Cloud Platform Engineer

Northstrat Incorporated; San Antonio (TX); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible benefits program (IBA)

Profit sharing plan

Lifelong learning funds

Non-mandated hours, 8-hour avg per day

Job summary

Northstrat is seeking a Cloud Platform Engineer to design, build, and optimize cloud infrastructure in a hybrid setting. You will develop software components using Python or Go, with a strong Linux foundation, and integrate open-source code to solve complex problems using modern Big Data/Cloud tech.

The role blends independent work with collaboration across a skilled team. You will work across AWS-based platforms, Kubernetes, and container tooling while contributing to broader strategic goals

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or higher with relevant work experience.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement core architecture for software from prototype to production.
• Work autonomously to identify and solve problems and align with team architects.
• Integrate open-source components and address complex cloud/big data challenges.

Skills

Python

Go

Linux

Shell scripting

Kubernetes

Docker

Ansible

AWS

CI/CD

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's in related field

Master's in related field

High school diploma with 9 years experience

Tools

Kubernetes

Docker

Helm

Kustomize

Flux CD

Ansible

Puppet

GitLab CI

Jenkins

Job description

Northstratis is seeking a Cloud Platform Engineer with experience in Cloud technology (AWS), programming skills in languages such as Python or Go, and a strong Linux foundation. The role involves developing custom software components and integrating open-source code to address complex problems using cutting‑edge Big Data/Cloud technology. The candidate will work autonomously, identifying and solving problems quickly while contributing to broader strategic goals set by the team’s architects. Work is performed in a hybrid environment with a great team.

• The ideal candidate is a strong systems integrator with an eye for opportunities to enhance, optimize, or increase robustness of an existing code base.
• Experience with infrastructure as code and the ability to leverage modern tools to define, build, and manage virtual infrastructure in the cloud.
• Design and implement core architecture and capabilities for software from prototype to operational applications. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship required; a current U.S. Government Security clearance is not required on day 1 but will be processed for one. Candidates with current Secret or TS level clearance are considered.
• Must have 5+ years of experience in Platform Engineering or Software Development (Python or Go) with a Bachelor’s in a related field; OR 3 years relevant experience with a Master’s in a related field; OR high school diploma or equivalent and 9 years relevant experience.
• Experience with OS deployment and orchestration (kickstart, Ansible, Puppet, etc.).
• Experience with deploying and managing Kubernetes (or vendor‑flavor clouds).
• Experience with container build tooling (Docker/Podman) and Kubernetes automation tools (Helm, Kustomize, Flux CD, etc.).
• Programming skills in Python or Go.
• Solid understanding of Linux systems, hosts, networks, security, applications, and proficiency in shell scripting (Shell/Bash).
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to identify and troubleshoot complex issues.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in a hybrid environment, spending an average of 1–2 days per week at our Columbia, MD or San Antonio office. Flexibility is essential to adapt to schedule changes as needed.
• If working from the Columbia, MD office, willingness to travel to San Antonio, TX on average 3–4 days every three months.

Preferred Requirements

• Current Secret or TS/SCI level security clearance preferred.
• Experience with OS and container hardening (STIGs, CIS benchmarks, PCI compliance, etc.).
• Experience developing and deploying infrastructure in AWS.
• Experience writing automation in CI/CD pipelines (GitLab‑CI, Travis‑CI, Jenkins, etc.).
• Understanding of agile software development methodologies and use of standard software development tool suites (JIRA, Confluence, GitHub, GitLab, etc.).
• Experience with Puppet, Ansible, Maven, virtualization (OVirt, Proxmox, VMware, etc.).
• Prior experience or familiarity with DISA’s Big Data Platform or other Big Data systems (e.g. Cloudera CDH Hadoop, MapR Hadoop, Databricks, Apache Spark, etc.) is a plus.
• DoD 8140/8570 IAT Level II compliance certifications may be required in this position as directed by the customer.

Benefits

Northstrat values true work‑life balance. We offer power‑of‑choice benefits designed to best meet the needs of you and your lifestyle. Our benefits programs support and encourage wellness, healthy living, retirement investment, and lifetime learning.

Pay Range

Salary is influenced by factors such as geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Competitive compensation, benefits, and professional development opportunities are offered. Please refer to our benefits section for additional details.

Flex Time

Northstrat does not mandate specific working hours. Although project requirements may dictate schedules, a Northstrat employee is only required to work an average of 8 hours per weekday over the course of a month.

Individual Benefits Account (IBA)

The IBA provides flexible benefits that allow employees to select a package that best suits their needs. IBA benefits accrue each month in the amount equivalent to 50% of the employee’s monthly compensation rate.

Profit Sharing Plan (PSP)

The PSP is a qualified retirement plan that Northstrat funds quarterly on the employee’s behalf through the IBA in an amount equivalent to 25% (up to the IRS contribution limit) of the employee’s compensation.

Lifelong Learning

Our culture promotes and nurtures a growth environment. Employees can use IBA funds for reimbursement of work‑related education expenses, continually growing their skills and abilities.

Join Our Talented Team

Since 2021, The Washington Post has recognized Northstrat as one of its "Top Workplaces". We value each employee and offer referral incentives.

Northstrat is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or other legally protected status.