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Entry Level Cloud Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Pre-Sales Engineer - Network

Washington, DC · On-site

$117K - $161K/yr

By weaving together advances in cloud infrastructure, automation and analytics, and software ... Participates in mentorship of entry-level team members * Possesses strong, detailed product ...

By weaving together advances in cloud infrastructure, automation and analytics, and software ... Participates in mentorship of entry-level team members * Possesses strong, detailed product ...

Full Stack Software Engineer (Entry level - Senior Levels) Locations: Arlington, VA and areas ... Come join us to work on cloud-native full-stack web applications, advanced data analysis tools, and ...

Full Stack Software Engineer (Entry level - Senior Levels) Locations: Arlington, VA and areas ... Come join us to work on cloud-native full-stack web applications, advanced data analysis tools, and ...

Thrive is a rapidly growing technology solutions provider focusing upon Cloud, Cyber Security, ... Required : • Some college or equivalent experience; technical coursework • Entry level with ...

Thrive is a rapidly growing technology solutions provider focusing on Cloud, Cyber Security, ... Required : • Some college or equivalent experience; technical coursework • Entry level with ...

... premises, cloud, and hybrid environments. - Perform Tier 1 and Tier 2 incident triage ... required (entry-level certifications such as CompTIA Network+ or Cisco Certified Technician (CCT ...

Deploy and configure ArcGIS in a wide variety of environments across operating systems, cloud ... From entry-level employees to senior leaders, we believe theres always room to learn. We offer ...

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Entry Level Cloud Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$24

$65

$90

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

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level cloud engineer in Reston, VA is $65.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55.77 and $74.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Cloud Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Cloud Engineer, you need foundational knowledge of cloud computing concepts, networking, and scripting, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, as well as certifications such as AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner or Azure Fundamentals, is highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, eagerness to learn, and effective teamwork set standout candidates apart. These skills are vital for building, maintaining, and optimizing cloud infrastructure in dynamic, collaborative technology environments.

What is the difference between Entry Level Cloud Engineer vs Cloud Support Associate?

AspectEntry Level Cloud EngineerCloud Support Associate
Required CertificationsBasic cloud certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner)Basic cloud certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesigning, deploying, and managing cloud solutionsProviding technical support and troubleshooting cloud issues
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, cloud service providers, enterprisesIT service providers, cloud vendors, support centers
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles in cloud computingClarifying support-focused cloud roles

The Entry Level Cloud Engineer typically focuses on designing and deploying cloud solutions, requiring foundational certifications and technical skills. In contrast, a Cloud Support Associate primarily provides technical support and troubleshooting for cloud services. Both roles are entry-level but differ in responsibilities and daily tasks, catering to different career paths within cloud computing.

What Does an Entry-Level Cloud Engineer Do?

As an entry-level cloud engineer, you work as a junior engineer to learn more about cloud software and storage through hands-on training. Many of these roles are unpaid or paid internships rather than part-time or full-time employment. Your duties include tasks involved with cloud computing, like designing a cloud network or managing information stored in the cloud. You handle your responsibilities under the supervision of a skilled cloud engineer who trains you on the job. You need excellent computer, programming, and development skills and a willingness to learn how to work as a cloud engineer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level cloud engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Entry level cloud engineers often encounter challenges such as navigating complex cloud environments, adapting to rapidly evolving technologies, and understanding the security best practices required for cloud infrastructure. To address these, it's important to actively seek mentorship from experienced team members, participate in ongoing training, and regularly practice with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—such as developers and security specialists—also helps in gaining a broader perspective and accelerating learning.

What are Entry Level Cloud Engineers?

Entry Level Cloud Engineers are professionals who assist in designing, implementing, and managing cloud-based solutions for organizations. They typically work with cloud platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud to help migrate, deploy, or maintain applications and infrastructure. These roles are suitable for individuals who are new to cloud computing and often involve tasks such as configuring virtual machines, monitoring cloud resources, and supporting senior engineers. Entry level positions usually require foundational knowledge of cloud concepts, networking, and some scripting or programming experience.

How to become a cloud engineer with no experience?

To become an entry-level cloud engineer with no experience, focus on learning foundational cloud concepts and gaining hands-on practice with platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud through free tutorials and labs. Earning relevant certifications such as AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner or Microsoft Azure Fundamentals can also improve job prospects and demonstrate your skills to employers.

How much does AWS pay entry-level?

Entry-level Cloud Engineers working with AWS typically earn between $70,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on location, certifications, and experience. Starting salaries may be lower in some regions but tend to increase with skills in AWS services, scripting, and cloud architecture fundamentals.

Is there an entry-level role for cloud engineering?

Yes, entry-level cloud engineering roles typically focus on foundational skills such as cloud platform knowledge (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), scripting, and basic infrastructure management. These positions often require relevant certifications, like AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, and are suitable for candidates with limited professional experience seeking to develop their skills in cloud environments.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most entry-level cloud engineers do not earn that level of salary, highly experienced cloud engineers with specialized skills, certifications, and leadership roles can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially in senior positions or in high-cost-of-living areas. Such salaries often include bonuses, stock options, or other incentives and typically require extensive experience and expertise in cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cloud Engineer jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Cloud Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Cloud Engineer jobs in Reston, VA? For Entry Level Cloud Engineer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Cloud Engineer jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Cloud Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Entry Level Cloud Engineer jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Entry Level Cloud Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Cloud Engineer job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $136,081 per year, or $65.4 per hour.
Senior Pre-Sales Engineer - Network

Senior Pre-Sales Engineer - Network

AHEAD

Washington, DC • On-site

$117K - $161K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

AHEAD builds platforms for digital business. By weaving together advances in cloud infrastructure, automation and analytics, and software delivery, we help enterprises deliver on the promise of digital transformation.
 
