DoD IL5 Cloud Authorization
Leading infrastructure engineering for defense-grade software and driving cloud authorization to one of the highest civilian security classifications.
The Problem
The company builds software for national security missions — products that need to run in some of the most restricted computing environments on the planet. Deploying into classified government networks requires cloud authorization at Impact Level 5, a designation that demands rigorous compliance with DoD security controls, continuous monitoring, and architecture that meets strict data residency and access requirements.
The company needed infrastructure leadership that could navigate the intersection of modern cloud-native engineering and the unforgiving compliance demands of defense contracting — while also supporting active contract delivery on tight timelines.
My Role
I led the infrastructure engineering organization, responsible for the cloud platform, deployment pipelines, and operational practices that underpinned all of the company's defense products. My work sat at the intersection of platform engineering and security compliance — building systems that were both developer-friendly and capable of surviving federal audit.
What I Built
- Drove the cloud authorization process to achieve Impact Level 5 — one of the highest civilian security classifications — enabling deployment into classified government environments.
- Designed and maintained infrastructure that met continuous monitoring and compliance requirements mandated by DoD security frameworks.
- Built deployment pipelines and operational practices that allowed engineering teams to ship rapidly while maintaining the security posture required for classified workloads.
- Supported delivery of active contracts, ensuring infrastructure met the performance, isolation, and auditability requirements of government research programs.
Impact
Achieved IL5 cloud authorization, unlocking the ability to deploy into classified government networks. Infrastructure I built directly supported contract delivery in restricted environments. The platform and operational practices established during my tenure became the foundation for the company's continued defense work.