Cloud Solutions Architect (Consultant – 1099)

Description: Consultant (1099) – With Potential for Future Employment Illumen Group is seeking a Cloud Solutions Architect to support federal modernization initiatives and active proposal efforts. This role is initially structured as a 1099 independent contractor engagement focused on designing secure, scalable, cloud-native architectures aligned to federal customer needs. This opportunity is ideal for a senior cloud architect who combines hands-on technical depth with strategic thinking and the ability to translate complex requirements into defensible, well-structured solutions. Based on business growth, performance, and mutual alignment, there may be an opportunity to transition into a full-time role in the future. Scope of Engagement • Design secure, scalable cloud architectures (AWS and/or Azure) for federal modernization efforts. • Develop reference architectures incorporating cloud-native services, DevSecOps pipelines, Infrastructure as Code, and Zero Trust security principles. • Translate customer requirements, RFP/RFQ language, and technical constraints into actionable solution designs. • Create architecture diagrams, system flows, and supporting technical narratives for proposal submissions. • Advise on landing zones, multi-account strategy, networking segmentation, IAM models, observability, resiliency, and cost optimization. • Collaborate with business development and engineering leadership to ensure proposed solutions are technically sound, compliant, and deliverable. • Contribute to internal R&D initiatives and evolving cloud architecture standards. Engagement Structure • 1099 independent contractor agreement. • Project-based and proposal-driven engagements aligned to active pursuits and growth initiatives. • Flexible hours aligned to deliverable timelines. • Remote work environment. As Illumen continues to scale its modernization portfolio, this engagement may evolve into a full-time employee opportunity based on business needs and demonstrated impact. Requirements: • 8+ years of experience in cloud architecture, cloud engineering, or enterprise modernization. • Strong hands-on experience with AWS and/or Azure (multi-account environments, VPC/VNet design, IAM, serverless, containers, networking). • Experience implementing Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, CloudFormation, Bicep, etc.). • Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and DevSecOps integration. • Experience designing secure cloud environments aligned to NIST, FedRAMP, or Zero Trust principles. • Ability to whiteboard and articulate end-to-end system architecture independently. • Strong written communication skills and experience contributing to federal technical proposals (preferred).