2026-01-A Cloud Engineer

1st Edge is a growing business seeking top performers to join in our mission of developing Artificial Intelligence solutions for our Government customers. We offer technically advanced, challenging work in an employee-centered environment driven by the desire to contribute to a meaningful purpose. Our employees work closely with Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC), Missile Defense Agency (MDA), and The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM).

We believe in a balanced, quid pro quo relationship between the company and its employees, providing all benefits at no cost plus generous time off. This balanced culture allows employees to do their best work and contributes to our extraordinary success rate. From an excellent benefits package to job autonomy with challenging work, 1st Edge cultivates an innovative and collaborative environment with meaningful work.

1st Edge is seeking a highly skilled and hands-on Azure Cloud Engineer to join our team. This is a deeply technical role focused on the daily administration, management, and operational health of hybrid-cloud infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in traditional administration with proven, hands-on experience in a cloud environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Server & Cloud Admin: Provision, configure, and maintain cloud and on-prem VMs; support migrating on-prem apps to Azure.
• IaC & Automation: Automate resource deployment and infrastructure management using Terraform.
• Storage & Recovery: Manage Azure Storage (Blob, File, Queue) and maintain backup/disaster recovery workflows.
• Networking: Configure virtual networks, subnets, and Network Security Groups (NSGs).
• Security & Compliance: Apply DISA STIGs, handle data encryption, configure Azure Group Policies, and manage identity/secrets with Entra ID and Key Vault.
• DevOps & Containers: Manage Azure DevOps Server repositories and deploy, scale, and orchestrate AKS clusters.
• Operations & Support: Monitor system performance, support developers/cyber teams/users, and maintain operational and architecture documentation.

Required Qualifications

• Clearance & Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship; Active DoD security clearance (or clearance-eligible).
• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in a technical field (or equivalent experience) + 3+ years in sysadmin, with significant cloud experience.
• Core Cloud Skills: Strong knowledge of storage/backup/DR, container management, Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, Entra ID (with RBAC), Defender for Cloud, Cost Management, and Azure Update Management.
• Automation Tools: Hands-on experience with IaC tools (Terraform, OpenTofu, Ansible, or AWS CloudFormation).
• Certifications (Required/Obtainable before start): * CompTIA Security+ CE (or other IAT Level II cert).
• Cloud cert (e.g., Azure Fundamentals/Admin/Security/Architect, AWS Architect/Developer, CCSP, or GCSA).

Preferred Qualifications

• Scripting & CI/CD: PowerShell, Azure CLI, and Azure DevOps or Jenkins pipelines.
• Advanced Networking: VNet peering, VPN Gateway, and ExpressRoute.
• Advanced Cloud: AWS experience, hybrid cloud infrastructure, and enclave federation.
• Terraform Expertise: Terraform HCS, Enterprise, and CLI.

Bonus Qualifications

• HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate.
• Multi-cloud cost optimization and management.