Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the leading cloud provider, providing virtual infrastructure, storage, networking, messaging, and many other services to customers all over the world. AWS runs a globally distributed environment, operating at massive levels of scale. Businesses, from start-ups to enterprises, run their operations and applications on AWS’s multi-tenant infrastructure. Governmental organizations are also looking to and depending on AWS for cloud solutions and services.
We are seeking an experienced Principal Program Manager to lead and drive a key Cloud Infrastructure Program, a critical initiative that delivers secure, scalable, and mission-driven cloud solutions for our national security customers. This role will be responsible for overseeing program execution, ensuring alignment with customer and stakeholder priorities, and managing technical, operational, and business outcomes.
The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of cloud computing, national security mission requirements, and large-scale program management. They should be adept at driving cross-functional collaboration, developing strategic roadmaps, and executing complex programs in highly regulated environments.
This position is based in Herndon, Virginia. You will join a cadre of program management and technical professionals in pursuing new and overseeing existing US Government contract requirements, and aligning to current and upcoming National Security programs. As a Principal Program Manager, you will spend the majority of your time partnering with business leaders and government executives engaged in furthering AWS' National Security program portfolio.
The role requires subject matter expertise, technical program management, and technical business development experience to incorporate technical requirements into commercial transactions and effectively structure, facilitate, and close deals, and manage operational program activities in accordance with existing contract performance criteria. You will draw upon extensive information technology-centric project management, critical thinking, and analytic problem-solving skills coupled with business development and executive communication skills within the US Intelligence Community or US Department of Defense communities.
This role requires a proactive, mission-driven leader who can operate in a dynamic and highly sensitive environment while driving technical and operational excellence. If you thrive in fast-paced, high-impact roles and are passionate about national security, we encourage you to apply!
Key job responsibilities
Core Responsibilities:
Program Leadership & Execution:
• Own and drive the end-to-end execution of the Cloud Infrastructure Program, ensuring on-time and high-quality delivery.
• Define program goals, success metrics, and execution strategies to align with customer and business priorities.
• Lead program reviews, report on status, risks, and mitigation strategies, and drive continuous improvement.
Stakeholder & Customer Engagement:
• Serve as the primary liaison between internal AWS teams, government customers, and external partners.
• Build trusted relationships with key stakeholders to anticipate requirements, resolve roadblocks, and drive mission success.
• Communicate program updates effectively to senior leadership, both internally and externally.
Cross-Functional Coordination:
• Partner closely with engineering, security, compliance, and operations teams to drive technical execution and risk management.
• Ensure alignment between technical teams, policy/compliance teams, and business objectives.
• Coordinate across multiple AWS service teams and vendors to deliver integrated cloud solutions.
Risk & Compliance Management:
• Identify and mitigate risks related to security, compliance, scalability, and operational execution.
• Ensure adherence to security and compliance requirements, particularly in classified and highly regulated environments.
• Work with legal, contracts, and security teams to navigate government requirements and drive approvals.
Strategic Growth & Innovation:
• Develop and drive the strategic roadmap for the program, identifying opportunities for innovation and optimization.
• Influence AWS’s cloud adoption strategy within the national security space by advocating for mission-driven solutions.
• Stay informed on emerging technologies, government cloud adoption trends, and evolving security/compliance requirements.
This position requires that the candidate currently possess and maintain an active TS/SCI security clearance with polygraph.
About the team
Diverse Experiences
Amazon values diverse experiences. Even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications and skills listed in the job description, we encourage candidates to apply. If your career is just starting, hasn’t followed a traditional path, or includes alternative experiences, don’t let it stop you from applying.
Why AWS
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform. We pioneered cloud computing and never stopped innovating — that’s why customers from the most successful startups to Global 500 companies trust our robust suite of products and services to power their businesses.
Work/Life Balance
We value work-life harmony. Achieving success at work should never come at the expense of sacrifices at home, which is why we strive for flexibility as part of our working culture. When we feel supported in the workplace and at home, there’s nothing we can’t achieve in the cloud.
Inclusive Team Culture
Here at AWS, it’s in our nature to learn and be curious. Our employee-led affinity groups foster a culture of inclusion that empower us to be proud of our differences. Ongoing events and learning experiences, including our Conversations on Race and Ethnicity (CORE) and AmazeCon (gender diversity) conferences, inspire us to never stop embracing our uniqueness.
Mentorship and Career Growth
We’re continuously raising our performance bar as we strive to become Earth’s Best Employer. That’s why you’ll find endless knowledge-sharing, mentorship and other career-advancing resources here to help you develop into a better-rounded professional.- Current, active US Government Security Clearance of TS/SCI with Polygraph
- 10+ years of experience in program or product management, leading large-scale cloud, IT, or national security programs.
- Strong understanding of cloud computing, infrastructure, and security, particularly in government and defense environments.
- Experience working with the Intelligence Community (IC), Department of Defense (DoD), or other national security customers.
- Proven ability to manage complex, cross-functional programs with multiple stakeholders.- Master's or MBA degree
- Deep knowledge of AWS services, cloud migration strategies, and secure cloud architectures.
- Experience managing classified workloads and compliance frameworks such as FedRAMP, IC Directive 503, or DoD SRG.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage both technical and executive-level audiences.
- Experience in contract execution and government acquisition processes related to cloud infrastructure.
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit
https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
