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Entry Level Cloud Architect Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Peraton

Junior Solutions Architect

Reston, VA · On-site +1

$86K - $138K/yr

Responsibilities Junior Solutions Architect Federal Civilian Sector - Office of the Chief ... T environments. * Entry-level professional certifications: AWS Cloud Practitioner, Azure ...

Peraton

Junior Solutions Architect

Reston, VA · On-site +1

$86K - $138K/yr

Responsibilities Junior Solutions Architect Federal Civilian Sector - Office of the Chief ... T environments. * Entry-level professional certifications: AWS Cloud Practitioner, Azure ...

Peraton

Junior Solutions Architect

Reston, VA · On-site +1

$86K - $138K/yr

Responsibilities Junior Solutions Architect Federal Civilian Sector - Office of the Chief ... T environments. * Entry-level professional certifications: AWS Cloud Practitioner, Azure ...

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All JobsCloud Architect JobsEntry Level Cloud Architect JobsEntry Level Cloud Architect Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Entry Level Cloud Architect information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$10

$73

$96

How much do entry level cloud architect jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level cloud architect in Silver Spring, MD is $73.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64.71 and $82.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level cloud architects during their first year on the job?

Entry level Cloud Architects often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly evolving cloud technologies, understanding complex infrastructure, and navigating the nuances of different cloud service providers. Balancing hands-on learning with certification requirements and collaborating effectively with security, development, and operations teams can also be demanding. However, these challenges offer valuable opportunities for growth and skill development, especially when supported by mentorship and comprehensive onboarding programs.

Is an entry level cloud architect still in demand?

Entry level cloud architects are in demand due to the growing adoption of cloud computing across industries. Skills in platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, along with certifications, can improve job prospects as companies seek to build and maintain cloud infrastructure. The role often requires knowledge of networking, security, and cloud services, making it a valuable entry point into cloud technology careers.

What does an entry level cloud architect do?

As an entry-level cloud architect or solutions architect, your duties involve designing the front- or back-end platform for a cloud computing environment, cloud computing delivery systems, or network architecture, all of which are necessary for hosting a web or mobile application. You may also work with other types of software or data storage systems. Depending on which aspect of cloud architecture you work in, your responsibilities may differ. If you help design front-end platforms, you may have a more client-facing position where you assess how users interact with the platform. For back-end work, your work is related to network architecture and operating systems.

What is the salary of an entry level cloud architect?

An entry-level cloud architect typically earns between $70,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on location, certifications, and company size. Starting salaries may increase with skills in cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, and relevant certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect or Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level cloud architect, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Cloud Architect, you need a solid understanding of cloud computing principles, networking basics, and a relevant degree in computer science or information technology. Familiarity with cloud platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud, and foundational certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, are typically required. Problem-solving ability, effective communication, and eagerness to continuously learn are valuable soft skills for this role. These skills ensure you can design solutions that meet business needs, adapt to evolving technology, and collaborate well with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

How to become an entry level cloud architect with no experience?

To become an entry-level cloud architect with no experience, focus on gaining foundational knowledge of cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud through online courses and certifications such as AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner or Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals. Developing skills in networking, security, and scripting, along with hands-on practice using free-tier cloud accounts, can help build relevant experience for entry-level roles.

What is the difference between Entry Level Cloud Architect vs Cloud Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Cloud ArchitectCloud Engineer
CertificationsAWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, Microsoft Azure FundamentalsAWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, Google Cloud Associate Engineer
Work EnvironmentDesigning cloud solutions, planning architecture, collaborating with teamsImplementing, deploying, and managing cloud infrastructure and applications
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, consulting firms, startupsIT departments, cloud service providers, enterprise organizations

Entry Level Cloud Architects focus on designing cloud solutions and planning architecture, often working closely with clients and teams. Cloud Engineers primarily implement and manage cloud infrastructure. Both roles require similar certifications and are common in tech and enterprise sectors, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

More about Entry Level Cloud Architect jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Cloud Architect jobs in Silver Spring, MD? The most popular types of Cloud Architect jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Cloud Architect jobs in Silver Spring, MD? For Entry Level Cloud Architect jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Cloud Architect jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Cloud Architect jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Entry Level Cloud Architect jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Entry Level Cloud Architect job openings:
Entry Level Cloud Architect jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Cloud Architect job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Internship, 40% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 60% In-person, 20% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $152,501 per year, or $73.3 per hour.

