Senior AWS Cloud Architect

Job ID: 5797A
Date Posted: January 27, 2026

Help Shape the Future of Space Missions

At Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL), we don't just operate systems-we expand what space-based technologies and their supporting infrastructure can achieve. For nearly seven decades, SDL has delivered mission-critical solutions that protect national security and advance scientific discovery.

Our work spans satellites, sensors and instruments, ground systems, data processing, and autonomous systems, supporting some of the most important missions for the Intelligence Community and the Department of Defense. We are proud of our legacy-and even more excited about what's next.

If you enjoy tackling complex challenges, leading technical innovation, and contributing to next-generation space missions, we invite you to join our team of engineers, scientists, technicians, and mission-focused professionals.

The Opportunity

The SDL Strategic Military Space Division is seeking a highly experienced Senior Cloud Architect to lead the design, integration, and evolution of cloud-enabled satellite ground system solutions.
This role is ideal for a technical leader who is motivated by more than maintaining the status quo. You will shape modern cloud architectures that support mission-critical space operations, bridge legacy and emerging systems, and help evolve secure, scalable infrastructure to meet future operational demands.

You will work closely with a broad community of stakeholders-including customer Program Offices, internal engineering teams, FFRDCs/UARCs, SETA personnel, and industry partners-to architect, deploy, and sustain trusted cloud and information systems.

The Strategic & Military Space Division delivers advanced satellite and sensor systems that support the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. Our division is a key component of national security, providing technological solutions and expert mission support. Become part of a team dedicated to making a tangible contribution to our nation's defense capabilities.

What You'll Do

• Lead the design and implementation of secure, high-performing cloud architectures for satellite ground systems
• Define cloud architecture strategy, evaluate alternatives, and recommend best-fit solutions
• Architect and implement mission data flow and processing frameworks with built-in monitoring and escalation tooling
• Design and template Infrastructure as Code (IaC) for repeatable, automated deployments
• Architect and govern security and compliance frameworks, including NIST control implementation and automated evidence generation
• Architect cloud networking solutions for internal and external system integration
• Lead containerization and orchestration strategies and best practices
• Design and manage cloud data storage and data management solutions
• Evaluate cloud performance, reliability, and cost, and recommend continuous improvements
• Provide architectural oversight for system integration, operations, sustainment, and lifecycle management to ensure alignment with strategic goals.
• Serve as a technical leader and trusted advisor to customers and program leadership
• Mentor and guide senior and junior engineering staff, establishing best practices for cloud engineering and ensuring technical excellence across the team.

• U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
• Bachelor's degree with 15+ years of experience, master's with 13+ years, or PhD with 9+ years (engineering or science discipline)

• AWS Core Infrastructure & Compute: Expert-level knowledge of AWS compute and container services (EC2, ECS, EKS, Lambda, Fargate), and storage solutions (S3, EBS, Storage Gateway)

• AWS Data & Database Technologies: Advanced proficiency with AWS database services including RDS, Aurora, DynamoDB, ElastiCache, and Redshift for enterprise-scale data management

• AWS Networking & Security: Deep expertise in VPC design, Transit Gateway, Direct Connect, Route 53, and comprehensive security services including IAM, KMS, Secrets Manager, WAF, Shield, GuardDuty, and Security Hub

• Infrastructure Automation & DevOps: Advanced experience with Terraform for AWS infrastructure automation

• Monitoring, Observability & Cost Optimization: Proven expertise with AWS monitoring tools (CloudWatch, X-Ray, CloudTrail) and demonstrated ability to implement cost optimization strategies using Cost Explorer, Budgets, and Savings Plans

• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication abilities to explain complex technical concepts to diverse technical and business audiences

• AWS Solutions Architect - Professional certification required; equivalent Azure certifications accepted
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects, manage risk, and deliver solutions from concept to deployment
• Ability to build and maintain trusted customer relationships
• High attention to detail with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset

• Experience working in Agile development environments
• Experience supporting national security, Air Force, or space-domain ground systems
• Knowledge of satellite communications protocols and standards
• Experience with cybersecurity best practices for highly secure or mission-critical systems
• Experience integrating complex cloud platforms with external or legacy ground systems

• Work on meaningful, mission-driven programs that matter
• Collaborate with world-class engineers and scientists
• Influence the future of cloud-enabled space architectures
• Enjoy a culture that values innovation, teamwork, and technical excellence

• $140,000 - $175,000
  • Salary commensurate based on education and relevant experience

This range serves as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as role, level, location, market conditions, and individual qualifications, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The range displayed in the job advertisement reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries across all US locations. Specific salary details for a candidate's preferred location can be provided by the recruiter or HR manager during the hiring process.

Why Join SDL?
*SDL offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. Visit our Benefits Page to learn more about what we offer.

SDL delivers advanced multi-domain solutions to protect national security and enable scientific discovery. Our expertise in satellites, sensors and instruments, ground systems and data processing, and autonomous systems plays a critical role in missions supporting NASA and the Department of Defense. Join our team of engineers, scientists, technicians, and business professionals in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.

At SDL, we strive to uphold a culture of respect, collaboration, empowerment, and accountability. We listen with open minds, seek to understand diverse perspectives, and engage in thoughtful dialogue. We work together by sharing knowledge, involving others, and offering support. We trust and empower our team members to take ownership, act with integrity, and be accountable. Above all, we deliver on our commitments to each other and to our mission partners.

The application window for this position is expected to remain open for approximately 14 days; however, it may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications promptly.

For questions, assistance, or accommodation with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact employment@sdl.usu.edu.