Principal Systems Engineer (Cloud) at Navy Federal Credit Union

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Principal Systems Engineer (Cloud)
Company: Navy Federal Credit Union
Location: Vienna, Virginia, United States
Job Type: Full time
Category: Senior Cloud Engineer
Date Posted: June 24, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

📝 Enhancement Note: As a Principal Systems Engineer (Cloud), you'll serve as a technical leader driving business transformation through effective IT strategies, minimizing architectural and operational risks, and providing proven technical solutions.
Lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams to define, design, and implement secure, scalable, and highly available cloud-based solutions.
Leverage your extensive knowledge of cloud technologies to provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers.
Stay current with emerging cloud trends and best practices, and drive innovation within the organization.
Partner with business stakeholders to understand their needs and translate them into effective IT capabilities.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

📝 Enhancement Note: Your role will involve a mix of technical deep dives, strategic planning, and collaboration with various teams to deliver robust cloud solutions.
Cloud Architecture & Design:
- Design and implement secure, scalable, and highly available cloud architectures.
- Define and maintain cloud standards, best practices, and reference architectures.
Technical Leadership:
- Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define, design, and implement cloud-based solutions.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Partner with business stakeholders to understand their needs and translate them into effective IT capabilities.
- Communicate complex technical concepts clearly and effectively to non-technical stakeholders.
Risk Management:
- Minimize architectural and operational risks by implementing robust security measures and monitoring solutions.
- Conduct regular risk assessments and address any identified vulnerabilities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. Relevant certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, or Google Cloud Certified - Professional Cloud Architect are preferred.

Experience: Proven experience (5-10 years) in cloud engineering, with a strong background in designing, implementing, and managing large-scale cloud-based solutions. Experience in a leadership or mentoring role is preferred.

Required Skills:

Proficiency in one or more cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
Strong knowledge of cloud architecture, design patterns, and best practices.
Experience with infrastructure as code (IaC) tools such as Terraform, CloudFormation, or Azure Resource Manager.
Familiarity with containerization and orchestration tools such as Docker and Kubernetes.
Strong knowledge of networking, security, and monitoring tools.
Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with multi-cloud or hybrid cloud environments.
Familiarity with DevOps practices and tools such as Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, or CircleCI.
Knowledge of scripting languages such as Python, Bash, or PowerShell.
Experience with cloud cost management and optimization.
Familiarity with cloud governance and compliance frameworks.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

📝 Enhancement Note: While a portfolio is not explicitly required, demonstrating your technical leadership and cloud engineering expertise through relevant projects, case studies, or certifications can significantly strengthen your application.

Portfolio Essentials:

Documented case studies or projects showcasing your cloud architecture and design skills.
Examples of your technical leadership and mentorship, such as blog posts, presentations, or training materials.
Certifications from major cloud providers, demonstrating your expertise in cloud technologies.

Technical Documentation:

Detailed documentation of your cloud architectures, including diagrams, network designs, and security measures.
Code samples or scripts demonstrating your proficiency with IaC tools and scripting languages.
Project plans, timelines, and risk assessments, showcasing your project management skills.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this role in the Vienna, VA area is approximately $120,000 - $160,000 per year, based on industry standards for senior cloud engineers and the company's size. This estimate is inclusive of base salary and may not include bonuses, stock options, or other forms of compensation.

Benefits:

Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
Retirement savings plans with company matching.
Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
Employee discounts on financial services and products.
Professional development opportunities, including training and certifications.
A dynamic and inclusive work environment.

Working Hours: This role follows a standard 40-hour workweek, with flexibility for occasional overtime or on-call rotations as needed to support critical systems and services.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Navy Federal Credit Union operates in the competitive financial services industry, with a strong focus on providing exceptional service to its members. As a Principal Systems Engineer (Cloud), you'll play a crucial role in driving the organization's digital transformation and maintaining its competitive edge.

Company Size: With over 19,000 employees and more than 9 million members, Navy Federal is one of the largest credit unions in the United States. This size offers ample opportunities for career growth and collaboration with diverse teams.

Founded: Established in 1933, Navy Federal has a rich history of serving the military community and has evolved to become a leading financial institution, offering a wide range of banking, loan, and investment services.

Team Structure:

The cloud engineering team consists of engineers, architects, and specialists focused on designing, implementing, and managing cloud-based solutions.
The team works closely with other IT departments, including infrastructure, security, and software development, to deliver integrated and secure solutions.
The organization's flat structure encourages collaboration and cross-functional teamwork, fostering a dynamic and innovative work environment.

Development Methodology:

Navy Federal follows Agile development methodologies, with a focus on iterative development, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction.
The organization leverages tools such as Jira, Confluence, and Bitbucket to facilitate collaboration and streamline development processes.
Cloud engineering teams follow infrastructure as code (IaC) practices, using tools such as Terraform and CloudFormation to ensure consistent and version-controlled cloud environments.

