Independent Contractor Cloud Infrastructure Engineer Jobs in California

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more launch vehicles come online and the cost to orbit decreases, more companies launching payloads to space continue to emerge.

For the first time in history, this influx of payload companies combined with reduced launch costs has resulted in a massive increase in need for commercial spacecraft platforms, known as satellite buses. These buses hold the payloads of our customers and are flown on launch vehicles.

Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware that is designed for manufacturing. Our spacecraft enable the future of society: ranging from earth observation to communications and more.

We’d love for you to join us on our mission of providing humankind access to the galaxy beyond our planet.

About the Role

The Cloud Infrastructure Engineer is responsible for architecting, deploying, automating, and operating Apex’s cloud-based and hybrid infrastructure across one or more major cloud platforms (AWS GovCloud and Microsoft Azure). This role collaborates closely with software engineers, DevOps practitioners, security teams, and IT leadership to define cloud standards, enforce governance controls, optimize cloud spend, and deliver platform capabilities that accelerate the organization's cloud adoption strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, build, deploy, and manage complete cloud infrastructure from the ground up, with a primary focus on AWS GovCloud and Microsoft Azure.
• Design and implement secure, scalable, highly available cloud environments using IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS solutions.
• Develop and maintain Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using Terraform or similar tools.
• Automate cloud provisioning, configuration, deployments, monitoring, and operational tasks.
• Develop scripts and automation using Python, and/or similar programming & scripting languages.
• Troubleshoot complex cloud infrastructure issues involving compute, storage, networking, identity, security, applications, and connectivity to determine root cause, develop multiple possible solutions, evaluate trade-offs, and implement the most appropriate resolution.
• Monitor cloud environments for performance, availability, security, and reliability and respond to infrastructure incidents.
• Design and maintain cloud networking, including VPCs/VNets, subnets, routing, VPNs, firewalls, security groups, and private connectivity.
• Implement cloud security, identity, access controls, encryption, monitoring, backup, and disaster recovery solutions.
• Lead or participate in cloud infrastructure projects from design and implementation through testing, deployment, and completion.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, architecture diagrams, runbooks, and infrastructure standards.
• Collaborate with Cloud Infrastructure Security Engineer on the best path/solutions for all cloud environments.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of cloud computing and cloud service models, including IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS.
• In-depth hands-on experience with AWS GovCloud and Microsoft Azure.
• Demonstrated ability to build complete cloud environments from scratch, particularly within AWS GovCloud.
• Strong knowledge of cloud architecture, networking, security, identity, storage, compute, monitoring, backup, and disaster recovery.
• Advanced Infrastructure as Code experience, with Terraform strongly preferred. Experience with CloudFormation, Bicep, Pulumi, or similar tools is beneficial.
• Strong automation and scripting skills using Python or similar languages.
• Ability to investigate complex issues, identify root causes, and develop multiple viable solutions.
• Understanding of CI/CD, version control, automation pipelines, and DevOps practices.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and complete technical projects on schedule.
• Strong technical documentation and communication skills.

Education Requirement

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, Cloud Computing, or a related technical field

Required Experience

• 5–7 years of progressive experience in cloud infrastructure engineering, DevOps, systems engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 3+ years of hands-on production experience with AWS and/or Azure, with significant experience in AWS GovCloud preferred.

Additional Requirements

• Must be a US Citizen
• Must be willing to work full-time on-site at our office in the Playa Vista Area of Los Angeles

Why Join Apex?

Apex believes in creating a work environment that you look forward to embracing every day. Our employees love working at Apex, and we want you to love it too. We're a fast-growing startup that has raised more than $500M in funding, and we invest heavily in our people from day one.

What We Offer For Full-time Employees:

• Shared upside: Receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create
• Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, plus $100k life insurance at no cost
• Comprehensive PTO package to reset and recharge - starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays
• Competitive 401(k) plan with generous matching - 100% match on first 3%, 50% on next 2%
• 8 weeks paid parental leave plus childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel
• Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day
• Vibrant community: Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and gatherings for you and your family
• Your dream desk setup and all the tools you need to be your most productive self
• World-class Playa Vista office with the benefit of in-person collaboration with amazing coworkers and flexibility to integrate work and life
• Real impact opportunity: Work alongside experts from aerospace, new space, and other cutting-edge industries to make a lasting difference

Ready to join a team where your contributions matter and your future is bright? Let's build something extraordinary together.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Apex Technology, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.