The Department of Interior (DOI) CHS III program is leading the way for Cloud Hosting and Applications Modernization across DOI and its subordinate bureaus. CHS III will facilitate migration of legacy on-premises applications to a modern, secure and scalable multi-cloud platform. From sensors in active volcanic regions to earthquake detection data, CHS III is DOI's central cloud processing and data solution.
This fully-remote senior-level Solutions Architect role involves providing advanced Cloud Architecture, Administration, and Engineering support for National Geospatial Technical Operations Center (NGTOC) Hybrid Cloud Migration’s AWS Operations group. The primary focus of the position is to assess, migrate, and optimize NGTOC applications and workloads within a USGS-approved cloud environment.
Specializing in AWS and Hybrid Cloud solutions, with an emphasis on Kubernetes and container orchestration, the role requires designing reusable Infrastructure as Code (IaC) modules, managing large-scale Docker, ECS, and Kubernetes platforms, and overseeing GitLab CI/CD workflows to streamline development practices. Additionally, the position is responsible for implementing robust DevSecOps security gates, enforcing cloud governance policies, and maintaining mission-critical platform reliability through advanced observability tools like Prometheus, Grafana, and Splunk.
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in cloud automation, hybrid cloud architecture, and the ability to collaborate with government teams to design innovative, secure, and scalable solutions while adhering to federal standards. This role requires exceptional technical expertise and the ability to define best practices to support the successful delivery of NGTOC’s cloud initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Cloud Architecture and Migration
- Provide expertise in AWS cloud architecture, administration, and engineering to support NGTOC's AWS Operations group.
- Collaborate with government staff to assess, design, and migrate designated applications and workloads to the USGS-approved cloud environment.
Kubernetes and Container Management
- Manage large-scale Kubernetes platforms, ensuring efficient container orchestration.
- Oversee deployment and orchestration of workloads using Docker and AWS ECS to meet organizational needs.
Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
- Design and develop reusable Infrastructure as Code (IaC) modules using tools like Terraform, OpenTofu, and AWS CDK.
- Automate infrastructure deployment to streamline cloud operations and enable scalability.
CI/CD Pipeline Development and Management
- Take full ownership of the GitLab CI/CD ecosystem to establish and enhance development workflows.
- Implement and maintain highly efficient CI/CD practices across the development lifecycle.
DevSecOps Implementation
- Integrate advanced DevSecOps tools such as SAST, DAST, and IAST to ensure comprehensive security testing.
- Enforce security best practices to protect cloud infrastructure and applications.
Cloud Governance Enforcement
- Develop, implement, and enforce automated cloud governance policies.
- Manage mechanisms like automated tagging and AMI factory patching to maintain compliance and operational efficiency.
Observability and Monitoring
- Establish and maintain observability standards using tools like Prometheus, Grafana, and Splunk to ensure infrastructure reliability.
- Monitor mission-critical systems and implement alerting solutions to proactively address system issues.
Hybrid Cloud Solutions Design
- Develop and implement hybrid cloud solutions that align with organizational goals and federal requirements.
Technical Leadership and Development Guidance
- Define “golden paths” for development teams by establishing reusable processes and best practices.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams and government staff to create efficient, scalable solutions.
Issue Troubleshooting and Optimization
- Analyze and resolve system-wide issues in complex cloud environments.
- Optimize platforms for reliability, scalability, and enhanced performance.
Compliance with Federal Standards
- Ensure all cloud operations and solutions adhere to federal government and USGS standards for security, governance, and compliance.
