Kubernetes Engineer (Top Secret w/SCI and SAP eligibility)

AMERICAN SYSTEMS; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is seeking a Kubernetes Engineer to stand up and manage a Red Hat–based cluster, ensuring secure deployment and lifecycle administration across the environment.

You will design, deploy, benchmark, and optimize containerized workloads, collaborate with developers, and implement STIGs/JSIG in alignment with government standards. The role requires 2–3 years of Kubernetes experience, KCNA/CKA desirable, and a solid Linux background, with a Top Secret clearance and U.S. citizenship.

Qualifications

• Active TOP SECRET clearance with SCI eligibility is required.
• U.S. Citizenship required for security clearance.
• Minimum 2–3 years deploying and managing Kubernetes environments.
• Kubernetes and cloud native certifications preferred (KCNA/CKA).
• Solid Linux background and scripting (Bash, Python, or Perl).
• Familiarity with Ansible and Red Hat ecosystems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, management, and administration of Kubernetes environment.
• Configure deployments to meet STIGs and JSIG requirements.
• Manage Red Hat Linux systems in development/scientific computing settings.
• Recommend and implement Kubernetes cluster scaling and workload distribution.
• Assist users with containerization best practices and scalable deployments.
• Deploy support apps on Kubernetes (e.g., Red Hat IDM, GitLab, Mattermost).
• Troubleshoot Kubernetes performance issues and optimize storage usage.

Skills

Kubernetes

Linux administration

Cloud Native / KCNA

BASH / Python scripting

Red Hat administration

Security clearance (TOP SECRET)

Tools

KCNA Certification

CKA Certification

RHCSA

Ansible

PostgreSQL

Job description

Overview

AMERICAN SYSTEMSis an employee-owned federal government contractor supporting national priority programs through our strategic solutions in the areas of Information Technology, Engineering & Analysis, Test & Evaluation, and Training.

Responsibilities

The Kubernetes Engineer will be standing up an enclave which will be a Red Hat environment utilizing Kubernetes for deploying and managing applications. They will be responsible for standing up the Kubernetes environment as well as the management/administration of the environment over the lifecycle. This person should also have experience in Red Hat administration.

As a Kubernetes Engineer with AMERICAN SYSTEMS you will have the opportunity to do the following:

• Design, Management, and Administration of Kubernetes environment
• ConfigureKubernetes deploymentsin order to meet relevant STIGs and the JSIG
• Manage Red Had Linux systems in a software development or scientific computing environment
• Recommend and implement Kubernetes cluster, to include utilization, number of workloads, etc.
• Work with users to recommend containerizationbest practices for their workloads
• Assist users in deployment of containerized workloads onto Kubernetes in scalable manners
• Deploy support system applications onto Kubernetes like Red Hat IDM
• Deploy highly utilized software onto Kubernetes in highly available manners like GitLab, and chat applications like Mattermost
• Troubleshoot Kubernetes performance Issues
• Develop example Kubernetes deployment packages, as well as container build pipelines
• Assist with software selection for Kubernetes and container relevant workloads
• Assist with the administration of container artifact management
• Recommend and implement best practices for Kubernetes storage utilization.

Qualifications

• Active TOP SECRET clearance with SCI eligibility
• U.S. Citizenship Required for the purposes of obtaining/holding a U.S. security clearance.
• Minimum of 2-3 years in deploying and managing Kubernetes environment.
• No bachelor degree required. Experience (technical skills) is more critical.
• Kubernetes and Cloud Native Associate (KCNA) Certification
• Solid Linux background
• Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) is highly desired but not required
• Familiarization with Ansible, PostgreSQL, Scripting (BASH, Python, or Perl)
• CompTIA Linux+, Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) is a plus

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Pay Transparency Statement

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is committed to pay transparency for our applicants and employee-owners. The salary range for this position is USD $120,000.00/Yr. - USD $150,000/Yr. Actual compensation will be determined based on several factors permitted by law. AMERICAN SYSTEMS provides for the welfare of its employees and their dependents through a comprehensive benefits program by offering healthcare benefits, paid leave, retirement plans, insurance programs, and education and training assistance.

EEO Statement

EEO Race/Sex/Disability Status/Veteran Status