Senior Platform Engineer - TS/SCI Cleared...

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., 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

• 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.

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.