Company Website: Navy Federal Credit Union

📝 Enhancement Note: Navy Federal Credit Union's size, history, and focus on the military community offer unique opportunities for a cloud engineer to make a significant impact on the organization's digital transformation and member experience.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: As a Principal Systems Engineer (Cloud), you'll serve in a senior-level role, responsible for driving technical strategy, providing mentorship, and making critical decisions that impact the organization's cloud infrastructure and services.

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Vice President of Cloud Engineering, with a dotted line to the Chief Information Officer (CIO). You'll collaborate closely with other senior leaders, including the Vice President of Infrastructure and the Vice President of Software Development.

Technical Impact: In this role, you'll have a significant impact on the organization's cloud strategy, architecture, and security. Your decisions will directly influence the performance, availability, and security of Navy Federal's cloud-based services, ultimately enhancing the member experience and driving business growth.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Leadership: As a senior member of the cloud engineering team, you'll have ample opportunities to mentor junior engineers, drive technical decision-making, and shape the organization's cloud strategy.
Architecture & Design: With your extensive knowledge of cloud technologies, you'll have the chance to design and implement complex, large-scale cloud architectures that support Navy Federal's business needs.
Emerging Technologies: Staying current with emerging cloud trends and best practices will enable you to drive innovation within the organization and explore new technologies that enhance member experience and drive business growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: Navy Federal Credit Union's size, diverse member base, and commitment to digital transformation present numerous opportunities for a Principal Systems Engineer (Cloud) to grow technically and professionally.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Navy Federal's main campus in Vienna, Virginia, offers a modern, collaborative work environment designed to foster innovation and teamwork. The campus features open-concept workspaces, dedicated collaboration areas, and state-of-the-art technology infrastructure.

Office Location(s): The Principal Systems Engineer (Cloud) role is based at Navy Federal's main campus in Vienna, Virginia. The campus is conveniently located near the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station, offering easy access to public transportation.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Environment: The open-concept workspace encourages collaboration and communication among team members, fostering a dynamic and innovative work environment.
State-of-the-art Technology: Navy Federal invests in cutting-edge technology to ensure its employees have the tools they need to succeed. This includes multiple monitors, high-speed internet, and access to cloud-based development and collaboration tools.
Professional Development: The organization offers numerous opportunities for professional growth, including training programs, certifications, and mentorship initiatives.

Work Schedule: This role follows a standard 40-hour workweek, with flexibility for occasional overtime or on-call rotations as needed to support critical systems and services. The organization offers a flexible work arrangement, allowing employees to work remotely up to two days per week, depending on their role and team's needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Navy Federal Credit Union's modern, collaborative work environment and commitment to professional development create an ideal setting for a Principal Systems Engineer (Cloud) to thrive and grow.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen: A brief phone call to discuss your experience, qualifications, and career goals.
Technical Deep Dive: A comprehensive technical interview focused on your cloud engineering skills, architectural design, and problem-solving abilities.
Behavioral Interview: A conversation to assess your communication, leadership, and teamwork skills, as well as your cultural fit within the organization.
Final Interview: A meeting with senior leadership to discuss your career aspirations, technical vision, and alignment with the organization's goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight your technical leadership and cloud engineering expertise through relevant projects, case studies, or certifications.
Demonstrate your ability to design, implement, and manage large-scale cloud-based solutions.
Showcase your understanding of cloud security, networking, and monitoring tools.
Emphasize your communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, and provide examples of your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your knowledge of cloud architecture, design patterns, and best practices.
Familiarize yourself with Navy Federal's cloud environment and any relevant tools or technologies.
Prepare for behavioral interview questions that assess your leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

ATS Keywords: (Organized by category)

Cloud Platforms: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Multi-cloud, Hybrid cloud
Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Terraform, CloudFormation, Azure Resource Manager, Ansible, Puppet, Chef
Containerization & Orchestration: Docker, Kubernetes, Amazon ECS, Azure Kubernetes Service, Google Kubernetes Engine
Networking: VPC, Subnets, Routing, Firewalls, Load Balancing, VPN, Direct Connect
Security: IAM, RBAC, Secret Management, Encryption, DDoS Protection, Intrusion Detection, Identity Management
Monitoring & Logging: CloudWatch, Prometheus, Grafana, ELK Stack, Datadog, New Relic, Splunk
Scripting Languages: Python, Bash, PowerShell, Groovy, Ruby, Go
Project Management: Agile, Scrum, Kanban, Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello
Soft Skills: Leadership, Mentoring, Communication, Presentation, Teamwork, Problem-solving, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management

📝 Enhancement Note: Navy Federal Credit Union's interview process is designed to assess your technical expertise, leadership skills, and cultural fit within the organization. By preparing thoroughly and showcasing your cloud engineering prowess, you'll increase your chances of success in the interview process.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Cloud Platforms:

Primary: AWS (Amazon Web Services)
Secondary: Azure (Microsoft Azure) and Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

Infrastructure as Code (IaC) Tools:

Terraform (HashiCorp)
CloudFormation (AWS)
Azure Resource Manager (ARM) (Microsoft Azure)

Containerization & Orchestration Tools:

Docker
Kubernetes
Amazon ECS (Elastic Container Service)
Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)
Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)

Networking Tools:

