📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. Cloud Engineer I (5937)
Company: MetroStar
Location: Washington, DC
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: DevOps Engineer
Date Posted: 2025-06-30
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Design and Implement Cloud Solutions: Lead the architecture, design, and implementation of innovative cloud solutions tailored to client needs, ensuring scalability, reliability, and security.
Cloud Governance: Establish and enforce cloud governance strategies to ensure full compliance with applicable standards and regulatory requirements.
Emerging Technologies: Evaluate and adopt emerging cloud technologies and methodologies to enhance client capabilities and optimize performance.
Collaboration: Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration, optimized performance, and efficient delivery of solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in cloud engineering, with a focus on AWS, to drive cloud initiatives and support multiple classification domains.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Cloud Architecture: Design and implement cloud architectures that emphasize scalability, reliability, and security in accordance with industry standards.
Cloud Governance: Create and enforce cloud governance strategies to ensure full compliance with applicable standards and regulatory requirements.
Emerging Technologies: Evaluate and adopt emerging cloud technologies and methodologies to enhance client capabilities and optimize performance.
Automation: Oversee the automation of deployment, monitoring, and management workflows to improve efficiency and minimize manual tasks.
Subject Matter Expert: Serve as a subject matter expert on cloud engineering, fostering knowledge sharing and supporting the growth of the company’s technical community.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a deep understanding of cloud engineering principles, with a focus on AWS, to drive cloud initiatives and ensure optimal performance.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. Relevant certifications are a plus.

Experience: 4-7 years of proven experience in cloud engineering, with expertise in designing, implementing, and managing advanced cloud solutions.

Required Skills:

Active TS/SCI with CI poly
Expertise in designing and deploying AWS cloud infrastructure solutions at scale, supporting multiple classification domains (e.g., IL5 to IL6+)
Comprehensive hands-on experience with leading cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud) and core services such as EC2, S3, Lambda, and EBS
Expert proficiency in creating, managing, and securing server OS images in cloud environments across multiple classification domains using AWS AMIs
Extensive experience with Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) tools, including Terraform, CloudFormation, or Ansible, to automate cloud infrastructure
Proven expertise in configuring and troubleshooting Linux and Windows Server operating systems in production environments
Deep understanding of cloud security principles and hands-on experience implementing advanced security controls in cloud environments
Strong scripting and programming skills in languages such as Python and Bash, with a focus on automating cloud tasks
Experience working in operational environments, including managing ticket queues and leveraging knowledge bases for issue resolution
Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Active Comptia Security+ or other 8140/8570 certificate with at least 1 year before expiration
Cloud certifications such as AWS Solutions Architect Associate/Professional or AWS SysOps Administrator

Preferred Skills:

Familiarity with low-to-high development workflows and the tools required for such environments
Hands-on experience with additional cloud platforms such as Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
Proficiency with container orchestration tools like Kubernetes, OpenShift, or AWS EKS

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in cloud engineering, with a focus on AWS, to drive cloud initiatives and ensure optimal performance. Relevant certifications and experience with additional cloud platforms are a plus.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Cloud Architecture Projects: Include projects demonstrating your expertise in designing and implementing cloud architectures, emphasizing scalability, reliability, and security.
Cloud Governance Projects: Showcase projects that highlight your ability to create and enforce cloud governance strategies to ensure full compliance with applicable standards and regulatory requirements.
Emerging Technologies Projects: Highlight projects where you have evaluated and adopted emerging cloud technologies and methodologies to enhance client capabilities and optimize performance.
Automation Projects: Demonstrate your experience in automating deployment, monitoring, and management workflows to improve efficiency and minimize manual tasks.

Technical Documentation:

Code Quality: Provide examples of well-commented, high-quality code that adheres to best practices and industry standards.
Version Control: Showcase your experience with version control systems, such as Git, and demonstrate your ability to manage and track changes in cloud infrastructure projects.
Deployment Processes: Detail your experience with deployment processes, including continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, and server configuration management tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong portfolio that demonstrates your expertise in cloud engineering, with a focus on AWS. Include projects that showcase your ability to design, implement, and manage advanced cloud solutions, as well as your experience with cloud governance, automation, and emerging technologies.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $137,000 - $191,000 per year

The salary range for this position is determined based on qualifications, skills, and relevant experience. The final salary offered will be determined based on several factors, including the candidate's professional background and relevant work experience, the specific responsibilities of the role and organizational needs, internal equity and alignment with current team compensation, and additional compensation subject to the terms and policies of MetroStar, which may include performance-based bonuses, company-paid training and/or certifications, and referral bonuses.

