Kubernetes Engineer

Actalent; Manassas (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Kubernetes-focused platform engineer for a full-time, on-site role in Manassas, VA. You will package, deploy, and manage containerized apps across Kubernetes clusters in a secure air-gapped environment, working with program architects to meet security requirements.

You will build Helm charts, manage YAML deployments, and optimize CI workflows (GitLab CI). Strong Linux, scripting, and networking skills are essential to support Navy programs and internal platform environments.

Qualifications

• Proven Kubernetes deployment, integration and troubleshooting experience.
• Experience containerizing with Docker and/or Podman.
• Strong CLI troubleshooting and diagnostics on RHEL-based Linux systems.
• Bash and/or Python scripting for automation and tooling.
• Experience with CI pipelines; GitLab CI preferred.
• Ability to operate in air-gapped and non-cloud environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end container packaging, build, and deployment into Kubernetes, focusing on air-gapped systems.
• Evaluate, research, and vet containerization and platform tooling to meet security requirements.
• Partner with architects to integrate microservices and legacy apps into Kubernetes platforms.
• Develop and manage Helm charts for packaging and deploying apps into clusters.
• Configure deployments using YAML manifests and CI tooling, favoring GitLab CI.
• Troubleshoot Kubernetes environments using CLI, pods, clusters, and logs.
• Build container images using Docker and/or Podman for production.
• Work across RHEL 9 Linux systems with strong CLI administration.
• Contribute to non-cloud PaaS-style platform environments design and support.
• Support deployments across subnets and VLANs for reliable connectivity.

Skills

Kubernetes

Docker/Podman

RHEL Linux

Bash/Python

GitLab CI

Air-gapped environments

Networking

Tools

Make

CMake

Gradle

Job description

This role focuses on Kubernetes-based platform engineering to support Navy programs within a highly secure, air-gapped environment. This is a full time role that offers benefits and PTO. Position is onsite, with a 4/10 work schedule (off every Friday). You will specialize in packaging, integrating, and deploying containerized applications across Kubernetes clusters, working primarily in a Linux ecosystem. Acting as a subject matter expert in containerization, you will collaborate closely with program architects to evaluate tools, onboard solutions, and operationalize Kubernetes deployments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end container packaging, build, and deployment processes into Kubernetes environments, with an emphasis on air-gapped systems.
• Evaluate, research, and vet containerization and platform tooling solutions to ensure they meet program and security requirements.
• Partner with architects to integrate microservices and legacy applications into Kubernetes-based platforms.
• Develop and manage Helm charts for packaging, versioning, and deploying applications into Kubernetes clusters.
• Configure and manage deployments using YAML manifests and CI tooling, with a preference for GitLab CI.
• Troubleshoot Kubernetes environments using command-line diagnostics, including pods, clusters, and log analysis.
• Build and optimize container images using Docker and/or Podman for production-grade environments.
• Work across RHEL 9 Linux systems, applying strong command-line expertise for administration and troubleshooting.
• Contribute to the design and support of internal, non-cloud, PaaS-style platform environments.
• Support deployment activities across networked environments, including subnets and VLANs, ensuring reliable connectivity and performance.

Essential Skills

• Active Secret clearance.
• Strong hands-on experience with Kubernetes, including deployment, integration, and troubleshooting.
• Deep experience with containerization using Docker and/or Podman.
• Proven expertise with RHEL-based Linux systems, including CLI troubleshooting and system diagnostics.
• Experience with Bash and/or Python scripting for automation and tooling.
• Experience working with CI pipelines, with GitLab CI preferred.
• Ability to work effectively in air-gapped and non-cloud environments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Familiarity with Make, CMake, and Gradle build systems.
• Understanding of networking concepts such as VLANs, subnets, and connectivity troubleshooting.
• Experience supporting internal platform or PaaS environments.
• Exposure to C++ applications at the integration level.Experience debugging system-level issues, including components such as systemd.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Manassas, VA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $85.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Manassas,VA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Oct 5, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.