Cloud and Kubernetes Engineer

Overview:
We are seeking a Senior Cloud & Kubernetes Engineer to support, optimize, and secure self-managed Kubernetes environments running on SIPRNet across VMware and Azure, hosted on RHEL servers within DISA. This role focuses on automation, security, Linux administration, and operational efficiency within a classified environment, ensuring mission-critical systems remain secure, scalable, and compliant with DoD security standards.
The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in Kubernetes, Linux (RHEL), DevSecOps, automation (Terraform, Ansible), and security best practices. Rather than architecting from scratch, the focus will be on maintaining, troubleshooting, automating, and optimizing existing infrastructure.
Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain and optimize self-managed Kubernetes clusters hosted on SIPRNet (VMware and Azure) running on RHEL servers.
• Manage and secure Linux environments (RHEL) for Kubernetes clusters and supporting workloads.
• Automate infrastructure deployments and configurations using Terraform, Ansible, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Ensure Kubernetes and RHEL security compliance by enforcing STIGs, SCCA, RBAC, IAM policies, and network segmentation.
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and resolve Kubernetes, RHEL, and cloud infrastructure issues to ensure high availability and performance.
• Enhance CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins, GitLab, and Nexus to support secure and efficient software delivery.
• Implement security best practices, including Zero Trust Architecture, encryption, and vulnerability scanning.
• Optimize cloud, Linux, and infrastructure performance with monitoring tools like Elastic/Kibana/Beats and Azure Monitor.
• Ensure compliance with DoD security frameworks, including STIGs, FedRAMP, and SCCA.
• Collaborate with DevSecOps, security, and operations teams to improve system reliability and security posture.

Required Qualifications:

• Strong experience managing self-managed Kubernetes clusters.
• Proficiency in Linux system administration, particularly RHEL (Red Hat Enterprise Linux).
• Experience securing and maintaining Linux-based Kubernetes clusters.
• Proficiency in Infrastructure-as-Code (Terraform, Ansible) for automated infrastructure management.
• Experience with Kubernetes administration, including RBAC, networking, and security policies.
• Hands-on experience with DevSecOps tools, such as Jenkins, GitLab, and Nexus.
• Knowledge of DoD security frameworks, including STIGs, FedRAMP, and SCCA.
• Ability to troubleshoot and optimize Kubernetes, Linux (RHEL), and cloud workloads for security, cost, and performance.
• Scripting experience with Bash, PowerShell, or Python for automation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with RHEL STIG compliance and security hardening.
• Experience securing Kubernetes environments, including network policies, encryption, and runtime security.
• Familiarity with cost optimization strategies for cloud and on-prem environments.
• Understanding of hybrid cloud integrations between VMware and Azure SIPR environments.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills in classified, high-security environments.

Additional Requirements:

• Active Secret Clearance and ability to work in a classified SIPRNet environment.
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Onsite work at Fort Meade, MD is required.