Principal Cloud Engineer

FedRAMP’s 2026 modernization replaces narrative compliance documentation with measurable security outcomes, validated through automation and evidenced continuously. Coalfire delivers FedRAMP environments against standardized reference architecture, and this role owns those architectures and the capabilities that deliver them. This is the top of our engineering individual-contributor track: a design-authority role with no direct reports, whose influence comes from technical judgment and expertise.

Responsibilities

Own the technical integrity of Coalfire’s FedRAMP reference architectures and capabilities across AWS, Azure, and GCP, and across certification levels; Set the engineering standards delivery teams build against—architecture patterns, security baselines, automation frameworks, and evidence-collection approaches; Review and approve custom architecture decisions when client requirements fall outside the standard; promote recurring customizations into the reference architecture so the standard improves every quarter; Serve as a technical escalation point for delivery teams on architecture and security design questions to improve client outcomes; Keep reference architectures current with evolving FedRAMP requirements, including machine-readable compliance packaging (OSCAL or JSON) and continuous-monitoring mandates; Mentor engagement architects and senior engineers; raise the technical bar across the delivery organization; Partner with the sales organization on solution shape for the most strategic pursuits; Represent Coalfire’s technical point of view in the FedRAMP community—working groups, public comment, and industry forums

Requirements

BS or above in a related Information Technology field or equivalent combination of education and experience; 10+ years in cloud security engineering and architecture, including principal- or staff-level scope; Hands-on FedRAMP authorization experience—building, operating, or assessing FedRAMP environments; Demonstrated design-authority experience: owning standards, running architecture review, and documenting decisions in a form other engineers build from; Deep expertise in infrastructure-as-code (Terraform or equivalent), CI/CD, policy-as-code, and compliance automation; Architecture depth on at least two of the three major cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP); Fluency in NIST 800-53 and the FedRAMP control framework, as well as CMMC and DoD compliance standards; Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills; Effective documentation skills, including technical diagrams and written descriptions; Ability to work independently and as part of a team with a professional attitude and demeanor; Critical thinking, and the ability to balance security requirements with mission needs; Professional/Expert-level certification in at least one major cloud platform (AWS, Azure, or GCP); U.S. citizenship is required, as this position supports federal compliance programs; Travel: Approximately 10–15%

Nice to have

Familiarity with FedRAMP 20x, Key Security Indicators (KSIs), and machine-readable evidence (OSCAL, JSON); Experience designing productized or repeatable delivery models for professional services; Published writing, conference talks, or open-source work in cloud security or compliance automation; CISSP, CISM, or CISA certifications; Familiarity with configuration baseline standards such as CIS Benchmarks & DISA STIG

Benefits

Flexible work model; Employee resource groups; In-person and virtual events; Competitive perks and benefits; Paid parental leave; Flexible time off; Certification and training reimbursement; Digital mental health and wellbeing support membership; Comprehensive insurance options