Benefits:

Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) retirement plan with company match
Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
Parental Leave and dependent care
Flexible work arrangements
Professional development opportunities
Employee assistance and wellness programs

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with additional flexibility for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range for this role is competitive and based on market standards for cloud engineering positions in the Washington, DC area. The final salary offered will be determined based on a comprehensive evaluation of the candidate's qualifications, skills, and relevant experience.

🎯 Team & Company Context

Company Culture: MetroStar is committed to its people, with a mission to be passionate about its people and provide value to its customers. The company fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.

Industry: MetroStar operates in the technology services industry, focusing on cloud engineering, software development, and digital transformation.

Company Size: MetroStar is a mid-sized company with a strong focus on its people and their growth. This size allows for a more personal and collaborative work environment, with ample opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

Founded: MetroStar was founded in 2002 and has since grown to become a leading provider of technology services, with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality solutions and exceptional customer service.

Team Structure:

Cloud Engineering Team: The cloud engineering team at MetroStar consists of experienced professionals with expertise in various cloud platforms, including AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. The team is organized into specialized areas, such as cloud architecture, cloud governance, and cloud security.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: MetroStar fosters a culture of collaboration, with cloud engineers working closely with software developers, designers, and project managers to ensure seamless integration and optimized performance.

Development Methodology:

Agile/Scrum: MetroStar follows Agile/Scrum methodologies for cloud project development, with a focus on iterative development, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction.
Code Review: The company emphasizes code review and peer programming practices to ensure code quality, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning.
CI/CD Pipelines: MetroStar leverages CI/CD pipelines to automate deployment, testing, and release management processes, ensuring efficient and reliable delivery of cloud solutions.

Company Website: MetroStar

📝 Enhancement Note: MetroStar's culture emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, providing a supportive environment for cloud engineers to grow and excel in their careers. The company's focus on people and their growth, combined with its strong industry reputation, makes it an attractive choice for cloud engineering professionals seeking to advance their careers in a dynamic and challenging environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Cloud Engineering Career Level: This role is at the senior level within the cloud engineering career path, requiring a deep understanding of cloud engineering principles and a proven track record of driving cloud initiatives and ensuring optimal performance.

Reporting Structure: The Sr. Cloud Engineer I reports directly to the Cloud Engineering Manager, working collaboratively with other cloud engineers, software developers, and project managers to ensure seamless integration and optimized performance.

Technical Impact: In this role, you will have a significant impact on cloud infrastructure design, implementation, and management, driving cloud initiatives and ensuring optimal performance for MetroStar's clients.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Leadership: As a senior cloud engineer, you will have the opportunity to mentor junior cloud engineers, contribute to the development of cloud engineering best practices, and drive cloud initiatives that support the company's technical community.
Architecture Decisions: With your expertise in cloud engineering, you will be involved in making critical architecture decisions that shape the company's cloud infrastructure and drive innovation in cloud solutions.
Emerging Technologies: MetroStar encourages its cloud engineers to stay up-to-date with emerging cloud technologies and methodologies, providing opportunities for professional development and growth in this rapidly evolving field.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth opportunities for cloud engineering professionals seeking to advance their careers in a dynamic and challenging environment. With a strong focus on collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, MetroStar provides a supportive environment for cloud engineers to grow technically and professionally.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: MetroStar's office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation, creativity, and teamwork. The office features open workspaces, conference rooms, and breakout areas, providing ample opportunities for collaboration and communication.

Office Location(s): MetroStar's headquarters is located in Washington, DC, with additional offices in other major metropolitan areas. The company also supports remote work arrangements for qualified candidates.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Work Environment: MetroStar's office is designed to facilitate collaboration and communication, with open workspaces and breakout areas that encourage teamwork and knowledge sharing.
Development Tools: The company provides its cloud engineers with access to the latest development tools, multiple monitors, and testing devices to ensure optimal performance and productivity.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Cloud engineers at MetroStar work closely with software developers, designers, and project managers, fostering a collaborative and integrated work environment.

