AWS Cloud Specialist

Stanbridge University is seeking a highly skilled AWS Cloud Specialist to support and evolve our cloud infrastructure as we continue to modernize our IT environment. This role requires deep AWS expertise, a strong background supporting PHP and MySQL production workloads, and demonstrated success maintaining scalable, secure, and cost-effective cloud platforms.

The AWS Cloud Specialist will play a critical role in ensuring our LMS platform maintains 99.99% uptime, while driving initiatives such as zero-downtime deployments, comprehensive disaster recovery planning, cloud cost optimization, and the migration of legacy LAMP applications to AWS. If you thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and are passionate about advancing cloud capabilities that directly support student success, we encourage you to apply.

Responsibilities:

• This position requires on campus presence in Irvine CA.
• Design, build, and maintain a scalable, secure cloud ecosystem on AWS that supports our rapidly growing LMS platform.
• Provide DevOps support and performance tuning for legacy PHP and MySQL applications, ensuring stability and security during the migration phase.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement seamless rollout strategies and quick rollback mechanisms, ensuring uninterrupted service availability.
• Develop, document, and test a comprehensive disaster recovery plan that meets strict RTO and RPO targets, validating its effectiveness through simulated tests.
• Identify and implement targeted cost-saving initiatives aimed at reducing monthly AWS spending by 10–15% while maintaining or enhancing system performance.
• Plan and lead the phased migration of legacy, on-premises PHP/MySQL applications to AWS (EC2, RDS), ensuring sustained performance and 99.99% uptime throughout the process.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience with AWS cloud services, including hands‑on experience with EC2, RDS, Lambda, and other core AWS tools.
• Experience working in a SaaS environment.
• Hands‑on experience administering and optimizing PHP applications and MySQL databases in production, including performance tuning, CI/CD pipelines, and backup/restore procedures.
• Experience working with containerized applications using Docker, and familiarity with Kubernetes or managed Kubernetes services (e.g., EKS) in production or near-production environments.
• Strong understanding of cloud architecture best practices.
• Demonstrated experience in implementing zero‑downtime deployments and designing robust disaster recovery plans.
• Proven track record migrating LAMP (Linux, Apache/Nginx, MySQL, PHP) workloads to AWS or similar cloud environments.
• Experience in cost optimization strategies in cloud environments, with measurable outcomes.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to manage complex technical projects.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, capable of collaborating with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Experience working in cross‑functional teams and driving technical transformation initiatives in fast‑paced environments.
• Related experience may include AWS Cloud Engineer, AWS Infrastructure & Reliability Engineer, AWS DevOps Engineer, AWS Platform Specialist .

• Pay Range: $90,000 – $110,000 per year (dependent on experience and education)

Conditions of Employment:

• A job-related assessment may be required during the interview process.
• Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and be physically present in the office (unless otherwise noted).
• Employment verification will be conducted to validate work experience per accreditation standards.
• Offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work Environment:

• Standard office/classroom/lab or clinical setting.
• Duties are typically performed while sitting at a desk or computer workstation.
• May include time spent in skills labs or bedside environments as required by the program.
• Subject to frequent interruptions, noise from talking or office equipment, and demanding timelines.
• Official transcripts are required prior to hire. Degrees earned outside the United States must be evaluated by a recognized credential evaluation service to determine U.S. degree equivalency and applicable subject-area coursework.

Physical Demands:

• Regularly sits for extended periods.
• Physical ability to perform program- or department-related duties.
• Proficient in using electronic keyboards and office equipment.
• Effective verbal communication via phone and in person.
• Ability to read fine print, operate computers, and understand voices clearly.
• Able to lift, carry, and/or move objects weighing 10–25 pounds as needed.

Employee Benefits:

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k)
• Exciting university events
• Seasonal motivational health and wellness challenges
• Work/Life Balance initiatives
• Onsite wellness program / Staff Chiropractor
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)

Institutional Values:

• Diversity and Inclusion: Stanbridge University’s motto, “Strength through Diversity,” reflects our deep commitment to honoring the diverse backgrounds of our students, faculty, staff, and surrounding communities. We strive to build an inclusive learning environment and uphold anti-discrimination practices in all aspects of university life.
• Innovation and Technology: We embrace cutting-edge technology to enhance student learning through interactive, hands-on experiences, including virtual reality and simulation labs—ensuring students are prepared for the demands of modern healthcare practice.
• Community Engagement: Through initiatives such as Stanbridge outREACH, students are empowered to give back to local and global communities, cultivating compassion, civic responsibility, and social awareness.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
Stanbridge University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.