AWS SAA to Security Clearance: My Path to Federal Cloud Engineering
Just passed AWS Solutions Architect Associate on my first attempt! But this isn't another "I passed!" post - it's about strategically positioning for federal defense contracting roles where cloud security expertise meets national security needs.
Why AWS SAA Matters for Federal Work
Federal contractors aren't just looking for cloud engineers - they need professionals who understand:
- Compliance frameworks (FedRAMP, NIST 800-53, RMF)
- Security-first architecture
- Cost optimization for government contracts
- Multi-account strategies for classified/unclassified separation
The AWS SAA provides the foundation, but it's just the beginning for federal work.
My Unique Path: MSP → Cloud Security → Defense
After founding and scaling an MSP to $250K revenue with zero security breaches across 30+ clients, I learned that production security isn't theoretical - it's operational excellence under pressure.
That experience translates directly to federal requirements:
- HIPAA compliance → FedRAMP understanding
- MSP infrastructure → Multi-tenant security
- 24/7 operations → Mission-critical mindset
The Federal Cloud Engineer Stack I'm Building
✅ Completed:
- AWS Solutions Architect Associate (Nov 8, 2025)
🎯 Next 60 Days:
- CompTIA Security+ (Nov 22) - DoD 8570 IAT Level II requirement
- AWS Security Specialty (Jan 2026) - Deep cloud security expertise
- Federal Cloud Resume (Dec 2025) - With RMF control mapping
Here's what makes the Federal Cloud Resume different:
Standard Cloud Resume:
- S3 static website ✓
- CloudFront CDN ✓
- Lambda visitor counter ✓
Federal Cloud Resume adds:
- RMF control mapping (AC-17, SC-8, AU-2)
- CloudTrail logging with integrity validation
- WAF rules for OWASP Top 10
- Least privilege IAM documented
- Compliance automation demos
Why Security Engineer First, TPM Later
The market reality: TPM roles get 500+ applicants (Big Tech layoffs flooding the market). Security engineer roles? 10-20 applicants.
My strategy:
- Enter through security (higher probability)
- Get clearance sponsored
- Build federal experience
- Pivot to TPM with leverage
It's not about taking shortcuts - it's about entering where you can add immediate value.
The Clearance Factor
For those outside federal contracting: a security clearance is worth $10-30K in salary premium. But you can't get one independently - you need sponsorship. Security roles are 3x more likely to sponsor clearances than general cloud roles.
My eligibility advantages:
- Clean background
- Stable family life
- M.Div. (ethics foundation)
- No foreign conflicts
Connecting at AWS re:Invent
I'll be at re:Invent (Dec 1-6) specifically targeting defense contractors:
- Lockheed Martin
- Northrop Grumman
- Raytheon
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- SAIC/Leidos
- General Dynamics
If you're in defense contracting or know someone who is, let's connect! I'm particularly interested in:
- Huntsville, AL opportunities (Redstone Arsenal)
- Dallas/Fort Worth defense corridor
- Remote federal positions requiring clearance
Next Steps
While others chase FAANG, I'm targeting a different acronym: TS/SCI (Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information).
The path:
- Security+ for DoD compliance ✅ (Nov 22)
- AWS Security Specialty for differentiation ✅ (Jan 2026)
- Federal Cloud Resume for demonstration ✅ (Dec 2025)
- Network aggressively at re:Invent ✅
- Land security engineer role with clearance sponsorship 🎯
Let's Connect
Are you in defense contracting? Transitioning from private to federal sector? Building cleared cloud teams? Let's connect on LinkedIn or catch up at re:Invent.
The federal cloud sector needs engineers who understand both security and mission criticality. With an MSP background of zero breaches and AWS expertise, I'm ready to serve.
Currently studying for Security+ (Nov 22) and building my Federal Cloud Resume with RMF controls. Follow for updates on the federal cloud engineering journey.
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