Cloud Architect

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of cloud-based enterprise architectures supporting FEMA's IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS requirements, including FedRAMP High-authorized Commercial Cloud Brokers (CCBs).
• Develop and enhance FEMA's Cloud Architecture Repositories and technical insertion processes, ensuring alignment with enterprise target architectures per Section 4.2.1 of the SOO.
• Create and promote cloud architecture frameworks and models for FEMA adoption, supporting the reduction of IT complexity through reuse of existing solutions.
• Design architectures that incorporate Virtual Compute Services (VCS), Scaling Automation Services (SAS), containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), serverless compute, and managed database services (relational, NoSQL, Data Warehouse).
• Architect Private Virtual Cloud Networks (PVCNs), Virtual Load Balancing (VLB), Direct Connection Services (DCS), and hybrid network connectivity including DHS TIC 3.0 compliance and FEMA's hub-and-spoke model.
• Provide architectural guidance for key management (KMS/HSMs), Identity and Access Management (IAM), Infrastructure as Code (IaC), and Content Delivery Services (CDS).
• Support Enterprise Architecture alignment with FEMA's Strategic SELC processes and IT investment decision-making, including gap analysis of existing Disaster and Cloud architectures.
• Lead cloud architecture planning for Joint Field Offices (JFOs), COOP, and disaster recovery operational scenarios.
• Ensure all architectural designs meet FISMA High security categorization, NIST 800-53, FedRAMP JAB Full-ATO (High Impact Level), and DHS 4300A Sensitive Systems standards.
• Collaborate with FEMA's Data Governance Council to support data architecture activities and provide subject-matter expertise.
• Evaluate and recommend emerging cloud technologies, AI/ML platforms, and development platform capabilities (Python, .Net, Java, Node JS, etc.) for adoption within FEMA's cloud portfolio.
• Interface with Engineering teams, Program Managers, and FEMA OCIO leadership to ensure architectural solutions support mission-critical IT objectives.
• Support security engineering tasks including design of the FEMA Enterprise Security Stack (FESS), WAF configurations, Palo Alto VM-Series Next Generation Firewalls, and FEMA SOC visibility requirements.