Cloud Services Solution Architect at Bluestaq in Colorado Springs, CO

About Bluestaq At Bluestaq, we build secure data platforms that matter for space missions, national defense, healthcare systems, and commercial innovation. Founded in 2018, we've become a leader in enterprise software and secure data management by staying focused on what counts: modern architecture, operational excellence, and mission impact. We're engineers, problem-solvers, and builders who take the mission seriously, but not ourselves. We automate the repeatable, question the status quo, and design systems that are as reliable as they are scalable. Whether we're supporting space, defense systems, or healthcare advancements, we build with the same principles: cloud-native solutions, security by design, and relentless simplicity. Our name? "Blue" (military shorthand for the good guys) and "staq" (as in software stack). It's who we are, mission-aligned technologists building platforms that protect the world’s most valuable data. Recognized Excellence We've earned national recognition as one of Inc. Magazine's Fastest-Growing Private Companies and consistently rank among Colorado's Best Workplaces. But what we're most proud of? The systems we build, the teams we develop, and the mission outcomes we enable. Cloud Services Solution Architect About the Role Bluestaq is seeking a Cloud Services Solutions Architect to design, develop, and deploy cloud-native solutions that rely heavily on AWS infrastructure and services. This role blends solutions-architecture thinking with hands-on engineering depth, particularly in cloud services, infrastructure, and software development. You will work closely with engineering, product, and customer stakeholders to design end-to-end solutions—from requirements and architecture through implementation and deployment. While not a security specialist role, this position requires building systems with security, resilience, and scalability in mind from the ground up. Key Responsibilities: Design/architect cloud-native/hybrid solutions and lead migrations from legacy systems to AWS, embedding IaC, CI/CD pipelines, and self-healing capabilities from day one. Translate business and technical requirements into scalable, maintainable solution architectures Collaborate with software engineers to design systems with a strong emphasis on Java-based services, APIs, and backend integration Develop solutions that incorporate containerized workloads using Docker and orchestration platforms (e.g., Kubernetes) Partner with infrastructure and platform teams to design reliable networking, storage, and compute architectures Guide teams through architectural decisions related to performance, scalability, reliability, and cost optimization Ensure solutions are designed with security best practices, compliance considerations, and operational resilience in mind Conduct architectural reviews and provide technical leadership across solution lifecycles Stay current with emerging AWS services, cloud patterns, and AI/ML-enabled solution capabilities Leverage AI agents (AWS Bedrock) for IaC automation, code reviews, and cloud-native DevSecOps workflows. Contribute to internal architecture standards, reference designs, and best practices Own system-level architecture for one or more products with limited oversight. Drive architectural decisions through design reviews, diagrams, RFCs, and guardrails that teams can execute against. Mentor engineers on architectural thinking, not just local design. Represent architecture in customer meetings, technical demos, and risk reviews. Default to managed cloud services and AI/ML capabilities; self-managed infrastructure requires explicit justification Build automation from day one through infrastructure as code, CI/CD pipelines, and self-healing systems Document decisions, evaluate alternatives, and align before writing code Build systems that are simple to understand, operate, and maintain with minimal human intervention Embed security and compliance in architecture and automation through DevSecOps practices Prototype, test, and validate early; embrace short feedback loops and incremental delivery Question "how we've always done it" while staying grounded in delivering customer value Required Qualifications: Deep understanding of AWS services (EC2, S3, Lambda, VPC, etc.). Demonstrated experience designing, developing, and deploying commercial solutions on AWS Strong understanding of cloud infrastructure, including compute, networking, storage, and IAM Hands-on software development experience, with a strong preference for Java-based backend systems Experience designing and working with containerized applications (Docker, Kubernetes, or similar) Familiarity with cloud-native design patterns, microservices, and API-driven architectures Ability to operate at a solutions-architect level, connecting technical decisions to business outcomes Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across engineering and non-technical stakeholders Preferred Qualifications: AWS certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional or Associate) Experience with AI-enabled or data-driven cloud solutions Exposure to DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and infrastructure-as-code tools Experience supporting or designing systems in regulated, high-reliability, or mission-critical environments Required Experience:8+ years of professional experience in software engineering, cloud services, or solution architecture roles Required Education:Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent practical experience) Salary Range (CO) $200,000—$315,000 USD Clearance Requirement: This position may require the ability to obtain a TS/SCI Clearance. To be eligible for a security clearance, U.S. citizenship is required, and an employee must agree to participate in a background screen and credit check. Eligibility for a TS/SCI Clearance will be assessed as part of the onboarding process or based on programmatic needs. Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times. Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization's facilities. Relocation: This position does not offer relocation. Candidates must live in the immediate area or relocate at their own expense. Bluestaq is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by state or local law. Bluestaq will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities and employees whose work requirements interfere with a religious belief unless doing so would result in an undue hardship to Bluestaq or a direct threat. Employees needing such accommodation are instructed to contact Human Resources immediately at contact.us@bluestaq.com. Date the Position Closes: Applications will be accepted for 60 days beyond the posting date, or until the position is filled, whichever comes first.