Platform Engineer (Kubernetes)

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Platform Engineer (Kubernetes) to architect, automate, and maintain secure, scalable infrastructure for satellite ground operations software. This hybrid role focuses on deploying and managing Kubernetes-based environments across cloud and on-premises systems, enabling DevSecOps practices aligned with SOC2, NIST 800-171, and FedRAMP Medium compliance. You'll collaborate with software development teams and customer stakeholders to ensure high availability, performance, and security of mission-critical services. This role includes direct engagement with customers to deploy infrastructure in both cloud and secure offline environments. This hybrid role is based in Southern California (preferred), Arvada, Colorado (preferred), Seattle, or D.C. Candidates must hold an active TS/SCI Clearance.

Responsibilities of the Platform Engineer include:

• Architect and maintain Kubernetes-based infrastructure in cloud and on-prem environments.
• Implement DevSecOps practices with a focus on security and compliance.
• Develop secure ingress/egress strategies for customer and vendor data centers.
• Provide guidance on infrastructure best practices for latency, availability, and performance.
• Collaborate with software teams to support distributed microservice deployments.
• Work directly with customers to deploy infrastructure in secure and offline facilities.
• Automate infrastructure tasks using Terraform or similar IaC tools.
• Monitor system health using tools like CloudWatch, Splunk, DataDog, or New Relic.
• Design and troubleshoot APIs, databases, and multi-tier architectures.
• Build CI/CD pipelines and support containerized and serverless deployments.

Qualifications for the Platform Engineer include:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field.
• 3+ years of professional experience in reliability, systems, DevOps, infrastructure, or platform engineering.
• Active U.S. Security Clearance (TS/SCI) required.
• Expertise in Kubernetes architecture and production platform management.
• Proficiency in Infrastructure as Code (Terraform or similar).
• Strong Python skills and experience supporting distributed software teams.
• Familiarity with AWS (preferred), Azure, or GCP cloud services.
• Experience with monitoring tools (CloudWatch, Splunk, DataDog, New Relic).
• Understanding of networking (VPNs, NLB/ALB, HTTPS, TLS, CDN).
• Knowledge of containerized applications and serverless architecture.
• Experience designing and troubleshooting APIs, NoSQL/relational databases, and caching systems.
• CI/CD pipeline development (GitHub Actions preferred).
• Familiarity with Unix/Linux operating systems.
• Knowledge of cloud security best practices and IAM.
• Version control using Git and GitHub or similar tools.
• Strong troubleshooting and technical analysis skills.
• Independent self-starter with excellent time management.
• High standards for infrastructure quality, resilience, and maintainability.
• Effective communicator across engineering, program management, and customer teams.

Compensation for the Platform Engineer include:

• Salary Range: $120,000-180,000 **depending on experience**
• Full Benefits: Cigna Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, PTO, Sick Leave if required by law, and Holidays

Keywords:

Kubernetes, Terraform, Python, DevSecOps, Infrastructure as Code, AWS, Azure, GCP, CloudWatch, Splunk, DataDog, New Relic, VPN, TLS, CDN, CI/CD, GitHub Actions, Git, Linux, cloud security, IAM, containerized applications, serverless architecture, TS/SCI, platform engineering, hybrid work