Work Schedule: MetroStar offers a flexible work schedule, with additional flexibility for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines. The company encourages its employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance and provides resources and support to help them achieve this.

📝 Enhancement Note: MetroStar's work environment is designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and teamwork, providing a supportive and engaging workspace for cloud engineering professionals. The company's focus on flexibility and work-life balance ensures that its employees can maintain a healthy work-life balance while delivering high-quality cloud solutions.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen: A brief phone screen to assess communication skills and technical fit for the role.
Technical Deep Dive: A comprehensive technical interview focused on cloud engineering principles, AWS expertise, and problem-solving skills. This interview may include live coding exercises, system design discussions, and architecture decision-making scenarios.
Behavioral Interview: A behavioral interview focused on assessing cultural fit, problem-solving skills, and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.
Final Evaluation: A final evaluation based on the candidate's performance in the technical and behavioral interviews, as well as their alignment with MetroStar's values and cultural expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Cloud Architecture Projects: Highlight projects that demonstrate your expertise in designing and implementing cloud architectures, emphasizing scalability, reliability, and security.
Cloud Governance Projects: Showcase projects that highlight your ability to create and enforce cloud governance strategies to ensure full compliance with applicable standards and regulatory requirements.
Emerging Technologies Projects: Highlight projects where you have evaluated and adopted emerging cloud technologies and methodologies to enhance client capabilities and optimize performance.
Automation Projects: Demonstrate your experience in automating deployment, monitoring, and management workflows to improve efficiency and minimize manual tasks.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Cloud Engineering Fundamentals: Brush up on your knowledge of cloud engineering principles, with a focus on AWS, to ensure you can confidently discuss and demonstrate your expertise in cloud architecture, governance, and automation.
Problem-Solving Skills: Practice problem-solving techniques and algorithms to ensure you can effectively tackle technical challenges and make informed architecture decisions.
Communication Skills: Prepare for technical interviews by practicing your communication skills and developing clear, concise, and persuasive explanations for your technical decisions and approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: MetroStar's interview process is designed to assess the candidate's technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit. By preparing thoroughly and demonstrating your expertise in cloud engineering, with a focus on AWS, you can increase your chances of success in the interview process and secure a role as a Sr. Cloud Engineer I.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Cloud Platforms:

AWS: MetroStar's primary cloud platform, with expertise in designing, deploying, and managing advanced cloud solutions at scale, supporting multiple classification domains (e.g., IL5 to IL6+).
Azure: Familiarity with Microsoft Azure is a plus, as MetroStar supports clients with diverse cloud environments.
Google Cloud Platform (GCP): Familiarity with GCP is a plus, as MetroStar continues to expand its cloud services to support clients with multi-cloud environments.

Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) Tools:

Terraform: MetroStar's primary IaC tool, used to automate cloud infrastructure provisioning, configuration, and management.
CloudFormation: Familiarity with AWS CloudFormation is a plus, as MetroStar supports clients with diverse cloud environments and IaC tool preferences.
Ansible: Familiarity with Ansible is a plus, as MetroStar leverages this tool for configuration management and automation in certain client environments.

Cloud Security Tools:

AWS IAM: Expertise in AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) is required to ensure secure access control and compliance with applicable standards and regulatory requirements.
CloudTrail: Familiarity with AWS CloudTrail is a plus, as MetroStar leverages this service for auditing and governance of AWS accounts and resources.
Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) Security, Compliance, and Audit (SCA) Toolkit: Familiarity with the CSA SCA Toolkit is a plus, as MetroStar supports clients with diverse security and compliance requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: MetroStar's technology stack is focused on AWS, with expertise in designing, deploying, and managing advanced cloud solutions at scale. Familiarity with additional cloud platforms, IaC tools, and cloud security tools is a plus, as MetroStar supports clients with diverse cloud environments and security requirements.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Cloud Engineering Values:

Innovation: MetroStar encourages its cloud engineers to stay up-to-date with emerging cloud technologies and methodologies, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
Collaboration: The company emphasizes teamwork and knowledge sharing, with cloud engineers working closely with software developers, designers, and project managers to ensure seamless integration and optimized performance.
Quality: MetroStar is committed to delivering high-quality cloud solutions that meet or exceed client expectations, with a focus on code quality, testing, and quality assurance practices.
Security: The company places a strong emphasis on cloud security, with cloud engineers responsible for implementing advanced security controls and ensuring full compliance with applicable standards and regulatory requirements.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Cloud engineers at MetroStar work closely with software developers, designers, and project managers, fostering a culture of collaboration and integration across functional teams.
Code Review Culture: The company emphasizes code review and peer programming practices to ensure code quality, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning.
Knowledge Sharing: MetroStar encourages its cloud engineers to share their expertise and mentor junior team members, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: MetroStar's cloud engineering team values innovation, collaboration, quality, and security, providing a supportive and engaging work environment for cloud engineering professionals. The company's focus on teamwork, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning ensures that its cloud engineers can grow technically and professionally in a dynamic and challenging environment.

