At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cloud architecture strategy and design secure, scalable solutions for government projects.
- Company: Dynamic tech firm focused on innovative cloud engineering for the UK government.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, unlimited training budget, hybrid work model, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture that values innovation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of cloud engineering and influence high-impact projects.
- Qualifications: Extensive cloud engineering experience, expertise in AWS/Azure, and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 98000 £ per year.
Salary: £80,000 – £98,000 + Benefits + Unlimited Training Budget
Active SC Clearance is required for this role.
Are you a Cloud Engineering leader ready to shape strategy, influence large-scale platforms, and drive engineering excellence? We’re seeking a Principal Cloud Engineer to lead the design and evolution of secure, enterprise-grade cloud environments for a major UK government programme in Manchester. This hybrid role offers flexibility across home, office, and client site, while placing you at the centre of high-impact, mission-critical delivery.
The Opportunity
As a Principal Cloud Engineer, you’ll operate at the forefront of technical leadership—setting direction, defining standards, and guiding multiple Cloud Pods. You’ll combine deep technical expertise with strategic thinking, ensuring platforms are scalable, secure, and aligned with long-term organisational goals. This role goes beyond delivery—you’ll influence architecture, mentor senior engineers, and play a key role in shaping the future of cloud engineering within the organisation.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Defining and driving cloud architecture strategy across multiple teams and platforms
- Leading the design of scalable, secure, and reusable cloud solutions using a code-first approach
- Establishing best practices across Infrastructure as Code, DevOps, and platform engineering
- Providing technical leadership and mentorship to senior and mid-level engineers
- Collaborating with stakeholders to align technical solutions with business and programme outcomes
- Driving innovation, continuous improvement, and adoption of emerging technologies
- Overseeing and enhancing CI/CD, automation, and cloud governance frameworks
- Acting as a key decision-maker on complex technical challenges and architecture
What We’re Looking For
- Extensive experience in Cloud / Platform Engineering, with time spent in a senior or principal capacity
- Deep expertise in AWS and/or Azure at an architectural level
- Advanced proficiency in Infrastructure as Code (Terraform strongly preferred)
- Strong experience with Git-based workflows (e.g. GitHub)
- Proven track record of designing and implementing CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices at scale
- Expertise in Kubernetes, containerisation, and automation tools such as Ansible
- Strong understanding of networking, security, and enterprise architecture principles
- Experience leading teams, influencing stakeholders, and setting technical direction
- Background working in Agile environments with cross-functional teams
Why Join?
This is a rare opportunity to operate at a principal level—where your decisions shape platforms, teams, and outcomes. You’ll join a collaborative, forward-thinking engineering culture that values innovation, leadership, and continuous growth. If you’re ready to lead at scale and make a lasting impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Cloud Engineer employer: 83zero
Join a dynamic and innovative team as a Principal Cloud Engineer in Manchester, where you'll have the opportunity to lead high-impact government projects while enjoying a hybrid work environment that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Our culture fosters collaboration, continuous learning, and professional growth, supported by an unlimited training budget to enhance your skills and career trajectory. With a focus on engineering excellence and strategic influence, this role offers a unique chance to shape the future of cloud technology in a mission-driven setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cloud Engineer
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend meetups, webinars, or even local tech events. The more you engage with others, the better your chances of landing that Principal Cloud Engineer role.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Don’t just talk about your experience—demonstrate it! Create a portfolio showcasing your cloud projects, especially those involving AWS or Azure. This will give potential employers a clear view of what you can bring to the table.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your cloud architecture knowledge and coding skills. Practice common interview questions and scenarios related to Infrastructure as Code and CI/CD pipelines to show you’re the right fit.
✨Apply Through Our Website
We want to hear from you directly! Apply through our website to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s a great way to show your enthusiasm for joining our innovative team.
We think you need these skills to ace Cloud Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Principal Cloud Engineer. Highlight your experience with AWS or Azure, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills and technical expertise in cloud architecture.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about cloud engineering and how your background aligns with our mission. Be sure to mention any relevant government project experience if you have it!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:We want to see your technical prowess! Include specific examples of projects where you’ve implemented Infrastructure as Code or led teams in adopting DevOps practices. This will help us understand your hands-on experience.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at 83zero
✨Know Your Cloud Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of AWS and Azure, especially at an architectural level. Be ready to discuss your experience with Infrastructure as Code, particularly Terraform, and how you've implemented CI/CD pipelines in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Cloud Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and influence stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've mentored engineers or driven technical direction in previous roles. This will show that you're not just technically savvy but also a great leader.
✨Be Ready for Technical Challenges
Expect to face complex technical scenarios during the interview. Think about past challenges you've encountered and how you resolved them. This is your chance to showcase your problem-solving skills and decision-making process in high-pressure situations.
✨Align with Business Goals
Understand the importance of aligning technical solutions with business outcomes. Be prepared to discuss how your cloud strategies have supported organisational goals in the past. This shows that you think beyond just the tech and understand the bigger picture.