Amazon VPC (Virtual Private Cloud)
Azure Virtual Network (VNet)
Google VPC (Virtual Private Cloud)
AWS Direct Connect
Azure ExpressRoute
AWS Route 53
Azure Traffic Manager
Google Cloud Load Balancing

Security Tools:

AWS IAM (Identity and Access Management)
Azure Active Directory (Azure AD)
Google Cloud IAM
AWS Secrets Manager
Azure Key Vault
AWS WAF (Web Application Firewall)
Azure Application Gateway
Google Cloud Armor

Monitoring & Logging Tools:

Amazon CloudWatch
Azure Monitor
Google Stackdriver Monitoring
Prometheus
Grafana
ELK Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana)
Datadog
New Relic
Splunk

Scripting Languages:

Python
Bash
PowerShell
Groovy
Ruby
Go

Project Management Tools:

Jira
Confluence
Bitbucket
Asana
Trello

📝 Enhancement Note: Navy Federal Credit Union leverages a diverse technology stack, including multiple cloud platforms, IaC tools, containerization and orchestration tools, networking tools, security tools, monitoring and logging tools, scripting languages, and project management tools. Familiarizing yourself with these tools will be essential for success in the Principal Systems Engineer (Cloud) role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Innovation: Navy Federal fosters a culture of innovation, encouraging its employees to explore new technologies and approaches to drive business growth and enhance member experience.
Collaboration: The organization values collaboration and teamwork, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Customer Focus: Navy Federal is committed to providing exceptional service to its members, and its employees are encouraged to put the member at the center of everything they do.
Integrity: The organization values honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior, and expects its employees to uphold these principles in all aspects of their work.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional Integration: Navy Federal encourages collaboration between different departments and teams, fostering a holistic approach to problem-solving and innovation.
Code Review Culture: The organization values peer review and feedback, with a strong emphasis on knowledge sharing and continuous learning.
Knowledge Sharing: Navy Federal encourages its employees to share their knowledge and expertise with others, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: Navy Federal Credit Union's culture of innovation, collaboration, and customer focus creates an ideal environment for a Principal Systems Engineer (Cloud) to thrive and make a significant impact on the organization's digital transformation and member experience.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Cloud Migration: Lead the migration of on-premises workloads to the cloud, ensuring minimal downtime and maximal performance.
Hybrid Cloud Integration: Design and implement a hybrid cloud architecture that seamlessly integrates on-premises and cloud-based resources.
Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity: Develop and maintain robust disaster recovery and business continuity plans to ensure the organization's ability to respond to and recover from disruptions.
Security & Compliance: Stay current with emerging security threats and best practices, and ensure the organization's compliance with relevant regulations and standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: Stay current with emerging cloud trends and best practices, and explore new technologies that enhance member experience and drive business growth.
Leadership Development: Develop your leadership and mentoring skills by guiding junior engineers and driving technical decision-making within the organization.
Architecture & Design: Expand your knowledge of cloud architecture and design patterns, and explore new approaches to solving complex technical challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a Principal Systems Engineer (Cloud) at Navy Federal Credit Union, you'll face a diverse set of technical challenges that will test your skills and drive your professional growth. By embracing these challenges and seeking out learning opportunities, you'll enhance your value to the organization and position yourself for long-term success.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Cloud Architecture: Describe a complex cloud architecture you've designed or implemented, and explain the trade-offs and decisions you made.
Problem-solving: Walk through a challenging technical problem you've faced in the past, and explain how you approached it, the tools and technologies you used, and the outcome.
Security: Discuss a security incident or vulnerability you've encountered, and explain how you identified, mitigated, and remediated the issue.

Company & Culture Questions:

Innovation: Describe a time when you drove innovation within your organization, and explain the impact of your efforts.
Collaboration: Provide an example of a successful cross-functional collaboration, and explain the role you played in driving that success.
Customer Focus: Describe a time when you put the customer at the center of your decision-making, and explain the outcome of your actions.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Technical Deep Dive: Prepare a detailed walkthrough of a complex cloud architecture or project, highlighting your technical expertise and decision-making processes.
Storytelling: Use storytelling techniques to engage your audience and bring your technical achievements to life.
Q&A: Prepare for a comprehensive Q&A session, and be ready to answer questions about your technical skills, leadership style, and cultural fit within the organization.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Principal Systems Engineer (Cloud) position at Navy Federal Credit Union:

Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your cloud engineering skills, technical leadership experience, and relevant certifications.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Showcase your technical achievements, including cloud architecture designs, project case studies, and certifications, to demonstrate your expertise and leadership capabilities.
Research the Organization: Familiarize yourself with Navy Federal's mission, values, and culture, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the organization's goals and objectives.
Practice Technical Interview Questions: Brush up on your cloud engineering knowledge, and practice answering technical interview questions to ensure you're prepared for the technical deep dive and behavioral interview components of the process.

📝 Enhancement Note: By following these application steps and preparing thoroughly for the interview process, you'll increase your chances of success in securing the Principal Systems Engineer (Cloud) position at Navy Federal Credit Union.

Principal Systems Engineer (Cloud)