DevOps Engineer (Clearance Required)

Location: Fort Meade, MD (On-Site)Clearance Required: Active Top Secret/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph (FSP); CI Polygraph within the last 7 years - must be active prior to startThe DevOps Engineer (Development Lead) provides a reliable, highly available platform that orchestrates the microservices of a modernized operational system using cutting-edge technologies. The contractor leads sprint planning and team tasking, drives infrastructure technical direction, and owns CI/CD pipeline management and cloud infrastructure cost optimization. This is a senior individual-contributor and team-lead role requiring strong Agile execution discipline, AWS architecture depth, and the ability to communicate and collaborate across engineering and program stakeholder communities.Key ResponsibilitiesAWS Infrastructure Architecture and IaCArchitect, build, and maintain AWS infrastructure including EC2, Lambda, S3, SNS, SQS, Event Bridge, Athena, and Step Functions using Terraform with auto-scalingDevelop Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and scripting to automate tasks, provision managed services, and build internal tooling using Python, Ansible, and TerraformApply AWS networking principles including VPCs, NAT gateways, and IP gateways to design secure, segmented environmentsEvaluate infrastructure costs iteratively; recommend and implement cost-savings measures to reduce AWS service spend and maintenance burdenContainerization and OrchestrationInstall, configure, performance-tune, and operate Kubernetes environments with focus on EKS, ECS, and/or FargateManage containerized workloads using Docker and Docker Compose across the microservices architectureTroubleshoot infrastructure issues and ensure system uptime and availability for mission-critical operational systemsCollaborate with development teams to optimize application performance and reliability in containerized environmentsCI/CD Pipeline ManagementDevelop and manage GitLab CI/CD pipelines to automate build, test, and deployment processesImplement and maintain Argo CD for GitOps-based continuous delivery workflowsTrack ticket execution and drive technical direction of infrastructure to align with program and product needsPerform high-level functional systems analysis, design, integration, documentation, cost analysis, and complex issue resolutionAgile Team Leadership and Sprint ExecutionDecompose sprint priorities and generate tickets aligned with internal team priorities and program objectivesManage team tasking and sprint workloads; keep the team on task and executing in an orchestrated mannerParticipate in all Agile ceremonies: sprint planning, stand-ups, refinement, reviews, and retrospectivesCommunicate and collaborate with engineers, product owners, and program stakeholders across the programQualificationsEducation: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in a related discipline, or equivalent combined education and experience (12 or more years of professional experience; or 10 years with a related Master's degree).Must Have (Required)Active TS/SCI clearance with Full Scope Polygraph (FSP) - must be active prior to startCI Polygraph within the last 7 years - must be active prior to startCurrent DoD 8140 (CWIP) certification - must be active prior to startExtensive experience architecting and managing AWS infrastructure using Terraform and IaC practicesStrong background in containerization and orchestration: Kubernetes (EKS, ECS, Fargate), Docker, Docker ComposeExperience developing and managing GitLab CI/CD pipelines and Argo CD GitOps workflowsProficiency in DevOps scripting languages: Python, Ansible, TerraformExperience performing high-level systems analysis, design, integration, documentation, and cost analysisExperience managing sprint workloads and driving team technical direction in an Agile environmentStrong communication and collaboration skills with engineers, product owners, and program stakeholdersNice To Have (2 Or More Of The Following)AWS services depth: EC2, Lambda, S3, SNS, SQS, Event Bridge, Athena, Step Functions with auto-scalingAWS networking: VPCs, NAT gateways, IP gateways, and network segmentation designGitLab CI/CD pipeline design and deployment automationApplication performance and reliability optimization in collaboration with development teamsInfrastructure troubleshooting and system uptime management for mission-critical environmentsKubernetes advanced operations with EKS, ECS, and/or Fargate focusCloud infrastructure cost optimization and AWS spend reduction strategiesYour recruiter will be happy to walk you through your U.S.-specific benefits, which include:Healthcare Coverage: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.Time Off and Leave Policies: Generous paid time off (PTO), paid company holidays, generous parental and family leave.Protective Insurances: Life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, and accident protection.Compensation and Rewards: Competitive salary structures, performance-based incentives, and merit-based compensation reviews.Retirement Plans: 401(k) plans with company matching.Please note that benefits may vary by region, department and role. We encourage you to speak with your recruiter to learn more about the specific benefits available for your position.About KrollJoin the global leader in risk and financial advisory solutions—Kroll. With a nearly century-long legacy, we blend trusted expertise with cutting-edge technology to navigate and redefine industry complexities. As a part of One Team, One Kroll, you'll contribute to a collaborative and empowering environment, propelling your career to new heights. Ready to build, protect, restore and maximize our clients’ value? Your journey begins with Kroll.In order to be considered for a position, you must formally apply via careers.kroll.com.We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants regardless of gender, gender identity, race, religion, color, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, age or disability.The current salary range for this position is $100,000 to $150,000