At AHEAD, we prioritize creating a culture of belonging, where all perspectives and voices are represented, valued, respected, and heard. We create spaces to empower everyone to speak up, make change, and drive the culture at AHEAD. 
 
We are an equal opportunity employer, and do not discriminate based on an individual's race, national origin, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, marital status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law, whether actual or perceived. 
 
We embrace all candidates that will contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives at AHEAD. 

The AHEAD Senior Specialty Solutions Engineer-Network, will be focused on the core tenets of Network and Network Security related solutions for AHEAD prospects and customers including a broad range of technologies.  As a member of our Specialty Solutions Engineering team, you will be considered an organizational thought leader for this marketplace.

Pre-sales experience is a key component of this role. 

You will work in partnership with multiple sales representatives to help build a cohesive account strategy for each existing and prospective client. As part of this strategy, you will help sales representatives identify potential technologies and vendors to partner within a given account and assist in driving this strategy throughout a given campaign. 

Time management and prioritization are essential attributes to being successful. Your goal is to evolve into the technical thought leader for each of your clients. In this capacity, you will work to define strategy, compare alternative approaches, and build key relationships, as well as size and configure products. Positioning and leveraging subject matter experts and inside consultants is a necessity to scale your effectiveness within accounts. 

AHEAD is actively recruiting for this role and is looking for candidates who consider themselves as a "Next Generation Network Architect."  A core tenet and base requirement for this position is deep understanding of Campus wired and wireless technologies. Understanding and mastery of other areas like Datacenter and cloud networking technologies are a plus. 

Outside of this core tenet, our expectation is to attract, recruit and attain resources who have a desire to focus not only on traditional on-premise solutions, but also to be looking to career, technology and skill advancement by being actively willing to demonstrate skills and ability to learn new technologies including multiple SDN solutions, network security, load balancing, edge / acceleration, and cloud technologies. Experience or eagerness to learn about and with network and system / access design with Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure or other cloud services is a key requirement.

Roles & Responsibilities:
  • Participation, Leadership and Coordination of the AHEAD virtual team for Network Infrastructure
  • You will also be responsible for working with the AHEAD partner management team and directly with selected vendors to maintain vendor technical and sales relationships
  • As a Network Specialist you are a thought leader within the Engineering organization, responsible for designing, architecting, and, at times, consulting for Ahead clients
  • Your goal as a Network Lead should be to build skills, relationships, and industry credibility across many segments to drive product, services and consulting sales
  • Support the sales teams during engagements by providing advice and solutions or proposals optimized to meet customer technical and business requirements 
  • Develops relationships with the account managers, partners and customers in support of sales team objectives and engages and leverages team specialist resources as appropriate 
  • Strategizes and executes technical sales calls 
  • Completes required pre-sales documentation (configurations, pricing, services, presentations, justifications etc.) quickly and accurately 
  • Qualifies sales opportunities in terms of customer technical requirements, decision making process and funding 
  • Presents and markets the design and value of proposed Ahead solutions and business justification to customers, prospects and Ahead management 
  • Participates in mentorship of entry-level team members 
  • Possesses strong, detailed product / technology / industry knowledge. Knowledge of job associated software and applications 
Base Skills:
  • Network Infrastructure Experience
  • Strong wireless skills (certifications highly looked upon) 
    • Wireless principles/site survey/Ekahau knowledge)
  • Strong Campus/LAN skills (Cisco and other OEM vendors)
  • Cisco certifications are highly recommended 
  • Cisco Nexus Technologies
  • IP Routing Protocols 
  • Cisco Core Datacenter Technologies 
  • Network Management 
  • Network Security (Palo Alto/Fortinet) tenants along with SASE knowledge
Other Skills:
  • VMware / VMware NSX 
  • Arista
  • Automation skillset
  • F5 / NetScaler 
  • Amazon AWS, Azure, Cloud connectivity and network fundamentals 
Education & Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, Engineering, or equivalent 
  • Pre Sales and Data Center experience is required 
  • Professional communication, presentation, analytical, and problem-solving skills. 
  • Experience working as a technical lead in a pre-sale's sales campaign 
  • Ability to work under critical conditions and influence others to achieve results 
  • Strong interpersonal skills with excellent presentation skills 
  • Must be independent, self-motivated, a self-starter and possess a good working attitude 
  • Able to work well within a team and partner environment 
  • Customer focused and results driven 
 
$245,000 - $275,000 a year
This role is located on the east coast...preferably in the NY Metro area.

The compensation range indicated in this posting reflects the On-Target Earnings ("OTE") for this role, which includes a base salary and any applicable target bonus amount. This OTE range may vary based on the candidate's relevant experience, qualifications, and geographic location.  
 
Why AHEAD:
 
Through our daily work and internal groups like Moving Women AHEAD and RISE AHEAD, we value and benefit from diversity of people, ideas, experience, and everything in between.
 
We fuel growth by stacking our office with top-notch technologies in a multi-million-dollar lab, by encouraging cross department training and development, sponsoring certifications and credentials for continued learning.
 
USA Employment Benefits include: 
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance 
- 401(k) 
- Paid company holidays 
- Paid time off 
- Paid parental and caregiver leave 
- Plus more! See benefits https://www.aheadbenefits.com/ for additional details. 
 
Use of AI:
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, assessing responses, or to capture recordings and create transcriptions or summaries during interviews. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans.
 
If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please refer to the Candidate Privacy Notice or contact us at [email protected]. 
 
You may opt-out of the review or analysis of your application and resume by AI tools by using the General Application. Please include the role you wish to apply for in the Additional Information field. You may also choose to opt-out of recording and transcription at any time, including after joining an interview.  Candidates will not be penalized for choosing to opt-out.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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