Principal Platform Engineer

Clarity Innovations; Fort Meade (MD); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Clarity Innovations is building a Kubernetes-based platform to securely deploy container-based capabilities supporting cyber operations for US Cyber Command. The platform integrates across on-premises vSphere, AWS, and air-gapped Azure.

You will build, configure, and operate production-ready clusters, automate provisioning with IaC, and deploy services via GitOps, while supporting CI/CD and DevSecOps pipelines across distributed environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in CS, Eng, or related field.
• 5+ years in platform, infrastructure, or DevOps engineering.
• Hands-on Kubernetes in production.
• Docker and container technologies experience.
• Proficient with Linux/Unix terminal.
• Infrastructure automation with Terraform or Ansible.
• Familiar with CI/CD pipelines and Git-based workflows.
• U.S. citizenship; TS/SCI clearance preferred; eligible to obtain TS/SCI with CI Poly within 6 months of hire.
• Must reside in Fort Meade, MD area or relocate prior to start.

Responsibilities

• Build, configure, and operate Kubernetes clusters supporting production workloads across cloud and on-premises environments.
• Automate infrastructure provisioning using infrastructure-as-code practices.
• Configure and deploy baseline platform services via GitOps.
• Support CI/CD and DevSecOps pipelines used by application and data teams.
• Implement monitoring, logging, and alerting for platform services.
• Ensure platform security, availability, and performance.
• Collaborate with security teams to support RMF and security requirements.
• Troubleshoot infrastructure and platform issues across distributed environments.

Skills

Linux command line

Git workflows

DevOps culture

Kubernetes operations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Kubernetes

Docker

Terraform

Ansible

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

You will work on a Kubernetes platform that enables secure deployment of container-based capabilities supporting cyber operations for US Cyber Command. The platform provides a common integration layer for mission applications across multiple environments, including on-premises vSphere, AWS, and air-gapped Azure.

Role Expectations

• Build, configure, and operate Kubernetes clusters supporting production workloads across cloud and on-premises environments
• Automate infrastructure provisioning using infrastructure-as-code practices
• Configure and deploy baseline platform services via GitOps
• Support CI/CD and DevSecOps pipelines used by application and data teams
• Implement monitoring, logging, and alerting for platform services
• Ensure platform security, availability, and performance
• Collaborate with security teams to support RMF and security requirements
• Troubleshoot infrastructure and platform issues across distributed environments

Contract Specific Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of experience in platform, infrastructure, or DevOps engineering (additional experience expected for Principal level)
• Hands-on experience operating Kubernetes in production
• Experience with Docker and container technologies
• Highly proficient in a Linux/Unix terminal — candidates should be “keyboard-first” and comfortable with remote system management and complex troubleshooting without a GUI
• Experience with infrastructure automation (Terraform, Ansible, or similar)
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and Git-based workflows
• TS/SCI clearance preferred; must be eligible to obtain TS/SCI with CI Poly within 6 months of hire
• U.S. citizenship required
• Must reside in the Fort Meade MD area or be willing to relocate prior to start

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.