Kubernetes Architect

Apply now: Kubernetes Architect, location is Hybrid/Remote. The start date is July 2026 for this 12-month contract position.Job Title: Kubernetes ArchitectLocation-Type: Hybrid/Remote (3 days onsite in Herndon, VA)Start Date Is: July 6 or July 13, 2026Duration: 12-Month Contract (Opportunity to Extend or Convert)Compensation Range: $60/hr - $75/hr W2​Benefits: Eligible for Health, Dental, Vision, 401KMust be authorized to work in the U.S. This position is not eligible for sponsorship.Job Description:Seeking a Kubernetes Architect to lead platform architecture, SDLC documentation, and cloud modernization initiatives while serving as a technical SME across Kubernetes, containerization, cloud platforms, and secure software delivery practices.Day-to-Day Responsibilities:Design, architect, and optimize Kubernetes-based platforms across cloud environmentsBuild, harden, and prototype containerized application solutionsDocument end-to-end SDLC processes, deployment workflows, and platform standardsConduct technical assessments, architecture reviews, and proof-of-concept initiativesDevelop architecture diagrams, runbooks, implementation guides, and technical standardsCollaborate with engineering, security, compliance, and operations teamsPresent technical findings and recommendations to both technical and executive audiencesImprove CI/CD pipelines with a focus on reliability, security, and complianceSupport monitoring, observability, and signal management initiativesEstablish platform best practices across cloud-native environmentsMinimum Requirements:7-10+ years of relevant platform, cloud, or infrastructure experienceStrong hands-on Kubernetes experience in production environmentsContainerization expertise using Docker and related technologiesExperience designing solutions across AWS, Azure, and/or GCPDeep understanding of the full SDLC, including CI/CD, testing, version control, and release managementExperience creating architecture documentation, diagrams, runbooks, and standardsStrong understanding of cloud networking, IAM, security, storage, and compute servicesExcellent written and verbal communication skillsAbility to communicate complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholdersBachelor's degree required for conversion to full-time employmentPreferred Qualifications:FedRAMP, government, defense, or regulated environment experienceContainer hardening, image scanning, SBOMs, policy enforcement, or compliance experienceMonitoring, observability, and signal management expertiseInfrastructure as Code experience with Terraform, Helm, or AnsibleService mesh, secrets management, or cloud-native platform experienceExperience mentoring engineers and driving platform standardsExperience supporting reliability, security, and compliance-focused delivery pipelines