Job Information
Space Dynamics Laboratory Senior AWS Cloud Architect in North Logan, Utah
Job ID: 5797C
Date Posted: February 26, 2026
The Opportunity
Space Dynamic Laboratory’s (SDL’s) 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 is a strategy-first, architecture-led role. The selected candidate will be responsible for shaping a long-term cloud vision, establishing architectural standards, and ensuring that secure, resilient, and scalable cloud capabilities align with evolving mission needs.
This position is ideal for a senior technical leader who operates at the enterprise and system-of-systems level — someone who designs for mission continuity, cross-domain integration, and long-term modernization, not just infrastructure deployment.
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
Define and maintain the target-state cloud architecture supporting satellite ground and mission data systems
Develop and communicate multi-year cloud modernization and evolution roadmaps aligned to strategic objectives
Lead architectural trade studies and document technical decisions, risks, and alternatives
Establish reusable reference architecture and standard design patterns for mission systems
Analyze existing cloud architectures and make recommendations for change to pertinent stakeholders
Architect secure cloud solutions aligned with NIST 800-53, DoD CC SRG (IL4/IL5+), and applicable cybersecurity requirements
Guide control inheritance strategies and support maintenance of system authorization (RMF/ATO) processes
Ensure auditability, continuous monitoring, and evidence generation are architected into solutions from inception
Evaluate cost, reliability, and operational tradeoffs at the architecture level
Architect integration patterns between cloud environments and legacy or on-premise ground systems
Evaluate and design secure cross-domain and multi-classification data flow strategies where required
Provide architectural oversight for containerization, data platforms, and infrastructure automation frameworks
Promote and evangelize adherence to standard architecture frameworks
Required Qualifications
U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
Bachelor’s degree with 15+ years of experience, or master’s with 13+ years, or PhD with 9+ years (engineering or science discipline)
Demonstrated experience defining and governing enterprise-scale cloud architectures
Deep understanding of AWS core services and architectural patterns across compute, storage, networking, identity, and security domains
Experience designing multi-account cloud governance models and secure landing zone strategies
Experience aligning cloud architectures with NIST 800-53 and DoD security frameworks
Proven ability to lead technical trade studies and communicate architectural decisions to senior stakeholders
Experience guiding engineering teams through solution implementation without functioning as primary administrator
Demonstrated ability to lead projects, manage risk, and deliver solutions from concept to deployment
Ability to build and maintain trusted customer relationships
Demonstrated engineering judgment in high-impact technical decisions.
Preferred Qualifications
Active Top-Secret clearance
AWS Solutions Architect – Professional or equivalent enterprise cloud certification
Experience leading architecture in Agile or DevSecOps environments
Experience supporting national security, Air Force, or space-domain ground systems
Knowledge of satellite communications protocols and standards
Experience supporting DoD or Intelligence Community programs at IL4/IL5 or higher
Experience integrating complex cloud platforms with external or legacy ground systems
*Salary Range
$140,000 - $197,000
Salary commensurate 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 (https://www.sdl.usu.edu/careers/benefits/) 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.
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