questions:

LightFeather's Mission: Research LightFeather's mission and be prepared to discuss how your experience and skills align with the company's goals.
Team Dynamics: Familiarize yourself with LightFeather's team structure and be prepared to discuss how you would collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality software.
Problem-Solving: Be prepared to discuss your approach to problem-solving, communication, and teamwork in a high-pressure, dynamic work environment.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

GCP Projects: Highlight your GCP-specific skills and experience through case studies or projects that demonstrate your ability to design, implement, and manage secure and scalable cloud infrastructure.
Infrastructure-as-Code: Showcase your infrastructure-as-code skills with examples of Terraform or similar tool configurations.
CI/CD Pipeline Experience: Include examples of your CI/CD pipeline experience, demonstrating your ability to automate deployment processes and ensure high-quality software delivery.
Scripting Skills: Include any relevant scripts or code snippets that demonstrate your scripting skills in Python, Bash, or Go.

📝 Enhancement Note: LightFeather's interview process is designed to assess your technical skills and cultural fit within the team. Be prepared to discuss your experience with GCP services, infrastructure-as-code tools, and CI/CD pipelines in detail, as well as your approach to problem-solving, communication, and teamwork in a high-pressure, dynamic work environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Google Cloud Platform Engineer position at LightFeather IO LLC:

Customize Your Portfolio: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your GCP-specific skills and experience, with a focus on cloud infrastructure design, implementation, and management. Include examples of your infrastructure-as-code skills and CI/CD pipeline experience.
Optimize Your Resume: Highlight your relevant experience with GCP services, infrastructure-as-code tools, and CI/CD pipelines. Include any relevant scripting skills and emphasize your problem-solving, communication, and teamwork abilities.
Prepare for Technical Interviews: Brush up on your GCP services knowledge, familiarize yourself with infrastructure-as-code tools, and review your CI/CD pipeline experience. Be prepared to discuss specific projects and challenges you've faced in detail.
Research LightFeather: Learn about LightFeather's mission, team structure, and company culture. Be prepared to discuss how your experience and skills align with the company's goals and how you would contribute to the team's success.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with LightFeather IO LLC before making application decisions.

Google Cloud Platform Engineer