Cloud Operations Engineer

Job Title: Cloud Operations Engineer

Location: Phoenix, AZ (Hybrid - Onsite First Day, Then Quarterly)

Job Summary

Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) is seeking an experienced Cloud Operations Engineer to support and manage enterprise cloud infrastructure. This is a contract-to-hire opportunity designed for candidates interested in transitioning into a long-term State of Arizona role. The ideal candidate will have strong AWS cloud experience, infrastructure automation expertise, and a background managing enterprise cloud environments.

Responsibilities

• Design, deploy, administer, and support AWS cloud infrastructure and services.
• Automate cloud operations using Infrastructure as Code (IaC), scripting, and DevOps tools.
• Manage scalable, highly available, and fault-tolerant cloud environments.
• Support Microsoft Windows Server and Linux Server operating systems in virtualized environments.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex cloud infrastructure and application issues.
• Implement cloud security standards, monitoring, auditing, and cost optimization strategies.
• Collaborate with architects and technical teams to deliver secure cloud solutions.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, standards, and operational procedures.
• Participate in after-hours maintenance windows and operational support activities as needed.

Required Skills

• Minimum 5 years of experience as a Cloud Engineer.
• Strong experience designing and administering AWS cloud solutions.
• Hands-on experience with Microsoft Windows Server and Linux Server.
• Experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC), automation, and scripting using PowerShell, Python, Bash, JSON, or CLI tools.
• Experience with Git, Source Control Management, and DevOps methodologies.
• Experience using AI tools and Large Language Models (LLMs) to improve scripting, troubleshooting, documentation, and operational efficiency.
• Strong understanding of networking concepts including DNS, TCP/IP, firewalls, load balancing, and network security.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Preferred Skills

• Experience debugging complex infrastructure issues.
• AWS Certification such as Solutions Architect, SysOps Administrator, or DevOps Engineer.
• Azure certifications are a plus.
• Experience with cloud cost optimization, automated monitoring, and auditing.
• Experience managing databases in cloud environments.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field.

Additional Information

• Candidate must be eligible to convert to a full-time employee.
• No visa sponsorship is available.
• Candidates must reside in Arizona or be willing to relocate.
• Hybrid work arrangement with onsite attendance on the first day and then quarterly or as business needs require.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation.
• Upon conversion, employees become eligible for State of Arizona benefits, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, and participation in the ASRS pension plan.