Platform Site Lead - Forward Deployed Engineer

clarityinnovates; Maryland; On-site; USD 120,000 - 352,000; Full time

Job summary

Clarity Innovations is seeking a customer-site lead to provide technical platform engineering and infrastructure stability for high‑complexity cyber operations.

You will manage live Linux systems, identity integrations, Go/Python development, Terraform automation, Docker builds, network debugging, and deployment of AI/LLM tooling into operational workflows. Learn and adopt new best practices weekly to ensure mission success.

Qualifications

• Linux systems and CLI troubleshooting.
• Infrastructure as Code with Terraform/HCL.
• Go and Python systems development.
• Networking and packet analysis (TCP/IP, routing).
• Containers and CI/CD (Docker, GitLab).

Responsibilities

• Serve as site lead, coordinating a multi‑functional team.
• Provide technical platform engineering and infrastructure stability.
• Architect and implement Terraform automation and AI tooling into workflows.
• Mentor staff and drive best practices within the team.

Skills

Linux systems

CLI troubleshooting

Terraform

Go development

Python development

Networking

WireGuard

Docker

CI/CD

GitLab

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Terraform

HCL

Docker

GitLab

WireGuard

Job description

Clarity Innovations is a trusted national security partner, dedicated to safeguarding our nation's interests and delivering innovative solutions that empower the Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DoD) to transform data into actionable intelligence, ensuring mission success in an evolving world.

Our mission‑first software and data engineering platform modernizes data operations, utilizing advanced workflows, CI/CD, and secure DevSecOps practices. We focus on challenges in Information Warfare, Cyber Operations, Operational Security, and Data Structuring, enabling end‑to‑end solutions that drive operational impact.

We are committed to delivering cutting‑edge tools and capabilities that address the most complex national security challenges, empowering our partners to stay ahead of emerging threats and ensuring the success of their critical missions. At Clarity, we are people‑focused and set on being a destination employer for top talent, offering an environment where innovation thrives, careers grow, and individuals are valued. Join us as we continue to lead innovation and tackle the most pressing challenges in national security.

Position Summary

Serve as the customer site lead providing technical platform engineering and infrastructure stability supporting high‑complexity cyber operations. You will be responsible for live Linux system triage, identity management integration (Authentik), Go/Python development, Terraform infrastructure automation, Docker builds, network/routing debugging (WireGuard, packet analysis), and deploying emerging AI/LLM tooling directly into operational workflows. No two days are alike and you will be expected to learn new best practices weekly and do what is required to make mission happen.

Role Expectations

Serves as the site lead representing Clarity and leading a multi‑functional team.

Typically requires a University Degree (BA/BS) or equivalent experience and minimum 10 years of relevant experience.

Leads a technical capability team and contributes to the development and advancement of domain expertise within the organization.

Guides technical practices, standards, and workforce development within a specific capability area.

Provides technical leadership to engineers and specialists while also contributing as an individual technical expert when needed.

Supports capability improvements and helps implement technical strategies aligned with mission needs.

Typically supervises experienced technical staff within a capability area.

Contract Specific Qualifications

• Linux Systems & CLI Troubleshooting
• Infrastructure as Code (Terraform / HCL)
• Go & Python Systems Development
• Networking & Packet Analysis (TCP/IP, Routing, WireGuard)
• Containerization & CI/CD (Docker, GitLab)

Nice to Haves

• Technical team management
• Security engineering fundamentals (PKI, x509 certificates, least privilege, threat modeling)
• Reverse engineering / vulnerability research basics (debuggers, disassemblers, binary tracing)
• Kubernetes cluster deployment and pod networking
• Distributed system resilience (retries, idempotency, failure domain handling)
• Automated testing harnesses (integration, regression, and system harness development)

Salary Range: $120,000 - $352,000

Pay Range

The posted pay range reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position and is provided to give candidates a general understanding of the compensation opportunity. The actual salary offered will be determined based on the requirements of the position and a variety of job‑related factors, which may include geographic location, applicable Federal Government contract labor categories and wage rates, relevant experience, skills and competencies, education, certifications, and the scope and responsibilities of the role.

Because this position may be performed in multiple locations and may be subject to different contract requirements, the salary ultimately offered may vary based on the applicable location and contract. The posted range is not a guarantee of a specific starting salary or an indication that an offer will be made at any particular point within the range.

Total Rewards

In addition to competitive base pay, Clarity provides a Total Rewards package designed to attract and retain exceptional professionals committed to excellence. Our benefits reflect the value we place on skilled individuals who drive our impact in critical digital missions.

At Clarity, a career means joining a high‑performing team advancing vital work in the digital landscape. We encourage you to consider the total value of joining us-competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and resources that support your growth and impact.

Our Total Rewards package includes performance-based bonuses, extensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) plan with company match, substantial paid time off and holidays, flexible work arrangements where possible, and a range of income protection benefits. We are committe