Principal Platform Engineer

Clarity Innovations is a trusted national security partner, dedicated to safeguarding our nation's interests and delivering innovative solutions that empower the Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DoD) to transform data into actionable intelligence, ensuring mission success in an evolving world.Our mission-first software and data engineering platform modernizes data operations, utilizing advanced workflows, CI/CD, and secure DevSecOps practices. We focus on challenges in Information Warfare, Cyber Operations, Operational Security, and Data Structuring, enabling end-to-end solutions that drive operational impact.We are committed to delivering cutting-edge tools and capabilities that address the most complex national security challenges, empowering our partners to stay ahead of emerging threats and ensuring the success of their critical missions. At Clarity, we are people-focused and set on being a destination employer for top talent, offering an environment where innovation thrives, careers grow, and individuals are valued. Join us as we continue to lead innovation and tackle the most pressing challenges in national security.Position OverviewThe Senior Platform Engineer position is part of a dynamic team at the forefront of implementing infrastructure designs to support the next generation of cyberspace operations. This role presents unique opportunities, such as regular customer interaction to iterate, streamline, and multiply platform capabilities to meet customer objectives of broad deployment and exceptional flexibility. In this role, you will contribute to implementing a platform that simplifies complex infrastructure management across cloud-native and on-premises environments. Your work will involve scalable systems architecture, implementing GitOps workflows for version-controlled and automated operations, and designing declarative interfaces to create tools and processes that bridge the gap between development and operations while enhancing productivity and reliability in diverse infrastructure settings.Key ResponsibilitiesParticipate and lead design and architecture of cloud-based systemsDesign, develop, and maintain CI/CD pipelines to streamline code deploymentsDeploy, manage, and maintain Kubernetes clusters across development, staging, and production environmentsMonitor and optimize workloads running in Kubernetes, using tools like Helm for package management and deploying microservices at scaleCreate and manage infrastructure using tools such as Terraform, Crossplane, CloudFormation, or AnsibleImplement networking policies, load balancing, and service discovery within KubernetesUsing tools like Istio Service MeshImplement and monitor system performance, availability, and security using tools like Prometheus and GrafanaDeploy and maintain cloud infrastructure on platforms like AWS and AzureManage environments and configurations with tools like Docker, Kubernetes, Helm, and KustomizeFacilitate delivery and deployment of operational capabilitiesEnsure compliance and implement best practices for infrastructure security, including identity management, encryption, and backup policiesCreate and maintain comprehensive documentation of infrastructure, processes, and policiesPromote DevOps practices across teams to enhance agility, reliability, and performanceContribute to sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and retrospectives in an Agile environmentStay updated with the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices to keep our solutions cutting-edgeTroubleshoot and resolve production incidents, minimizing downtime and ensuring system reliabilityQualificationsCurrent TOP SECRET security clearanceBachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, IT, or a related technical discipline. (Degree requirement can be met with four years of hands-on experience in a DevOps Engineering or similar full-time position)Hands-on experience managing Kubernetes clusters in production environmentsExperience working with Helm charts for packaging applicationsExtensive experience designing and implementing solutions on Microsoft Azure or Amazon Web ServicesAbility to collaborate as a team but execute independentlyThrives in a high-trust, adaptable team environmentExperience leading the design of new capabilitiesStrong experience with CI/CD tools like GitLab CI, Jenkins, Github ActionsExperience with CI/CD GitOps based deploymentsProficient in containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Podman)Proficient in Linux-based development environments (e.g., Ubuntu, RedHat Enterprise Linux, or derivatives)Experience with source code management tools like GitHub or GitLabUnderstanding of Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) tools (Terraform preferred)Proficient with container orchestration using KubernetesExperience with monitoring tools like Prometheus, Grafana, or ELK for Kubernetes environmentsPreferred QualificationsCurrent TOP SECRET security clearance with SCI eligibility and CI polygraph or higherExperience in the Cyber Operations DomainFamiliarity with Istio for service mesh managementExperience with Kubernetes operators and custom resource definitions (CRDs)Knowledge of DevSecOps practices and integrating security tools with KubernetesExposure to cloud-native development and serverless solutions (e.g., AWS Lambda)Familiarity with Agile development practices and the Scaled Agile FrameworkFamiliarity with Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) utilitiesExperience with VPN technologies such as IPSec, Nebula, OpenVPN, or WireguardLocation and ClearanceThis is a hybrid position with an expected 2-3 days onsite on an "as needed" basis with no minimum required time. Clarity Innovations strives to set consistent expectations and ensure a flexible and healthy work-life balance, but due to the position's nature and emergent customer needs, some weeks may exceed 2-3 days and others may require no onsite work.This position is available in both Herndon, VA or Columbia, MD, and will require a counterintelligence polygraph within six months after hire. Candidates desiring to be based out of Fort Meade will require a counterintelligence polygraph prior to hiring.