Platform Engineer Sr. - AWS / Airflow

Referrals Only; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Referrals Only is seeking a Senior Platform Engineer to design and optimize an AWS-centric platform that enables high-scale software delivery and reliable data workflows. You will focus on developer experience by building tools and processes using Harness CI/CD, GitHub, and modern IaC practices.

You will own critical components such as Terraform automation and MWAA, guiding architectural decisions and mentoring engineers while collaborating with data and software teams to ensure security,

Qualifications

• Experience designing scalable AWS platform infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and management of a secure, highly available, and scalable AWS platform infrastructure.
• Architect, maintain, and optimize automated CI/CD pipelines using Harness and GitHub for fast feedback loops, including data environments (dbt CI/CD and Apache Airflow/AWS MWAA).
• Manage and optimize containerized environments (Docker, Kubernetes, Amazon EKS) and drive IaC with Terraform.
• Ensure platform stability by troubleshooting complex issues and performing root cause analysis.
• Advance DevOps and GitOps practices while mentoring junior engineers and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Ownership

DevOps mindset

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

Terraform

MWAA

Airflow

Harness CI/CD

GitHub

Docker

Kubernetes

dbt CI/CD

Prometheus

Grafana

Datadog

NewRelic

Job description

As a Senior Platform Engineer, you will design, develop, and optimize the AWS-centric platform infrastructure that enables high-scale software delivery and reliable data workflows.

Your primary focus will be on enhancing the Developer Experience by creating and improving tools, systems, and processes using modern solutions like Harness CI/CD and GitHub.

You will collaborate closely with engineering and data teams, providing technical guidance and fostering best practices in automation, security, and scalability.

As a senior engineer, you will take ownership of critical platform components, including Terraform automation and Managed Workflows for Apache Airflow (MWAA), and contribute significantly to strategic decisions, ensuring alignment with both business and technical objectives.

Job responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and management of a secure, highly available, and scalable AWS platform infrastructure, proactively executing strategies to balance cost, reliability, and performance across all cloud services.
• Architect, maintain, and optimize automated CI/CD pipelines using Harness and GitHub for fast feedback loops, including designing robust deployment processes specifically for data environments (dbt CI/CD and Apache Airflow/AWS MWAA).
• Manage and optimize containerized environments (Docker, Kubernetes, Amazon EKS) and drive the adoption of Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using Terraform for scalable resource management and provisioning.
• Ensure platform stability by troubleshooting complex issues, performing detailed root cause analysis, and driving effective corrective actions.
• Advance DevOps and GitOps practices across the organization while mentoring junior engineers and providing technical guidance to cross‑functional teams.

Technical Skills

• Core AWS & Cloud Architecture: Solid background in structuring secure, highly scalable cloud architectures with a strict focus on AWS (including serverless, advanced networking, and best practices).
• Requires mastery of Amazon EKS, alongside advanced knowledge in performance tuning, cost optimization, and platform scaling.
• Data Orchestration & Workflows: Extensive hands‑on experience in managing and deploying complex data workflows, requiring deep knowledge of Apache Airflow, AWS MWAA, and dbt (Data Build Tool), including proven experience implementing dbt CI/CD pipelines.
• Automation, IaC & Delivery: Advanced proficiency in building Infrastructure as Code (IaC), primarily Terraform, combined with expertise in designing and integrating enterprise automation pipelines using Harness CI/CD and GitHub.
• Containers & Microservices: Deep technical understanding of containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and modern software ecosystems, including strong specialization in microservices architecture, RESTful APIs, and NoSQL databases.
• Coding & Observability: Strong foundation in programming and scripting languages (such as Python, Go, or Bash), coupled with expert‑level experience implementing observability and monitoring tools (e.g., Prometheus, Grafana, Datadog, NewRelic).

Professional Skills

• Exceptional communication skills, capable of influencing technical and non-technical stakeholders (including data engineering and development teams).
• Proven leadership and mentoring abilities within cross‑functional teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on innovative and sustainable solutions.
• Ability to take strategic ownership and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Proficiency in presenting technical recommendations with well‑reasoned arguments.

Learning & Development

There is no one‑size‑fits‑all career path at Thoughtworks: however you want to develop your career is entirely up to you. But we also balance autonomy with the strength of our cultivation culture. This means your career is supported by interactive tools, numerous development programs and teammates who want to help you grow. We see value in helping each other be our best and that extends to empowering our employees in their career journeys.

Responsible Use of AI in Recruitment

At Thoughtworks, we use AI tools to support our recruitment team with administrative tasks such as drafting communications, scheduling interviews and writing job descriptions.

Crucially, our AI tools do not screen, assess, rank or make hiring decisions. Every application is reviewed by our team and all selection decisions are made exclusively by our interviewers and hiring managers.

We are committed to fairness and responsible AI. We actively manage our AI systems by testing, monitoring for biased outcomes and implementing mitigation measures. We hold our third‑party vendors to these same high standards through a rigorous governance process. For additional information, please see our full Thoughtworks AI Policy for Recruitment .

EEO

Thoughtworks is an equal‑opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind and are dedicated to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, stermination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Thoughtworks is also an affirmative action employer of veterans and individuals with disabilities.

For additional information, please see the Thoughtworks, Inc. Equal Employment Opportunity & Affimative Action Policy Statement .

Applicants for employment in the US must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment in the United States.

Accommodations

Thoughtworks is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs, practices, or observances, in accordance with applicable law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, participate in interviews, or otherwise engage in the hiring process, you may request an accommodation by completing this form or speaking with your recruiter. Requests may be made at any stage of the application or interview process.

Once a request is received, Thoughtworks will engage in an interactive process with the applicant to determine an appropriate accommodation. Applicants are not required to disclose medical diagnoses or detailed personal information in order to request an accommodation. All accommodation requests will be handled in a timely, confidential, and respectful manner, consistent with applicable legal requirements.

Requesting an accommodation will not negatively affect your consideration for employment. Company prohibits retaliation against any applicant for requesting an accommodation or participating in the accommodation process. Accommodations made during the recruitment process are not a guarantee of future or continued accommodations once hired. If you are hired by Thoughtworks, and require an accommodation to perform the essential functions of your role, you may be asked to engage in our reasonable accommodation process.

As a technology consultancy, the projects we undertake are subject to change based on client needs and agreements. While we strive for consistency, please be aware that project scope or availability may shift, or projects may even be cancelled, during the recruitment and selection process, which is often outside of our direct control. Should the project related to this vacancy be significantly altered or cancelled, all impacted candidates will be promptly and duly informed of the change.

About Thoughtworks

Thoughtworks is a dynamic and inclusive community of bright and supportive colleagues who are revolutionizing tech. As a leading technology consultancy, we’re pushing boundaries through our purposeful and impactful work. For 30+ years, we’ve delivered extraordinary impact together with our clients by helping them solve complex business problems with technology as the differentiator. Bring your brilliant expertise and commitment for continuous learning to Thoughtworks. Together, let’s be extraordinary.

Benefits: https://www.thoughtworks.com/en-us/careers/benefits

The annual salary range posted is subject to many factors and may vary depending on experience, geographic location, job responsibilities, performance, skills and/or training.