IT032 Principal Systems Engineer – Cloud FinOps

ADNET is seeking a Principal System Engineer – Cloud FinOps to join our dynamic team building next-generation cloud computing infrastructure for scientific research in the role of Cloud Financial Operations Lead and Cloud Customer Liaison. The successful candidate will manage cloud financial and business operations for the Science Cloud Infrastructure Project (SCIP), serve as the primary customer liaison, and lead cost optimization and reporting initiatives.

NASA’s Science Cloud Infrastructure Project is a cloud computing platform that enables NASA science teams to access, analyze, and share research data more effectively. This work directly supports NASA’s mission to make scientific discoveries accessible to researchers and the public under the Computational and Information Sciences and Technology Office (CISTO) at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, MD. CISTO provides high-end information technology systems and services for science, including assessment and evaluation of new information technologies, hardware, and software and manages one of two NASA High Performance Computer systems.  

Key Responsibilities

  • Oversee financial and business operations for SCIP, ensuring sufficient funding for commercial cloud resources.
  • Provide regular financial reports to NASA customers and Government management.
  • Collaborate with Engineering and Operations teams to implement real-time financial reporting systems.
  • Act as the primary customer liaison for cloud onboarding, requirements gathering, and budget estimation.
  • Develop and maintain cost estimation tools, including simplified estimators for common cloud deployments.
  • Meet with new and potential users to create detailed usage cost estimates.
  • Identify and implement cost-reduction strategies, including automation for detecting savings opportunities.
  • Build metrics and reports that demonstrate alignment with mission objectives and administrative priorities.

Required Qualifications

  • Experience with cloud computing (applications and financial aspects); familiarity with NASA processes and funding requirements is a plus.
  • Strong background in budget management and financial forecasting.
  • Ability to translate scientific or engineering requirements into effective cloud-based solutions, including high-level architecture design and cost estimation.
  • Prior experience managing diverse technical teams.
  • Proven adaptability and willingness to take on new roles.
  • Excellent communication skills for engaging with customers, technical teams, and management.
  • US Citizenship required.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Tier 1 or Tier 2 Investigation through NASA.

Desired Qualifications

  • Background supporting scientific computing or research environments.
  • Experience with multi-cloud architectures.
  • Familiarity with federal security frameworks (FISMA, NIST, etc.) and cloud security compliance requirements.
  • Experience in NASA’s High-End Computing (HEC) environment.

Work Environment

  • Onsite work at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland is preferred but hybrid onsite/remote work will be considered.
  • No travel requirements.
  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology supporting groundbreaking scientific research.

Team ADNET brings over 30+ years of experience to information systems and professional services for the federal government. With a history of expertise in software development, computer network design, IT security, mission operations support, and educational outreach, Team ADNET is deeply embedded in the Space and Earth Science at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, MD.

ADNET Systems, Inc. is working with Goddard Space Flight Center to fulfill NASA’s vision for space exploration, and working with the Science and Exploration Directorate to fulfill its many missions.

ADNET Systems, Inc. is an employee-centric company, committed to providing premier benefits that support our employees and their families. With affordable medical and dental plans coupled with leading disability and life insurance options, ADNET offers our employees the benefits most sought after by today’s professional candidate. Furthermore, our benefits package features the extras that distinguish us from other small businesses, ensuring our high employee retention that our customers appreciate.

Some features of our compensation plans and environment perks include:

  • Annual Leave/Sick Leave
  • Military and Family Emergency Leave
  • Paid Holidays
  • Performance Bonuses
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
  • Direct Deposit Payroll
  • 401K Plan with Company Matching
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Swag bags