Who we are:

Raft () is a customer-obsessed non-traditional small business with a purposeful focus on Distributed Data Systems, Platforms at Scale, and Complex Application Development, with headquarters in Reston, VA. Our range of clients includes innovative federal and public agencies leveraging design thinking, cutting-edge tech stack, and cloud-native ecosystem. We build digital solutions that impact the lives of millions of Americans.

We're looking for an experienced Principal Cloud Architect to support our customers and join our passionate team of high-impact problem solvers.

About the role:

At Raft, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of technology to deliver innovative solutions that meet the complex demands of our clients. We are in search of a Principal Cloud Architect with a proven track record in deploying cloud-native services and infrastructure to join our team. This position is integral to our mission, requiring a candidate who is not only adept in cloud technologies but also passionate about creating robust, secure, and scalable applications. Join us at Raft, where innovation, excellence, and technical prowess are at the heart of everything we do.

What we are looking for:

• Proficiency in Designing and Architecting Cloud Native Services and Infrastructure: A strong background in crafting scalable, efficient, and cost-effective cloud solutions.
• Expertise in Hosting, Monitoring, Securing, and Maintaining Web-facing Cloud Native Applications: Demonstrated capabilities in ensuring application reliability, security, and performance optimization.
• Knowledge in Enabling Services to Support Access via DOD Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) CAC Authentication: Familiarity with secure access controls and authentication mechanisms.
• Skill in Ensuring Services are Highly Available and Resilient: Ability to create systems that are fault-tolerant and capable of self-recovery.
• Understanding of IDM, LDAP, DNS: Insight into identity management, directory services, and domain name systems.
• Eligibility to Obtain and Retain a U.S. DoD Common Access Card: Must meet the criteria for access to classified information.
• U.S. Citizenship
• Security : Obtain Security within the first 90 days of employment with Raft

Highly preferred:

• Advanced Configuration of Cloud Services for DOD Security Compliance: In-depth knowledge of cloud security practices and compliance with DOD standards.
• Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) Certification: Valued for its demonstration of comprehensive Kubernetes knowledge, essential for managing containerized applications.
• Advanced Linux Troubleshooting Capabilities: Highly regarded for the ability to diagnose and solve complex Linux system issues.

Clearance Requirements:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a US Security Clearance

Work Type:

• On Customer Site in College Park, MD
• May require up to 10% travel

Salary Range:

• $140,000 - $225,000
• The determination of compensation is predicated upon a candidate's comprehensive experience, demonstrated skill, and proven abilities

What we will offer you:

• Highly competitive salary
• Fully covered healthcare, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) and company match
• Unlimited PTO 11 paid holidays
• Education & training benefits
• Annual budget for your tech/gadgets needs
• Monthly box of yummy snacks to eat while doing meaningful work
• Remote, hybrid, and flexible work options
• Team off-site in fun places!
• Generous Referral Bonuses
• And More!

Our Vision Statement:

We bridge the gap between humans and data through radical transparency and our obsession withthemission.

Our Customer Obsession:

We will approach every deliverable like it's a product. We will adopt a customer-obsessed mentality. As we grow, and our footprint becomes larger, teams and employees will treat each other not only as teammates but customers. We must live the customer-obsessed mindset, always. This will help us scale and it will translate to the interactions that our Rafters have with their clients and other product teams that they integrate with. Our culture will enable our success and set us apart from other companies.

How do we get there?

Public-sector modernization is critical for us to live in a better world. We, at Raft, want to innovate and solve complex problems. And, if we are successful, our generation and the ones that follow us will live in a delightful, efficient, and accessible world where out-of-box thinking,and collaboration is a norm.

Raft's core philosophy isUbuntu: IAm, BecauseWe are. We support our"nadi"by elevating the other Rafters. We work as a hyper collaborative team where each team member brings a unique perspective, adding value that did not exist before. People make Raft special. We celebrate each other and our cognitive and cultural diversity. We are devoted to our practice of innovation and collaboration.