Secure Cloud Cost Performance & Optimization Specialist

SECURE CLOUD COST & PERFORMANCE OPTIMIZATION SPECIALIST

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Secure Cloud Cost/Performance Optimization Specialist is responsible for analyzing, tuning, and securing cloud workloads to ensure optimal performance and financial eciency. This role combines deep technical knowledge of cloud architecture, FinOps principles, and cybersecurity best practices to optimize resource usage while maintaining compliance and resilience.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES CLOUD COST OPTIMIZATION

Analyze usage patterns, reserved instance coverage, and resource waste across cloud environments (AWS, GCP).

Identify underutilized resources (e.g., idle VMs, oversized instances, unused storage volumes) and recommend actions to optimize spend.

Implement cost controls using automation (auto-scaling, right-sizing, budget alerts, tagging policies).

Lead FinOps practices and collaborate with finance, business, and engineering stakeholders for forecast modeling, budget planning, and chargeback.

PERFORMANCE TUNING

Continuously monitor workload performance using native and third-party monitoring tools (e.g., AWS CloudWatch, Datadog).

Work with the engineering team to: o Optimize compute, network, and storage configurations to reduce latency and improve scalability. o Benchmark and refactor workloads for performance eciency, including serverless and containerized architectures.

CLOUD SECURITY & COMPLIANCE

Integrate cloud security best practices during cost and performance changes to ensure no exposure of sensitive assets.

Collaborate with security teams to conduct impact analysis for cost-saving measures. Ensure optimization eorts adhere to security frameworks (e.g., NIST, CIS Benchmarks, ISO 27001) and compliance mandates (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR, SOC 2).

TOOLING & AUTOMATION

Use and configure cloud-native cost optimization and security tools such as: AWS Trusted Advisor, Compute Optimizer, GCP Recommender.

Use AI-driven tools to predict usage trends and recommend cost optimization.

Develop dashboards and reporting mechanisms for executives and stakeholders showing savings opportunities, trends, and compliance posture.

COLLABORATION & GOVERNANCE

Establish tagging and governance policies to track ownership and accountability of cloud spend.

Educate development, DevOps, and security teams on optimization and secure deployment patterns.

Participate in architecture reviews, migration planning, and cost/security assessments for new cloud initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelors or Masters in computer science, cloud computing, cybersecurity, or related field.

5+ years in cloud infrastructure or DevOps roles.

2+ years of hands-on experience in cost/performance optimization and secure cloud operations.

Deep understanding of cloud pricing models and resource planning.

Experience with cost analysis tools (CloudHealth, CloudCheckr, Apptio Cloudability, or native platforms).

Proficient in scripting (Python, Bash) and infrastructure as code (Terraform).

Strong grasp of cloud security controls, IAM, encryption, and networking.

AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional

GCP Professional Cloud Architect, a plus

Certified FinOps Practitioner a plus

CISSP, CCSP, or equivalent cloud security certification a plus