Azure Cloud Systems Engineer

Role Overview Synergetics is seeking a Cloud Systems Engineer with deep Microsoft Azure expertise to sustain and evolve our secure cloud environment supporting U.S. Department of Defense missions. This role combines hands-on technical ownership with program continuity leadership, ensuring system reliability, compliance, and mission success. You'll serve as both the Azure operations lead and the continuity deputy to our Program Manager — taking ownership of cloud reliability, compliance, and customer communication to strengthen redundancy and ensure no single point of dependency. This is a unique opportunity for someone who thrives at the intersection of engineering precision, mission-critical reliability, and strategic program support. Due to the nature of work - US Citizenship required. Must reside in or be willing to relocate to Northern Colorado area. Bachelor's degree required. Key Responsibilities Cloud Operations & Reliability • Administer and maintain Microsoft Azure infrastructure (PaaS, networking, storage, and security). • Serve as the primary 24×7 first responder for critical incidents (estimated one per month), ensuring rapid triage and resolution. • Monitor and enhance observability using Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and KQL-based dashboards. • Implement automation and self-healing mechanisms to reduce human intervention and alert fatigue. • Develop and maintain Bicep IaC templates and GitHub Actions CI/CD workflows for repeatable deployments. • Conduct system patching, optimization, and post-incident reviews. Program Continuity & Support • Act as Deputy Program Manager, shadowing and supporting our government-facing Program Manager. • Participate in government calls, program reviews, and reporting cycles; eventually serve as a backup PM. • Maintain a comprehensive Program Playbook with processes, runbooks, and stakeholder documentation. • Draft and deliver SITREPs (Situation Reports) and incident summaries for stakeholders. • Collaborate cross-functionally to uphold uptime, compliance, and operational excellence. Security, Compliance & ITSM • Maintain continuous compliance with FedRAMP, NIST 800-53 Rev 5, and DoD Cloud SRG requirements. • Use ServiceNow for incident, change, and problem management workflows. • Participate in Continuous Monitoring (ConMon) reviews, POA&M updates, and evidence submissions. • Support audit readiness by maintaining up-to-date system and procedural documentation. Required Qualifications • 5+ years in Azure administration, DevOps, or cloud engineering. • CompTIA Security+ (or within 90 days of hire) Expert-level understanding of: • Azure Resource Manager, Bicep, and IaC principles • Azure Networking (Private Endpoints, NSGs, App Gateway, VPN/ExpressRoute) • Entra ID (Azure AD), Defender for Cloud, and monitoring tools • Scripting proficiency in PowerShell and/or Python. • Familiarity with ServiceNow or equivalent ITSM platforms. • Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve high-severity incidents calmly and efficiently. • Strong written and verbal communication; able to interface confidently with government customers. Preferred Qualifications • Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate or Azure Solutions Architect Expert • Experience in FedRAMP, DoD, or defense logistics environments • Familiarity with containerized workloads (AKS, Azure Container Apps, Docker) • Experience leading or supporting program operations in a government context • PMP is a plus • Military service (active, reserve, or veteran) is a significant plus — we value the discipline, teamwork, and mission focus that background brings. Compensation & Benefits • Base Salary: $135,000 – $165,000 (DOE) • First Responder Stipend: Fixed annual payment recognizing 24×7 readiness for critical incident response (paid monthly whether or not after-hours events occur) • Performance Bonus shared across team • Health, dental, and vision insurance • 401(k) • Paid holidays and PTO • Annual professional development allowance Work Schedule • Standard business hours with 24×7 first responder availability. • Flex hours or time off provided following after-hours incident engagement. Who You Are • You're a mission-driven technologist who finds purpose in building reliable, secure systems that matter. • You thrive in cloud environments under compliance, love automation, and communicate with calm confidence when things go sideways. • You balance deep technical mastery with the humility and composure needed to support government operations and defend uptime for critical DoD systems. • You are willing to roll up your sleeves and do what's needed to create successful outcomes. Our Mission & Values • At Synergetics, we design, secure, and maintain systems that power essential government operations. • This role directly supports Department of Defense (DoD) missions. • If personal beliefs or values conflict with supporting our DoD, government, or military warfighters, this position will not be a fit. Otherwise, if you're aligned with the mission and ready to apply your expertise in service of national objectives — we welcome your application. Apply tot his job