JUNIOR CLOUD ENGINEER

Position Summary:
We are looking for a motivated Junior Cloud Architect with a strong interest in AI adoption and comfortability with coding to join our team. This role is ideal for someone eager to grow in the cloud computing space, with a particular focus on AWS, and who is enthusiastic about AI technologies. As part of our team, you will implement cloud architecture based on the IT strategic plan, collaborate closely with our Director of Technology, and train staff on cutting-edge large language models (LLMs) and AI tools like OpenAI and Claude.

Key Responsibilities:

• Cloud Architecture Implementation:Learn and implement AWS architectures in line with our IT strategic plan, under the guidance of the Director of Technology.
• AWS Certification Requirement: Have or obtain AWS Solutions Architect Associate certification within the first year of employment.
• AI Tool Management: Oversee the implementation of, and train staff on, large language models (LLMs) such as OpenAI and Claude, ensuring alignment with business needs and enhancing organizational AI literacy. Identify and evaluate use cases for targeted AI solutions and own the deployment and lifecycle of such tools.
• Application Support: Use Python skills to support existing applications, providing break/fix support and troubleshooting issues as needed. Be the technical interface with developer contractors for issues requiring higher order developer skills.
• Documentation and Training: Create and maintain documentation for AWS and AI tool implementations, as well as develop and deliver training sessions to staff.

Desired Skills and Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
• Cloud Knowledge: Willingness to develop a deep understanding of AWS services and architecture, with a commitment to achieving AWS Solutions Architect Associate certification within the first year.
• AI and LLM Familiarity: Interest or experience with large language models (LLMs) and AI technologies.
• Python Proficiency: Basic knowledge of Python and coding practices, with the ability to support and troubleshoot existing applications in a break/fix capacity.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills to train and support staff on new technologies.
• Problem-Solving Ability: Demonstrated analytical skills and the ability to learn new technologies quickly.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with AWS: Any hands-on experience with AWS services, including basic understanding of cloud architecture and deployment practices.
• Experience in AI/ML:Previous exposure to AI or machine learning models.
• Technical training: Experience in training staff on technical topics
• Agile: Knowledge of Agile or DevOps workflows is a plus.

About the Mercatus Center

For over 40 years, the Mercatus Center at George Mason University has been the worlds premier university source for market-oriented ideasbridging the gap between academic ideas and real-world problems. A university-based research center, Mercatus works to advance knowledge about how markets work to improve our lives by training graduate students, conducting research, and applying sound economics to offer solutions to societys most pressing problems.

Employee Benefits Review

Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with experience. In addition, Mercatus provides excellent benefits to all individual employees, including full health and dental coverage, unlimited paid time off, long-term disability and life insurance, a 403(b) retirement savings program, parking/travel benefits, and twelve free credits per year at George Mason University.

EEO Statement

Mercatus Center at George Mason University is an Equal Opportunity employer of qualified individuals and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Mercatus Center also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of the protected categories.