Systems Development Engineer, Astra ADC

Do you enjoy helping U.S. Intelligence Community and Defense agencies implement innovative cloud computing solutions and solve unique technical problems? Would you like to do this using the latest cloud technologies while becoming a core part of the largest cloud infrastructure on the planet? Amazon Web Services (AWS) is seeking a Systems Development Engineer I to own and advance mission-critical services in our Amazon Dedicated Clouds (ADC).

We are looking for a Systems Development Engineer to work as part of the Amazon Software Builder Experience (ASBX) Astra ADC team, which owns the foundational services that every Amazon builder depends on to develop, deploy, and operate software in air-gapped regions. Our team ensures services like Apollo (deployment), Pipelines (continuous delivery), Test on Demand/Hydra (integration testing), AppConfig (feature management), and Multi-Region (resource replication) maintain parity, reliability, and security across all isolated partitions. You'll help design, implement, and support resilient, high-performance systems that enable thousands of Amazon builders to ship software safely in environments where standard commercial tooling doesn't exist.

You'll be part of a truly innovative team in a fast-paced environment that has the entrepreneurial feel of a start-up. This is an opportunity to design, build, and operate systems on a massive scale, and to gain top-notch experience in cloud computing. You'll be surrounded by people who are passionate about cloud computing and believe that world-class service is critical to customer success.

The ideal candidate will:

- Be great fun to work with. Our company credo is "Work hard. Have fun. Make history". The right candidate will love what they do and instinctively know how to make work fun.
- Have strong Linux & Networking Fundamentals. You should have deep experience working with Linux, preferably in a large-scale, distributed environment. You understand networking technology and how servers and networks inter-relate.
- Think Big. You will build and deploy solutions across thousands of devices. You will strive to improve and streamline processes to allow for work on a massive scale.
- Have experience in systems development, software engineering, or a related field.
- Possess strong technical skills in systems design, software development, operations, automation, and process improvement.
- Have experience in designing and implementing resilient, scalable, and efficient technology solutions.
- Be proficient in at least one programming language and familiar with cloud technologies.
- Have excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to break down complex issues into manageable components.
- Demonstrate strong communication skills and the ability to influence technical decisions across teams.
- Have a passion for operational excellence and continuous improvement.

This position requires that the candidate selected must currently possess and maintain an active TS/SCI security clearance with polygraph. The position further requires the candidate to opt into a commensurate clearance for each government agency for which they perform AWS work.

Key job responsibilities
As a Systems Development Engineer you will:
- Design and deliver technology solutions to solve difficult business problems, improving resilience, performance, and operational efficiency of our systems.
- Work autonomously on components, applications, and technology solutions that enhance a major portion of our products or applications.
- Help solve ambiguous problems, architectural deficiencies, or areas where our systems hinder the innovation of other teams.
- Participate in design, scoping, and prioritization discussions, making technical trade-offs and calculating costs of proposed solutions.
- Participate in reviews of architecture, design, operations, and post-incident analysis for your team.
- Troubleshoot difficult problems, researching root causes and thoroughly resolving defects.
- Participate in an on-call rotation to support mission-critical services.

A day in the life
On a “typical” day, our engineers may dive deep to find the root cause of a customer issue, investigate why a metric is trending in the wrong direction, or discuss radical new approaches to automate operational processes. As a member of our team you will join a dedicated group of engineers who provide troubleshooting and operations support, and innovate to automate operational tasks.

About the team
AWS Infrastructure Services owns the design, planning, delivery, and operation of all AWS global infrastructure. In other words, we’re the people who keep the cloud running. We support all AWS data centers and all of the servers, storage, networking, power, and cooling equipment that ensure our customers have continual access to the innovation they rely on. We work on the most challenging problems, with thousands of variables impacting the supply chain — and we’re looking for talented people who want to help.

You’ll join a diverse team of software, hardware, and network engineers, supply chain specialists, security experts, operations managers, and other vital roles. You’ll collaborate with people across AWS to help us deliver the highest standards for safety and security while providing seemingly infinite capacity at the lowest possible cost for our customers. And you’ll experience an inclusive culture that welcomes bold ideas and empowers you to own them to completion.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform. We pioneered cloud computing and never stopped innovating — that’s why customers from the most successful startups to Global 500 companies trust our robust suite of products and services to power their businesses.

Amazon values diverse experiences. Even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications and skills listed in the job description, we encourage candidates to apply. If your career is just starting, hasn’t followed a traditional path, or includes alternative experiences, don’t let it stop you from applying.

We value work-life harmony. Achieving success at work should never come at the expense of sacrifices at home, which is why we strive for flexibility as part of our working culture. When we feel supported in the workplace and at home, there’s nothing we can’t achieve in the cloud.

Here at AWS, it’s in our nature to learn and be curious. Our employee-led affinity groups foster a culture of inclusion that empower us to be proud of our differences. Ongoing events and learning experiences, including our Conversations on Race and Ethnicity (CORE) and AmazeCon conferences, inspire us to never stop embracing our uniqueness.

We’re continuously raising our performance bar as we strive to become Earth’s Best Employer. That’s why you’ll find endless knowledge-sharing, mentorship and other career-advancing resources here to help you develop into a better-rounded professional.

Basic Qualifications

- Experience programming with at least one modern language such as C++, C#, Java, Python, Golang, PowerShell, Ruby
- Bachelor's degree, or CND (Certified Network Defender) or GSEC (GIAC Security Essentials)
- Experience tools for automation (building, testing, releasing or monitoring)
- Current, active US Government Security Clearance of TS/SCI with Polygraph

Preferred Qualifications

- Knowledge of and proficiency in the use of Python scripting language
- Experience on highly concurrent, high throughput systems and knowledge of complex distributed systems

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.

USA, VA, Arlington - 99,100.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually