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.

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 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.