AWS Cloud Security Engineer
Program Overview
Peraton is seeking an experienced AWS Cloud Security Engineer to design, build, and operate security controls for a FedRAMP Moderate-authorized AWS cloud infrastructure supporting Peraton's RDG (Risk Decision Group) program. This is a hands-on role with a key part in day-to-day cloud security operations, embedding secure-by-design principles into cloud architecture, and maintaining continuous FedRAMP compliance.
The engineer is responsible for implementing security architecture, hardening cloud environments, maintaining continuous compliance monitoring, and supporting Authorization to Operate (ATO) activities. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience securing AWS environments within a federal compliance framework (FedRAMP, NIST 800-53, NIST 800-171, RMF, or similar).
Responsibilities
• Design and implement security architecture for AWS workloads aligned with FedRAMP Moderate baseline controls.
• Build and maintain security guardrails using AWS-native services (IAM, GuardDuty, Security Hub, Config, CloudTrail, KMS, WAF, Macie, Inspector).
• Implement and manage Infrastructure as Code security controls (Terraform/CloudFormation) with policy as code.
• Support System Security Plans (SSPs), ATO activities, and POA&M remediation.
• Perform continuous monitoring, vulnerability scanning, patch management tracking, and monthly/annual assessment support.
• Configure and maintain centralized logging, SIEM integration, and audit trail retention per FedRAMP/NIST requirements.
• Implement least-privilege IAM policies, service control policies (SCPs), and cross-account access controls.
• Manage encryption at rest and in transit (KMS, ACM, TLS enforcement) per FIPS 140-2/140-3 requirements where applicable.
• Respond to security incidents, perform root cause analysis, and support cloud-specific incident response playbooks.
• Collaborate with DevOps/Platform teams to embed security into CI/CD pipelines (DevSecOps).
• Maintain documentation for control implementation statements, architecture diagrams, and audit evidence.
• Support boundary definition and system categorization activities (FIPS 199) as required.
Required Qualifications
• U.S. citizenship required. Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust or Secret clearance.
• 5+ years of hands-on AWS engineering experience, with 3+ years specifically in cloud security roles.
• Demonstrated experience working within a FedRAMP Moderate or FedRAMP High, DoD IL4/IL5, or equivalent federal compliance environment.
• Experience supporting or maintaining an SSP and RMF processes.
• Experience with AWS GovCloud (US), AWS Commercial, or equivalent federal AWS environments.
• Strong hands-on expertise with AWS security services: IAM, GuardDuty, Security Hub, AWS Config, CloudTrail, KMS, WAF, Macie, Inspector, and Systems Manager.
• Solid understanding of NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 control families (AC, AU, CM, IA, SC, SI, etc.) and the ability to map implementations to specific controls.
• 3+ years of experience with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform and/or CloudFormation), including security scanning and policy-as-code tools.
• Networking security fundamentals: VPC design, security groups, NACLs, PrivateLink, Transit Gateway, and network segmentation for compliance boundaries.
• Experience with vulnerability management tools (AWS Inspector or similar) and remediation tracking.
• Experience implementing Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) in AWS.
• Familiarity with SIEM/log aggregation tools (Splunk, AWS CloudWatch, OpenSearch, or similar) for security event monitoring.
• Scripting ability in Python or Bash for automating compliance checks and remediation.
• Understanding of encryption standards relevant to federal systems (FIPS 140-2/140-3, TLS 1.2+).
Certifications (at least one required)
• AWS Certified Security – Specialty, or
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional (with a security focus), or
• CISSP, CISM, or Security+ (with strong AWS hands-on experience).
Preferred Qualifications
• Direct experience supporting a Peraton program or similar federal integrator (Client, Booz Allen, Client, General Dynamics IT, etc.).
• Familiarity with server and systems hardening software.
• Experience with container security (ECS/EKS), including image scanning (ECR scanning) and runtime protection.
• Experience with AWS Control Tower and multi-account landing zone security governance.
• Experience automating compliance evidence collection for continuous ATO (cATO).
• Prior experience with change management processes in a regulated/audited environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Active security clearance.
• Experience with AWS AI services (Amazon Bedrock).
• Experience with hybrid/multi-cloud architecture, including Azure (VNets, Azure AD/Entra ID, Azure Policy, ExpressRoute).
• Experience with Microsoft .NET.
• Experience supporting ATO/continuous monitoring processes.
• Familiarity with DevSecOps pipelines.
• Familiarity with AI security and governance frameworks, national security/defense/critical infrastructure missions, and supporting federal agencies or large GovCon programs.
