Senior Cloud Security Engineer
Remote, United States
This position requires an active Public Trust clearance.
Position Summary:
Cherokee Federal is seeking a Senior Cloud Security Engineer to support cloud security operations for the U.S. National Science Foundation. This role identifies and mitigates vulnerabilities in cloud environments, monitors for security breaches, responds to incidents, and assesses cloud infrastructure. The engineer will use cloud security expertise and critical thinking to strengthen security controls, protocols, and risk management practices.
Compensation & Benefits:
Starting Salary Range for Senior Cloud Security Engineer: $160,000 – $165,000
Benefits That Set Us Apart
When considering your next opportunity, compensation is only part of the picture. We offer a benefits package designed to invest in your future and support your life outside of work.
Highlights include:
• Up to a 6% 401(k) company match to help you build long-term financial security
• Paid time off as part of our comprehensive benefits package, so you have the flexibility to rest, recharge, and enjoy what matters most
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus prescription drug coverage
• Basic life and AD&D insurance, with supplemental life options
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options
• Professional development, training, and certification support
• Voluntary benefits including accident, critical illness, and identity theft protection
Because taking care of our employees isn’t just a promise, it’s part of who we are.
Benefits are subject to change and eligibility requirements apply.
Essential Functions, Duties & Responsibilities:
Includes the following:
• Identify, analyze, and mitigate vulnerabilities and configuration issues in cloud-based systems.
• Monitor cloud environments for security breaches and respond to incidents to minimize their impact.
• Assess cloud systems, identify security weaknesses, and recommend corrective actions.
• Develop, implement, and update cloud security protocols and procedures.
• Conduct gap analyses and recommend improvements to security controls and risk management processes.
• Develop and implement risk management programs to strengthen the security of cloud assets.
• Use and optimize cloud security tools to detect, prevent, and respond to threats.
• Improve monitoring and response capabilities.
• Work with cross-functional teams to align security measures with business objectives and industry best practices.
• Advise internal stakeholders on cloud security policies, procedures, and standards.
• Track emerging cloud security threats, vulnerabilities, and practices, and adapt security measures accordingly.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
No supervisory/management authority
Basic Qualifications:
• At least eight years of cybersecurity experience, including at least three years focused on cloud security and vulnerability management.
• In-depth knowledge of cloud infrastructure, such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, and cloud security tools, such as AWS GuardDuty or Prisma Cloud Compute.
• Experience in security incident response, risk management, and vulnerability mitigation in cloud environments.
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to conduct gap analyses and develop actionable plans to address security weaknesses.
• This position requires an active Public Trust clearance.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer; may occasionally require standing or moving about the office for extended periods.
• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Relevant certification, such as AWS Certified Security – Specialty, Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate, or CISSP.
• Experience with cloud-native security tools and security information and event management (SIEM) solutions for cloud environments.
• Knowledge of risk management frameworks and compliance standards, such as NIST and ISO 27001.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills, including the ability to work across teams and explain technical concepts to nontechnical stakeholders.
Work Environment:
This is a remote position.
Company Information:
Behind every government mission stands skilled, mission-driven talent: people whose expertise and dedication turn complex challenges into successful outcomes. Criterion Systems, part of Cherokee Federal, the federal contracting division of Cherokee Nation Businesses, is that team. We modernize aging systems, deliver care where it’s needed most, and keep missions supplied, staffed, and moving across defense, intelligence, and civilian agencies. For more than 60 federal clients, we take on the work others won’t, and deliver where it counts. If that’s the kind of work you’re looking for, you’ve found your team. Learn more at cherokee-federal.com.
#CherokeeFederal #LI-SM2
Cherokee Federal is a military friendly employer. Veterans and active military transitioning to civilian status are encouraged to apply.
Legal Disclaimer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law.
Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.
For applicants located in Colorado, New York, California, Washington, Illinois, Hawaii, Massachusetts, or other states with pay transparency requirements: the estimated annual salary range for this position is $160,000 – $165,000. Actual compensation varies based on qualifications, experience, and location.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement
Cherokee Federal is a federal contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA). As required by VEVRAA, we take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans. Protected veterans are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.
Cherokee Federal takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.
Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities or those with sincerely held religious beliefs. To request an accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at [email protected].
Skills Required
- At least eight years of cybersecurity experience, including at least three years focused on cloud security and vulnerability management
- In-depth knowledge of cloud infrastructure such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud
- Experience with cloud security tools such as AWS GuardDuty or Prisma Cloud Compute
- Experience in security incident response, risk management, and vulnerability mitigation in cloud environments
- Strong analytical skills, including conducting gap analyses and developing actionable plans to address security weaknesses
- Active Public Trust clearance
- Pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal
- Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field
- Relevant certification such as AWS Certified Security Specialty, Microsoft Certified Azure Security Engineer Associate, or CISSP
- Experience with cloud-native security tools and SIEM solutions for cloud environments
- Knowledge of risk management frameworks and compliance standards such as NIST and ISO 27001
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills, including explaining technical concepts to nontechnical stakeholders
What We Do
Cherokee Federal is a top federal contractor that empowers mission success for over 60 U.S. federal agencies by delivering innovative solutions in defense, technology, health, and intelligence, focusing on solving complex challenges and serving national missions.








