Sr Lead Engineer Cloud

About the role

We are seeking a hands-on technical expert with an engineering and innovation mindset to design, build, and operate the foundational cloud infrastructure that powers our enterprise. In this role, you will lead the architecture and implementation of scalable, secure, and highly available cloud platforms on AWS, while driving the enablement of AI-ready cloud foundations that support large-scale cloud, AI, and machine learning solution deployment. You will also bring experience applying AI and automation to cloud platform engineering itself, using intelligent tooling to improve platform operations, accelerate delivery, and drive continuous innovation. You will mentor engineers, shape cloud strategy, and ensure our platform meets the highest standards of reliability, security, and operational excellence. This is a high-impact opportunity to lead transformational cloud initiatives, work with cutting-edge technologies, and define the future of our enterprise cloud platform in a collaborative, innovation-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and lifecycle management of enterprise-grade cloud platform infrastructure on AWS, with a focus on scalability, resilience, and security
• Architect and deliver cloud foundations specifically optimized to enable scaled AI and machine learning solution deployment, including compute, networking, storage, and security patterns for AI workloads
• Apply AI-driven tooling, automation, and intelligent operations to cloud platform engineering — including AIOps, predictive monitoring, anomaly detection, and AI-assisted infrastructure management
• Develop and maintain infrastructure-as-code (Terraform/OpenTofu) to enable automated, repeatable, and self-service provisioning at scale
• Establish and enforce cloud governance, security guardrails, compliance controls, and architectural standards across accounts and environments
• Drive observability, monitoring, and operational excellence initiatives to ensure platform reliability, performance, and proactive issue resolution
• Partner with development, DevOps, SRE, security, and AI/ML teams to enable self-service platform capabilities and accelerate time-to-value for consuming teams
• Lead cloud migration and modernization initiatives, including workload onboarding, optimization, and platform rationalization
• Evaluate, prototype, and pilot emerging cloud and AI technologies to inform platform direction and drive innovation
• Serve as a senior technical thought leader and mentor, fostering a culture of engineering excellence, continuous improvement, and innovation

Requirements

• 5+ years of progressive experience in cloud engineering, infrastructure, or platform engineering roles (7+ years preferred)
• Experience designing and operating multi-account cloud environments using AWS Control Tower, AWS Organizations, and Account Factory for Terraform (AFT)
• Experience in cloud security, IAM, zero-trust principles, and compliance frameworks relevant to regulated industries
• Experience with Python and infrastructure-as-code with Terraform, OpenTofu, or CloudFormation

Preferred Skills

• AWS certifications: Solutions Architect Professional, AI Specialty
• Hands-on experience applying AI and automation to cloud platform operations, such as AIOps platforms, AI-assisted infrastructure tooling, or intelligent observability solutions
• Familiarity with FinOps practices and cloud cost optimization tooling
• Experience leading large-scale cloud migration or modernization programs in regulated industries such as financial services or healthcare

Related Skills

• Application Programming Interface (API) Development/Integration
• Automation
• Communication
• Consultative Communication
• Containerization
• DevOps
• Enterprise Application Integration
• Influence
• Organizational Savviness
• Problem Solving
• Prototyping
• Relationship Management
• Scalability/Reliability
• Software Development Life Cycle
• Systems Design/Analysis

Pay

Base Pay Range: $141,000/yr - $185,000/yr. Actual base salary may vary based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience, time in role, base salary of internal peers, prior performance, business sector, and geographic location. In addition to base salary, the competitive compensation package may include participation in an incentive program linked to performance.

Benefits

The organization is committed to making financial well-being possible for its clients, and is equally committed to the well-being of our associates. That’s why we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to make a positive difference in the lives of our associates and their loved ones. Our benefits include a superior retirement program and highly competitive health, wellness, and work-life offerings that can help you achieve and maintain your best possible physical, emotional, and financial well-being.

About the Company

Every worker deserves a secure retirement. For more than 100 years, TIAA has delivered it for millions of people. Founded to help educators retire with dignity, today we’re a market-leading retirement company fueled by world-class asset management. We equip our associates with future-focused skills and AI tools that enable us to advance our mission. Together, we are fighting to ensure a more secure financial future for all and for generations to come.

We are guided by our values: Champion Our People, Be Client Obsessed, Lead with Integrity, Own It, and Win As One. We thrive in a collaborative in-office environment where teams work across organizational boundaries with shared purpose, accelerating innovation and delivering meaningful results. Our workplace brings together TIAA and Nuveen's entrepreneurial spirit, where we work hard and work together to create lasting impact. Here, every associate can grow through meaningful learning experiences and development pathways—because when our people succeed, our impact on clients' lives grows stronger.