Senior Platform Engineer

We are seeking a Senior Platform Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and maintenance of our secure DevSecOps platform infrastructure supporting mission-critical government systems. This role combines advanced DevOps practices with platform engineering expertise to build automated, secure, and scalable cloud-native infrastructure. The ideal candidate will define build, deployment, and monitoring standards while providing Tier 4 platform support and technical leadership to ensure our infrastructure meets DoD compliance and Risk Management Framework (RMF) requirements. This position works directly with the platform team and serves as a bridge between development teams, security teams, and cloud operations. Candidate must possess an active TS/SCI.

Why Work with us?

Applied Research Solutions (ARS) is respected as a world-class provider of technically integrated solutions as we deliver premier talent and technology across our focused markets for unparalleled, continuous mission support.Awarded a Best Places to Work nominee since 2020, ARS recognizes that without our career- driven, loyal professionals, we would not be able to deliver state-of-the-art results for our mission partners. We firmly believe that prioritizing our employees is of the upmost importance. We provide a culture where our employees are challenged to meet their career goals and aspirations, while still obtaining a work/life balance. ARS employees are motivated through our industry competitive benefits package, our awards and recognition program, and personalized attention from ARS Senior Managers.

Responsibilities include:

DevSecOps Pipeline Development and Automation

• Design, implement, and maintain automated and secure DevSecOps pipelines with integrated security controls throughout the software delivery lifecycle
• Assist developers in building, scanning, and testing systems through automated pipeline integration and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) processes
• Develop DevSecOps tools and techniques to construct comprehensive automated deployment workflows
• Design and document best practices for DevSecOps actions and ensure team adherence to established standards
• Define and implement build, deployment, and monitoring standards for the organization

Infrastructure as Code and Cloud Management

• Automate deployment and maintenance of solutions across multiple Azure cloud instances using Terraform, ARM/Bicep, and other IaC tooling based on guidance from System Architects
• Implement infrastructure consistency and repeatability through automated processes that ensure reliable and predictable deployments
• Develop automated deployment solutions in accordance with guidelines set by Lead Architects
• Collaborate with Cloud Ops/VDI Team to optimize cloud resource utilization, performance, and cost management through automated solutions
• Develop and automate system failover, high availability, and application deployment/upgrade availability models
• Ensure infrastructure deployments comply with security requirements and organizational standards through automated validation

Security Integration and Compliance

• Incorporate security controls and automated security scans to conform to Risk Management Framework (RMF) security requirements
• Ensure cybersecurity functions, performance, and characteristics are incorporated into system deployments and validated according to DoD and USAF policy
• Integrate automated security scanning, vulnerability assessment, and compliance checking throughout deployment pipelines
• Collaborate with Cyber/ATO team on security control implementation and continuous compliance monitoring
• Maintain familiarity with RMF/DIACAP accreditation processes and ensure pipeline compliance
• Ensure cybersecurity documentation completion in accordance with DoD and USAF policy
• Integrate security compliance into automated infrastructure provisioning and management

Container and Orchestration Security Management

• Manage containerization strategies using Docker and Azure Kubernetes Services with integrated security controls
• Implement container security scanning, image vulnerability management, and secure container lifecycle processes
• Configure and optimize container orchestration for security, scalability, and performance
• Ensure container security best practices and automated vulnerability remediation
• Support development teams with secure containerization guidance and troubleshooting
• Maintain cybersecurity performance and functions across infrastructure components

Monitoring, Reporting, and Observability

• Work with development teams to develop monitoring and reporting capabilities using Azure Monitor and other observability tools to allow developers, testers, and stakeholders to observe system availability and performance
• Establish security and performance baselines with automated alerting for compliance and operational health
• Implement automated monitoring solutions for deployment pipeline health and security compliance

Platform Support and Leadership

• Provide Tier 4 support for the platform, resolving complex technical issues and serving as escalation point
• Work as part of an Agile development team to ensure that the organization's data, network, and IT infrastructure are safe and free from security threats
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to platform engineers and development teams
• Other duties as assigned

Technical Experience & Qualifications

• Must be a US Citizen
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related technical field
• Experience: Minimum 7 years of professional experience in DevOps, platform engineering, or infrastructure automation
• Clearance: Active TS/SCI
• Cloud Platforms: Advanced hands-on experience with Azure cloud services and architecture; AWS experience is a plus
• Infrastructure as Code: Expert proficiency with Terraform, ARM templates, Bicep, or similar IaC tools
• CI/CD Pipelines: Extensive experience designing and implementing automated CI/CD pipelines with integrated security controls
• Containerization: Strong experience with Docker, Azure Kubernetes Services (AKS), and container orchestration platforms
• Security & Compliance: Deep understanding of DevSecOps practices, RMF/DIACAP processes, and DoD/USAF security requirements
• Automation: Proven track record of automating infrastructure deployment, configuration management, and operational processes
• Scripting: Proficiency in scripting languages (PowerShell, Python, Bash) for automation and tooling development
• Version Control: Advanced Git experience with branching strategies and workflow management
• Monitoring & Observability: Experience with Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, or similar monitoring and observability platforms
• Container Security: Knowledge of container security scanning tools, vulnerability management, and secure image lifecycle
• Agile Methodologies: Experience working in Agile development environments and collaborating with cross-functional teams
• Problem-Solving: Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex infrastructure and platform issues at Tier 4 level

All positions at Applied Research Solutions are subject to background investigations. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history and identity check.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability, and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans, and requires affirmative action by covered contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans.