Azure Cloud Engineer (4857)

We are seeking a Cloud Engineer with strong Microsoft Azure experience to build, secure, and optimize cloud environments that support enterprise AI and mission-critical systems. This role blends modern cloud engineering with emerging AI cloud services, ensuring mission teams have the infrastructure and access they need to innovate safely. This role is onsite in Hanover, MD.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Design, build, and maintain Azure cloud environments supporting AI workloads.
• Deploy and configure cloud resources, storage, compute, networking, and access layers.
• Work with AI architects and data engineers to establish secure, scalable pipelines.
• Integrate Azure AI services, Microsoft Copilot capabilities, and related components.
• Implement security controls aligned with Zero Trust and IL5 (as required).
• Support cloud migration, refactoring, and modernization initiatives.
• Troubleshoot and optimize performance, cost, and reliability of cloud environments.

Required Skills & Experience:

• 3–5 years of Microsoft Azure cloud engineering experience.
• 1–3 years of Azure AI, Azure OpenAI, or Microsoft Copilot configuration experience.
• 10 years of technical experience.
• Strong understanding of cloud networking, IAM/Entra ID, storage, and automation.
• Active Secret clearance.

Desired Skills & Experience 

• Amazon AWS experience (nice to have).
• Experience with AI platforms, vector stores, or semantic search.
• Infrastructure-as-Code (ARM/Bicep/Terraform) familiarity.
• Operational cybersecurity or Zero Trust knowledge.

Application Deadline:  1-30-2026

# LI-SA1

 The SMX salary determination process takes into account a number of factors, including but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories, relevant prior work experience, specific skills, education and certifications. At SMX, one of our Core Values is to Invest in Our People so we offer a competitive mix of compensation, learning & development opportunities, and benefits. Some key components of our robust benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and retirement.

The proposed salary for this position is:: $135,100 USD - $227,000 USD

At SMX®, we are a team of technical and domain experts dedicated to enabling your mission. From priority national security initiatives for the DoD to highly assured and compliant solutions for healthcare, we understand that digital transformation is key to your future success.

We share your vision for the future and strive to accelerate your impact on the world. We bring both cutting edge technology and an expansive view of what’s possible to every engagement. Our delivery model and unique approaches harness our deep technical and domain knowledge, providing forward-looking insights and practical solutions to power secure mission acceleration.

SMX is an Equal Opportunity employer including disabilities and veterans.

Selected applicant may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification.

SMX does not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization or immigration related support for this position (i.e. H1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, E-2, E-3, L-1 and O-1, or any EADs or other forms of work authorization that require immigration support from an employer).