Lead Platform Engineer

GDIT is seeking a Lead Platform Engineer to support an exciting new position in our Defense division to lead the build, configuration, and sustainment of a Software Factory capability for the US Space Force. The Lead Platform Engineer will support several technical activities for this effort and should demonstrate capabilities and experience in these key focus areas below:  

• Lead the determination of guidelines and standards for deploying to an Azure Cloud infrastructure and Kubernetes environments.

• Lead and execute the standup and operation of multiple Kubernetes cluster environments in the Azure cloud in both Lab and classified production environments.

• Lead and execute the deployment and configuration of Jira, Confluence, GitLab and other DevSecOps tools to both virtual machine and Kubernetes cluster environments.

• Direct resources and assist in support of developing automation for building Virtual Machine Infrastructure as Code (IaC) pipelines using Packer, Ansible, and shell scripts.

• Lead and direct DevSecOps support to application support teams, and customers including developing automation, architectures and wikis that advance DevSecOps approaches and execution.

• Servant leadership as a DevSecOps architect, engineer, and coach for the DevSecOps team to evolve its abilities to become a higher performing team.

• Facilitate and provide expertise to teams to support both DevSecOps platform development and development teams in gaining maturity in maximizing delivering value to customers.

• Responsible for directing or performing sustainment activities such as monitoring, patching, upgrading, and vulnerability response & remediation for Kubernetes cluster nodes and platform applications.

MAJOR RESPONSIBLITIES AND DUTIES:

• Architecting and hands-on ability in maintaining and enhancing software / infrastructure as code (IaC) build, test, and deployment CI/CD pipelines.

• Deploy and manage Free and Open Source (FOSS) as well as vendor distribution Kubernetes clusters using Linux-based virtual machines deployed in an Azure cloud environment.

• Deploy and manage Jira, Confluence and GitLab to virtual machines hosted in Azure cloud environment.

• Using Helm, deploy, manage, and integrate multiple software (Harbor, SonarQube, Keycloak, Nexus, ArgoCD and others) titles to Kubernetes clusters to form the technical platform for a Software Factory delivery.

• Onboard user teams onto the Software Factory technical platform and assist with the development and integration of user application and infrastructure component software via automated pipelines.

• Lead and coordinate determining guidelines and standards for deploying to Azure Cloud infrastructure and Kubernetes environments, including defining system and application security requirements.

• Educate teams on adoption and support of DevSecOps practices and tooling.

• Utilize in-depth knowledge of the DevSecOps competencies to recommend innovations that enhance and/or provide a competitive advantage.

• Travel: Up to 25%

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:

• Successful candidate must be a US Citizen.

• DoD Secret Security Clearance; no conditions that would hinder obtaining/renewing Clearance.

• BA/BS Degree (or equivalent experience).

• 10+ years of DevOps/Cloud experience.

• Experience with managing and using Linux and Linux-based operating systems.

• Experience with Software Architecture, Engineering and Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) and/or DevOps related practices.

• Familiar/foundational in at least one programming or scripting language.

• Experience with Git version control.

• Experience with containerization build technologies and deployments for Kubernetes.

• Experience with Kubernetes Persistent Volumes / Volume Claims and use of Container Storage Interface plugin system in cloud environments (Azure-CSI, EBS-CSI, etc).

• Experience providing technical leadership for DevOps or cloud teams.

• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills in working with teams and customers in developing, implementing, and coaching DevSecOps processes.

• Proficiency with Agile lifecycle management (ALM) processes and tools.

• DoDM 8140 Certification / Security+

DESIRED EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:

• Exhibits a passion for DevSecOps techniques and technologies.

• Experience with Kubernetes, Helm and GitOps techniques.

• Experience with Gitlab and GitLab CI/CD Pipelines preferred.

• Experience with US Air Force Platform One’s Big Bang a plus.

• Experience with Security Scanning Tools: Anchore, OpenSCAP, Prisma (Twistlock).

• Knowledge of secure development and software supply chain security practices.

• Desire for continuous learning to remain current with related technology and practices.

• Ability to handle a dynamic work environment.

• Effective organization and time management skills.

• Takes individual initiative to follow industry thought leaders, maintain professional qualifications, and participate in company as well as global communities of interest.

• Must be detail oriented, critical thinker, possess excellent problem-solving skills.

• Desire for continuous improvement and a commitment to best practices.

WHAT GDIT CAN OFFER YOU:

• Full-flex work week.

• 401K with company match.

• Internal mobility team dedicated to helping you own your career.

• Collaborative teams of highly motivated critical thinkers and innovators.

• Ability to make a real impact on the world around you.