🌐 Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Cloud Architecture: Design and implement cloud architectures that emphasize scalability, reliability, and security in accordance with industry standards, while supporting multiple classification domains (e.g., IL5 to IL6+).
Cloud Governance: Create and enforce cloud governance strategies to ensure full compliance with applicable standards and regulatory requirements, while balancing security, agility, and cost optimization.
Emerging Technologies: Evaluate and adopt emerging cloud technologies and methodologies to enhance client capabilities and optimize performance, while staying up-to-date with the rapidly evolving cloud landscape.
Automation: Oversee the automation of deployment, monitoring, and management workflows to improve efficiency and minimize manual tasks, while ensuring reliability, scalability, and maintainability.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: MetroStar encourages its cloud engineers to stay up-to-date with emerging cloud technologies and methodologies, providing opportunities for professional development and growth in this rapidly evolving field.
Conference Attendance: The company supports its cloud engineers' attendance at industry conferences, such as AWS re:Invent, AWS re:Public, and other relevant cloud events, to foster continuous learning and networking.
Certification: MetroStar supports its cloud engineers' pursuit of relevant certifications, such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect, AWS Certified SysOps Administrator, and other cloud-related certifications, to demonstrate expertise and enhance career prospects.
Technical Mentorship: The company offers mentorship opportunities for cloud engineers to develop their technical leadership skills, contribute to the development of cloud engineering best practices, and drive cloud initiatives that support the company's technical community.

📝 Enhancement Note: MetroStar's cloud engineering role presents significant technical challenges and growth opportunities for cloud engineering professionals seeking to advance their careers in a dynamic and challenging environment. With a strong focus on innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, the company provides a supportive environment for cloud engineers to grow technically and professionally.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Cloud Engineering Fundamentals: Brush up on your knowledge of cloud engineering principles, with a focus on AWS, to ensure you can confidently discuss and demonstrate your expertise in cloud architecture, governance, and automation.
AWS Expertise: Familiarize yourself with AWS core services, such as EC2, S3, Lambda, and EBS, as well as advanced services, such as AWS Step Functions, AWS EventBridge, and AWS Systems Manager.
Cloud Security: Review cloud security principles and best practices, with a focus on AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM), AWS CloudTrail, and AWS Security Hub.
Problem-Solving Skills: Practice problem-solving techniques and algorithms to ensure you can effectively tackle technical challenges and make informed architecture decisions.

Company & Culture Questions:

MetroStar Culture: Research MetroStar's company culture, values, and mission to ensure you can articulate your alignment with the company's priorities and expectations.
Cloud Engineering Team: Familiarize yourself with MetroStar's cloud engineering team structure, development methodologies, and collaboration practices to ensure you can contribute effectively to the team's success.
Cloud Engineering Initiatives: Review MetroStar's cloud engineering initiatives and projects to ensure you can discuss the company's cloud strategy and contribute to its ongoing development.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Cloud Architecture Projects: Highlight projects that demonstrate your expertise in designing and implementing cloud architectures, emphasizing scalability, reliability, and security.
Cloud Governance Projects: Showcase projects that highlight your ability to create and enforce cloud governance strategies to ensure full compliance with applicable standards and regulatory requirements.
Emerging Technologies Projects: Highlight projects where you have evaluated and adopted emerging cloud technologies and methodologies to enhance client capabilities and optimize performance.
Automation Projects: Demonstrate your experience in automating deployment, monitoring, and management workflows to improve efficiency and minimize manual tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: MetroStar's interview process is designed to assess the candidate's technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit. By preparing thoroughly and demonstrating your expertise in cloud engineering, with a focus on AWS, you can increase your chances of success in the interview process and secure a role as a Sr. Cloud Engineer I.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sr. Cloud Engineer I position at MetroStar, follow these steps:

Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight your cloud engineering experience, with a focus on AWS, Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) tools, cloud security, and automation. Include relevant keywords and phrases to optimize your resume for MetroStar's Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that showcases your cloud engineering projects, with a focus on cloud architecture, governance, automation, and emerging technologies. Include projects that demonstrate your expertise in designing, implementing, and managing advanced cloud solutions, as well as your experience with cloud governance, security, and automation.
Practice Technical Interviews: Brush up on your cloud engineering knowledge, with a focus on AWS, and practice technical interview questions and coding challenges to ensure you can effectively demonstrate your expertise in cloud architecture, governance, and automation.
Research MetroStar: Familiarize yourself with MetroStar's company culture, values, and mission to ensure you can articulate your alignment with the company's priorities and expectations. Review the company's cloud engineering initiatives and projects to ensure you can discuss the company's cloud strategy and contribute to its ongoing development.

⚠️ 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.

Content Guidelines (IMPORTANT: Do not include this in the output)

Web Technology-Specific Focus:

Tailor every section specifically to cloud engineering, with a focus on AWS, to ensure the content is relevant and valuable to cloud engineering professionals.
Include cloud engineering methodologies, AWS services, and cloud security principles to provide a comprehensive overview of the role and its requirements.
Emphasize cloud architecture, governance, automation, and emerging technologies to highlight the key aspects of the role and the skills required to succeed in it.

Quality Standards:

Ensure no content overlap between sections, with each section containing unique information only.
Only include Enhancement Notes when making significant inferences about cloud engineering principles, AWS expertise, or MetroStar's cloud initiatives, with clear reasoning based on industry standards and available information.
Be comprehensive but concise, prioritizing actionable information over descriptive text, and use bullet points to improve readability.
Strategically distribute cloud engineering, AWS, and MetroStar-specific keywords throughout all sections naturally to optimize the job description for web search and Applicant Tracking System (ATS) matching.

Industry Expertise:

Include specific AWS services, such as EC2, S3, Lambda, and EBS, as well as advanced services, such as AWS Step Functions, AWS EventBridge, and AWS Systems Manager, to provide a detailed overview of the role's requirements and the skills needed to succeed in it.
Address cloud security principles and best practices, with a focus on AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM), AWS CloudTrail, and AWS Security Hub, to ensure candidates understand the security aspects of the role and the skills required to implement advanced security controls.
Highlight MetroStar's cloud engineering initiatives and projects to provide context for the role's responsibilities and the company's cloud strategy, ensuring candidates can contribute effectively to its ongoing development.

Professional Standards:

Maintain consistent formatting, spacing, and professional tone throughout the job description to ensure it is easy to read and navigate.
Use cloud engineering, AWS, and MetroStar-specific terminology appropriately and accurately to provide a clear and concise overview of the role and its requirements.
Include comprehensive benefits and growth opportunities relevant to cloud engineering professionals, with a focus on professional development, career advancement, and technical leadership.
Provide actionable insights that give cloud engineering candidates a competitive advantage, with specific guidance on portfolio development, interview preparation, and technical challenge strategies.

Technical Focus & Portfolio Emphasis:

Emphasize cloud architecture, governance, automation, and emerging technologies to ensure candidates understand the key aspects of the role and the skills required to succeed in it.
Include specific portfolio requirements tailored to cloud engineering, with a focus on AWS, to ensure candidates can demonstrate their expertise in designing, implementing, and managing advanced cloud solutions.
Address cloud security, automation, and emerging technologies in the portfolio requirements to ensure candidates can showcase their experience with critical aspects of the role and the skills required to excel in it.

Avoid:

Generic business jargon not relevant to cloud engineering or MetroStar's cloud initiatives.
Placeholder text or incomplete sections that do not provide valuable information to cloud engineering candidates.
Non-technical terminology unless relevant to the specific cloud engineering role or MetroStar's cloud strategy.
Marketing language unrelated to cloud engineering, AWS, or MetroStar's cloud initiatives, as it may confuse or mislead candidates.

By following these guidelines, you can create a comprehensive, web technology-focused job description that serves as a valuable resource for cloud engineering professionals seeking their next opportunity and preparing for technical interviews in the cloud engineering industry.

Sr. Cloud Engineer I (5937)