Position: Cloud Architect – CEPH & OpenStack Location: Ottawa, ON (Remote or Hybrid considered) Start Date: October 1st, 2025 Security Clearance: Secret (Mandatory) Contract Type: Independent Contractor Client: Shared Services Canada (SSC) Opportunity Overview: Shared Services Canada (SSC) is seeking a highly experienced Cloud Architect to support a critical infrastructure modernization initiative. This role requires deep expertise in CEPH storage and OpenStack, and a proven ability to deliver secure, scalable, and high-performing cloud solutions in government environments. The selected resource must have an active Secret clearance and be available to start by October 1st, 2025. Key Responsibilities: Lead the design and implementation of secure, enterprise-grade OpenStack cloud environments. Architect and manage CEPH storage clusters to support high availability, scalability, and performance. Align cloud solutions with SSC’s security and compliance standards, including ITSG-33. Collaborate with SSC teams to implement cloud automation, orchestration, and monitoring. Produce technical documentation including architecture diagrams, configuration standards, and deployment plans. Provide expert guidance on best practices for cloud operations, optimization, and cost management. Must-Have Qualifications: Minimum 10 years of experience as a Cloud Architect, with significant experience in OpenStack and CEPH. Hands-on experience with OpenStack services (Nova, Neutron, Glance, Cinder, Keystone, etc.). Proven experience deploying and maintaining CEPH storage solutions in production. Strong understanding of virtualization, networking, and secure infrastructure design. Experience with automation and Infrastructure-as-Code tools such as Ansible, Terraform, etc. Secret clearance (active) is mandatory for submission. Ability to start no later than October 1st, 2025. Nice-to-Haves: Knowledge of container platforms such as Kubernetes or Docker. Prior work with Shared Services Canada or other Government of Canada departments. Familiarity with cloud governance and cybersecurity frameworks (e.g., ITSG-33, NIST).