Lead DevOps Engineer

STR; Dayton (OH); Hybrid; USD 173,000 - 216,000; Full time

Job summary

STR’s Analytics & C2 (AC2) Division seeks a Lead DevOps Engineer to guide software teams in designing, developing, and maintaining infrastructure and tooling for autonomous platforms. You will lead lifecycle activities from prototyping to deployment, focusing on mission planning systems, automated controls, and CI/CD pipelines.

The role requires 7+ years in DevOps, strong AWS/Kubernetes experience, and leadership in agile environments.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in DevOps/software engineering.
• Experience with GitLab CI/CD.
• Hands-on experience with AWS EKS, ECR, and EC2.
• Experience with containerization and Kubernetes.
• Proven ability to lead within agile teams through full lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Lead software teams to design, develop, and maintain infrastructure and tooling.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring across the lifecycle from prototypes to integrated systems.
• Develop software tools for mission planning, automated control processes, unmanned platforms, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Collaborate with internal leadership and customers on software product plans.

Skills

Leadership

DevOps practices

Agile development

Python scripting

GitLab CI/CD

AWS

Kubernetes

Docker

Helm

Rancher familiarity

Education

BS in Computer Science or related technical field

MS or PhD (preferred)

Tools

GitLab CI/CD

AWS EKS

AWS ECR

EC2

Kubernetes

Helm

Python

Rancher

Job description

STR’s Analytics & C2 (AC2) Division develops novel technologies to solve challenging national security problems through advanced analytics. Our team consists of passionate and motivated individuals with degrees in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, and data science. We use our expertise and creativity to develop and mature innovative ideas from conception to improve mission success of our customers.

The Collaborative Autonomy and Control (CAC) Group in the AC2 Division works to build software systems that solve critical problems in the areas of uncrewed system autonomy, multi-agent collaboration, resource management, and control. By leveraging expertise in machine learning, algorithms, model-predictive control, and software development we build tools that support tactical mission planning and execution, autonomous reasoning, and more.

The Role:

As a Lead DevOps Engineer, you will work asa leader ofsoftware teamsto design, develop, andmaintaininfrastructure and tooling to deploy software in operational use focused on advanced algorithms and software systems for autonomous platforms. You will provide technical leadership and mentoring on programs working throughout the software and system development lifecycle, from early prototypes to integrated systems. Your work will develop a diverse set of software tools and applications for mission planning systems, automated control processes, unmanned platforms, DevSecOps, and CI/CD pipelines. This position is based in Woburn, MA, Arlington, VA, or Dayton, OH, and will take advantage of STR’s flexible, hybrid environment – when the work does not require use of STR’s facilities, you are welcome to work remotely.

Who You Are:

• U.S. Citizen with
• BS in Computer Science or related technical field with 7+ years’ experience
• Experience with GitLab CI/CD
• Hands‑on experience with AWS EKS, ECR, and EC2
• Experience with containerization and Kubernetes
• Proficiency with Helm
• Scripting and automation with Python
• Proven ability to lead within agile teams through complete development lifecycle including task definition, delegation, and maintenance
• Demonstrated success driving industry best practices in areas such as code review, unit testing, test coverage, static analysis, etc., to ensure mature, high‑quality software products
• Comfortable working both with internal leadership and external customers in the development and execution of software product plans
• A demonstrated ability to adopt new languages, libraries, and technologies

Even Better:

• MS or PhD in Computer Science or related technical field
• Experience with the following:
• Experience building and maintaining CI/CD pipelines
• Familiarity with cloud‑native deployments on AWS and Rancher
• Experience troubleshooting containerized applications in integration and production environments
• Understanding of DevOps best practices for automation, deployment, and reliability
• Active TS Security Clearance. TS/SCI even better.

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $173,000 - $216,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.

STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, Carlsbad, CA, Atlanta, GA, and Denver, CO. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.

STRis committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.

STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at www.str.us for more info.

STRis an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at [e-mail] and provide your contact info.

Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.