Cloud Cost Optimization Engineer at Maxar Technologies

Westminster, Colorado, United States

Maxar Technologies Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Mid-level (3 to 4 years), Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
TechnologyIndustries

Requirements

  • 4+ years of experience working with AWS cloud services billing tools
  • Strong understanding of cloud pricing models, including AWS’s cost savings vehicles (EDP’s, PPA’s, Savings Plans, Reserved Instances, Spot, etc.)
  • Understanding of FinOps principles and cloud financial management practices
  • Ability to interpret cloud usage reports and recommend actionable cost optimizations
  • Proficiency in Excel, SQL, and/or scripting languages (e.g., Python or Bash) for cost analysis
  • Experience with cloud provider native cost management tools (e.g. Cost Explorer, Trusted Advisor, etc.)
  • Experience with third-party cloud cost management tools (e.g., Flexera, Apptio, or others) is a plus
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills
  • AWS Solutions Architect certification (Associate or professional)
  • Experience with GCP, Azure, or other cloud provider

Responsibilities

  • Analyze cloud usage and billing data to identify cost-saving opportunities
  • Review cloud system architectures for potential savings opportunities
  • Work with teams to discuss cost savings opportunities and work with reporting teams to show potential savings to upper management
  • Recommend governance practices including tagging, budgets, and resource tracking, and report/visualize improvements when adopted
  • Create and maintain dashboards and reports on cloud spend trends and forecasts
  • Recommend and help implement resource rightsizing, Reserved Instances, Savings Plans, and Spot Instances
  • Identify unused or underutilized resources (e.g., EC2, RDS, EBS, S3) and propose remediation actions
  • Work with engineering teams to design cost-efficient cloud architectures
  • Educate internal teams on cloud pricing models and best practices
  • Monitor cloud spend with tools such as Trusted Advisor, Cost Explorer, CUR data, 3rd Party tools, and internally developed tools for anomalies or spending spikes
  • Support FinOps initiatives by making cost data available to the development lifecycle
  • Work with finance to act as an AWS cost SME to help them correctly process invoices

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

AWSFinOpsCost ExplorerTrusted AdvisorEC2RDSEBSS3Reserved InstancesSavings PlansSpot InstancesTaggingBudgets

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What experience level is required for the Cloud Cost Optimization Engineer role?

The role requires 4+ years of experience working with AWS cloud services billing tools.

What key skills are preferred for this position?

Preferred skills include strong understanding of cloud pricing models like Savings Plans and Reserved Instances, FinOps principles, proficiency in Excel, SQL, and scripting languages such as Python or Bash, and experience with AWS cost management tools like Cost Explorer.

What is the salary range for this role?

This information is not specified in the job description.

Is this a remote position or does it require office work?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What makes a strong candidate for this Cloud Cost Optimization Engineer position?

Strong candidates will have 4+ years of AWS billing experience, AWS Solutions Architect certification, proficiency in SQL/Python for analysis, experience with FinOps and cost tools like Cost Explorer, plus excellent communication skills for cross-functional collaboration.

Maxar Technologies

Earth intelligence and space infrastructure solutions

About Maxar Technologies

Maxar Technologies specializes in Earth intelligence and space infrastructure, providing essential solutions for both government and commercial clients. The company offers services that help clients monitor and understand changes on our planet, including global broadband communications and advanced capabilities for space exploration. Maxar utilizes its extensive experience and commercial technology to deliver solutions that are fast, scalable, and cost-effective. Unlike many competitors, Maxar focuses on delivering precise and reliable data that supports informed decision-making and strategic planning. The company's goal is to generate value through contracts and partnerships, ensuring clients have the information they need to navigate complex global challenges.

Richmond Hill, CanadaHeadquarters
1957Year Founded
$58.1MTotal Funding
IPOCompany Stage
Data & Analytics, Government & Public Sector, AerospaceIndustries
1,001-5,000Employees

Risks

Data breach could lead to reputational damage and legal liabilities.
Layoffs may impact operational efficiency and employee morale.
GPS-free navigation development may face technical challenges and high costs.

Differentiation

Maxar specializes in complete space solutions and geospatial intelligence.
The company leverages decades of mission expertise for high-value solutions.
Maxar offers GPS-free navigation using 3D maps for drones and airplanes.

Upsides

Partnership with Satellogic enhances defense monitoring capabilities.
Divestment of WeatherDesk allows focus on core space infrastructure.
Global availability on SkyWatch platform boosts satellite imagery accessibility.

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