Principal Cloud Engineer

Job Summary

Designs and automates Kennesaw State University's Azure-focused hybrid and multi-cloud infrastructure platforms, with exposure to AWS as a plus. Drives Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Dev Ops practices, CI/CD pipeline development, observability, identity integration, and security-by-design. Translates architectural direction into production-ready frameworks, standards, and automation patterns using tools like Terraform, Ansible, Power Shell, and Python to deliver secure, scalable, and resilient solutions.

• Design and implement IaC automation for Azure and hybrid/multi‑cloud environments
• Build and maintain CI/CD pipelines, templates, and reusable modules
• Apply zero‑trust and security‑by‑design principles to cloud infrastructure
• Develop observability frameworks and dashboards for proactive monitoring
• Define configuration standards and manage drift across environments
• Collaborate on architecture decisions and mentor engineers on modern cloud practices
• Maintain accurate documentation, standards, and operational runbooks
• Serve as an escalation resource for complex troubleshooting and root cause analysis

Educational Requirements
:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education in IT, Computer Science, or a related field or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

Required Experience
:
Seven (7) years in infrastructure, systems engineering, or cloud‑focused roles.

Additional Preferred Qualifications
:

• Familiarity with automation tools such as Terraform, Ansible, and scripting languages (Power Shell or Python)
• Understanding of Dev Ops practices and CI/CD platforms (e.g., Git Hub, Azure Dev Ops, Git Lab)
• Knowledge of identity, networking, and platform security principles
• Professional certifications in cloud or Dev Ops technologies (e.g., Azure Administrator, AZ‑104)

Preferred Educational Qualifications
:
Advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a related field.

Preferred Experience
:
Experience working with Azure cloud services and some exposure to AWS is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
:

• Strong understanding of Azure identity and access management, networking, and security
• Familiarity with observability tools (Prometheus, Grafana, Splunk, Log Analytics)
• Experience with container platforms and orchestration
• Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem‑solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management, and presentation skills
• Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (e.g., Microsoft Office suite)
• Proficient with CI/CD tooling (Git Hub, Azure Dev Ops, Git Lab)
• Expert in Terraform, Ansible, and scripting (Power Shell, Python)
• Skilled in troubleshooting distributed systems and conducting root cause analysis
• Strong attention to detail and follow‑up skills
• Strong customer service skills and phone & e‑mail etiquette

Kennesaw State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work and study. In accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, the University prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, and medical conditions related to pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status by any member of the KSU Community on campus, in connection with a University program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for members of the KSU community.

This is not a supervisory position.

This position has financial responsibilities.

This position will not be required to drive.

This role is considered a position of trust.

This position does not require a purchasing card (P‑Card).

This position may travel 1% - 24% of the time.

• Credit Report
• Standard Enhanced
• Education

Per the University System of Georgia background check policy, all final candidates will be required to consent to a criminal background investigation. Final candidates may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. Applicants for positions of trust with screening results which confirm a disqualifying criminal history will be immediately disqualified from employment eligibility.

All applicants are required to include professional references as part of their application process. Some positions may require additional job‑based screenings such as motor vehicle report, credit check, pre‑employment drug screening and/or verification of academic credentials.