Associate Cloud AI Engineer - TS/SCI clearance - Travel

PGTEK

Washington, DC • On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Associate Cloud AI Engineer (Entry Level)

Location: Various U.S. Federal Client Sites (Onsite)
Travel: Travel required to customer sites throughout the Continental U.S.
Salary: $80,000 – $100,000
Clearance: Active TS/SCI or the ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance required

About PGTEK

PGTEK is a leading provider of enterprise IT modernization, cloud transformation, and AI solutions supporting U.S. Federal Government agencies. As we continue expanding our Google Cloud and AI practice, we're seeking motivated engineers who want to build their careers deploying next-generation cloud and AI technologies in secure government environments.

This is an excellent opportunity for early-career cloud professionals, recent graduates, military veterans, and PGTEK Academy candidates looking to gain hands-on experience with Google Cloud Platform (GCP), enterprise AI, and federal cloud modernization projects.

Position Summary

As an Associate Cloud AI Engineer, you'll work alongside Senior and Lead Cloud AI Engineers to help deploy, secure, and support Google Cloud environments for federal customers. You'll participate in cloud migrations, infrastructure deployments, automation initiatives, and AI platform implementations while developing expertise in Google Cloud technologies and federal security best practices.

This role offers significant mentorship and professional growth opportunities as you build toward becoming a Cloud AI Engineer and ultimately a Cloud Architect.

Responsibilities
  • Assist with deploying and configuring Google Cloud Platform (GCP) environments
  • Configure resource hierarchies, IAM roles, Cloud Identity, and organizational policies
  • Support Google Cloud Assured Workloads implementations
  • Deploy and manage Compute Engine virtual machines, Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE), Cloud Run, and enterprise AI services
  • Configure cloud networking including VPCs, subnets, firewall rules, and network security policies
  • Assist with Google Cloud storage, databases, and data services including:
    • Cloud Storage
    • Cloud SQL
    • BigQuery
    • Spanner
    • Pub/Sub
    • Dataflow
  • Support Infrastructure as Code (IaC) deployments using Terraform, Config Connector, and Helm
  • Utilize Google AI-assisted tools including Gemini CLI and Gemini Cloud Assist
  • Monitor cloud environments using Cloud Monitoring, Cloud Logging, Cloud Trace, and Cloud Profiler
  • Assist with identity, access management, encryption, and least-privilege security implementations
  • Support compliance documentation and evidence collection for FedRAMP and DoD environments
  • Collaborate with senior engineers throughout cloud migration and modernization projects
  • Continuously expand Google Cloud knowledge through certifications, mentoring, and hands-on experience

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or another STEM-related field (or equivalent practical experience)
  • 0–2 years of experience supporting cloud infrastructure or enterprise IT environments
  • Basic understanding of cloud computing concepts
  • Familiarity with Linux and networking fundamentals
  • Experience using command-line tools and scripting is a plus
  • Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills
  • Excellent communication and willingness to learn
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment
Preferred Qualifications

Experience or exposure to any of the following is a plus:

  • Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
  • Kubernetes
  • Docker or container technologies
  • Terraform or Infrastructure as Code
  • Git and CI/CD pipelines
  • Cloud networking
  • Python, Bash, or PowerShell scripting
  • AI or machine learning concepts
  • Legacy-to-cloud migration projects
Required Certifications
  • Google Cloud Certified – Associate Cloud Engineer (ACE) (Required at hire or within the first 90 days of employment)
  • Google Cloud Certified – Professional Cloud Architect (PCA) (Preferred or active pursuit encouraged)
Security Clearance
  • Active TS/SCI clearance or eligibility to obtain a TS/SCI clearance is required.

Benefits

Our comprehensive benefits package for full-time salaried employees is effective immediately upon the start date. Benefits include comprehensive PPO medical coverage with access to a Health Savings Account (HSA) option, a vision plan, and dental insurance with the base dental plan option paid for by PGTEK. Life Insurance, Short and Long-Term disability, and Critical Illness insurance have premiums covered. Additionally, PGTEK offers a matching 401(k) plan and a discount on pet insurance through ASPCA Pet Insurance. An Employee Assistance Program is available at no cost to all employees. PGTEK offers a generous amount of PTO and Holidays, and an Education Assistance Program is available after 12 months of employment.

ABOUT PGTEK

PGTEK is a true consulting organization dedicated to helping clients achieve their business and technology objectives utilizing our decades of experience and business relationships. PGTEK invests in the educational advancements of our staff by providing the necessary resources to complete Professional and Business Certifications. Our company is our people, and we treat them like family.

EOE, including disability/veterans