Kubernetes Architect

Leidos; United States; Remote; USD 131,000 - 237,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a highly qualified Secret-cleared Kubernetes Architect for the C2/BM space to design and implement scalable, secure Kubernetes-based solutions across ABMS DI Processing Node. You will join an IPT with program managers and government partners to deliver rapid prototypes and operational capabilities for DoD missions.

The role requires deep Kubernetes expertise (RKE2 or similar), DevSecOps practices, on-prem deployments, and strong communication skills to influence diverse teams.

Qualifications

• Active Secret security clearance with ability to obtain Top Secret.
• 12–15 years of relevant experience or 10–13 years with a Masters.
• Deep expertise with enterprise Kubernetes distributions (RKE2 or similar).
• Hands-on Kubernetes architecture experience (control plane, nodes, scheduling, networking, storage, security).
• Strong DevSecOps, CI/CD, automation, and container security practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; able to explain complex concepts.
• Willingness to travel ~10% and work with DoD stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Architect, build and manage end-to-end prototype lifecycle from design to documentation.
• Identify material requirements (hardware, software, staffing).
• Ensure prototypes are validated by Solutions Architect and Engineering Leads.
• Serve as Kubernetes SME providing architectural guidance and leadership.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity, infrastructure, networking and development teams for secure operations.

Skills

Kubernetes architecture

DevSecOps

CI/CD pipelines

Automation frameworks

Container security

Troubleshooting

Communication

Education

BS degree in a technical field

MS degree

Doctorate (optional)

Tools

RKE2

Harvester

Rancher

Helm

ArgoCD

GitOps

Istio

Prometheus

Grafana

Job description

Unleash your talents at Leidos! Grow and advance rapidly in your career by letting Leidos challenge you with world toughest technical problems. Leidos has an opening for a highly qualified Secret cleared Kubernetes Architect for the Command, Control & Battle Management (C2/BM) Business Area. This is an exciting opportunity to bring your experience to support across all-domain large-scale weapon systems, Information Technology Systems, and Command and Control Systems to realize the Department of Defense Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2). In this role you will support an Integrated Product Team (IPT) for the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) Digital Infrastructure (DI) Processing Node (PN) to design and implement solutions that can be delivered at speed, scale, and with the necessary security to deliver operational advantages to the joint warfighter. ABMS is a top modernization priority for the Department of the Air Force and will be the backbone of a network-centric approach to battle management in partnership with all the services across JADC2. This position will work closely with Program Managers, other domain engineers, and Government counterparts across Government and Industry partners. The Kubernetes Architect must be able to travel 10% of the time.

Primary responsibilities

• Architect, build and manage end-to-end prototype lifecycle, from conceptual design and lab setup to software configuration, troubleshooting, and final documentation.
• Identifies material requirements (hardware, software, supplemental staffing, etc.).
• Ensures finalized thin-line prototype are validated by the Solution Architect and Engineering Leads.
• Serve as a Kubernetes Subject Matter Expert (SME) providing architectural guidance, technical leadership and best practices to engineering teams.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity, infrastructure, networking and development teams to ensure secure and compliant platform operations.

Required Qualifications

• BS degree and 12 – 15 years of prior relevant experience or Masters with 10 – 13 years of prior relevant experience.
• May possess a Doctorate in technical domain.
• Active Secret security clearance, with ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance.
• Must be able and willing and travel 10% of the time.
• Deep expertise with enterprise Kubernetes distributions such as RKE2 or similar production‑grade platforms.
• Hands‑on experience with Kubernetes architecture, including control plane components, worker node design, scheduling, networking, storage and security.
• Strong understanding of DevSecOps methodologies, CI/CD pipelines, automation frameworks and container security best practices.
• Strong troubleshooting, performance optimization and platform reliability engineering skills.
• Experience deploying Kubernetes on-prem, preferably Harvester.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Curious self‑starter that can excel in a prototyping environment to turn customer desire into executable solution candidates.
• Must be able to consider cost, schedule, technology, and risks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Rancher, Helm, ArgoCD, GitOps workflows, Istio or service mesh technologies, Prometheus/Grafana.
• Familiar with Zero Trust Architecture.
• Experience designing, implementing and support Kubernetes in DDIL environments.

DABAOPP1 If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting: May 27, 2026 For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above. Pay Range: Pay Range $131,300.00 - $237,350.00 The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law. Leidos Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $17.2 billion for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2026. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com. Pay and Benefits Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available here. Securing Your Data Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information at any part of the employment application process. And Leidos will communicate with you only through emails that are sent from a Leidos.com email address. If you receive an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information, please report the email to [e-mail]. Commitment and Diversity All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.