Principal Cloud Systems Engineer

About the role

Are you a Principal Cloud Systems Engineer who is ready for a new challenge that will launch your career to the next level?

we make it happen!

we offer:

• Long term job security GliaCell is seeking a **Principal Cloud Systems Engineer **on one of our subcontracts. This is a full-time position offering the opportunity to support a U.S. Government customer. The mission is to provide technical expertise that assists in sustaining critical mission-related software and systems to a large government contract.
• We are seeking an innovative and analytical Systems Engineer to join our research and development team focused on the future of cloud-native architectures, specifically Content Delivery Networks (CDNs).
• In this role, you will be at the forefront of distributed systems research, exploring new methodologies to optimize, secure, and scale edge networks.
• You will bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical implementation, transforming complex technical requirements into robust, automated, and well-documented cloud-native architectures.
• If you are passionate about pushing the boundaries of CDN technology, designing zero-touch deployment systems, and solving complex infrastructure challenges, we want you on our team. **Responsibilities: **
• Requirements & Architecture: Lead the technical translation of high-level research objectives into concrete, scalable cloud-native system architectures.
• CDN Research & Development: Conduct deep-dive research into next-generation CDN technologies, edge computing, traffic routing, and caching strategies.
• Automated Deployments: Design, research, and implement fully automated, resilient deployment pipelines (CI/CD) and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) for both testbed environments and production-grade prototypes.
• System Documentation: Create and maintain comprehensive, high-quality documentation covering system designs, architectural decisions, deployment processes, and research findings.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with researchers, software engineers, and network specialists to build robust environments that support cutting-edge distributed systems experimentation. Key Requirements:
• ** Possess an active or rein-statable TS/SCI with Polygraph security clearance. ** 
• U.S. Citizenship.
• Professional/Education experience: 12 years & Bachelors of Science Degree, or 4 additional years in place of a BS Degree. 
• Strong communication skills.  Required Skills:
• Systems Engineering Experience: Proven track record working as a Systems Engineer, Cloud Architect, or similar role with a focus on highly distributed environments.
• Cloud Native Expertise: Deep understanding of cloud-native ecosystems.
• CDN & Networking: Knowledge of Content Delivery Networks, edge caching, load balancing, DNS, and core network protocols (TCP/IP, HTTP/2/3, TLS, BGP).
• Automation & IaC: Experience with configuration management and Infrastructure as Code, specifically Gitlab and Terraform, to drive automated deployments.
• Analytical & Design Skills: Exceptional ability to gather complex requirements, model systems, and architect solutions that balance performance, security, and scalability.
• Communication: Excellent written communication skills with a proven ability to produce clear, technical documentation for complex systems. Desired Skills:
• Computer Network Operations (CNO): Experience or background in CNO.
• DevOps: A strong philosophical and practical understanding of DevOps principles and Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) practices.
• AI Familiarity: Familiarity with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning concepts, particularly how AI can be applied to network traffic prediction, dynamic routing, or automated system remediation. **Location: **Columbia, MD (onsite full time)

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program
• Travel Protection Program
• Technology Budget
• Global Entry