Principal Platform Engineer – Linux Infrastructure & Modernization

arcadia-talent-advisory; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

arcadia-talent-advisory is looking for a candidate to lead the design and modernization of secure Linux-based platforms supporting critical on-premise mission systems. You will be responsible for the administration of Linux environments and managing virtualized infrastructure with VMware technologies.

The ideal candidate possesses strong experience with Linux server administration, Agile methodologies, and security practices such as TS/SCI clearance. Experience with Docker and Kubernetes is preferred.

Qualifications

• Strong hands-on experience with Linux server and OS administration in enterprise or mission environments.
• Experience supporting VMware-based infrastructure.
• Programming or scripting proficiency using Python, Bash, Java, or comparable languages.

Responsibilities

• Engineer, maintain, and modernize Linux-based infrastructure platforms supporting on-prem mission systems.
• Administer and optimize Linux server and operating system environments across development, test, and production.
• Support and manage virtualized infrastructure using VMware technologies.

Skills

Linux server and OS administration

VMware-based infrastructure

Programming or scripting (Python, Bash, Java)

Agile methodologies

Tools

Ansible

Docker

Kubernetes

Rancher

Job description

Description

This role leads the design, operation, and modernization of secure Linux-based platforms supporting on-premise mission systems. The position balances deep infrastructure expertise with automation, containerization, and modernization initiatives while sustaining critical legacy environments.

Responsibilities

• Engineer, maintain, and modernize Linux-based infrastructure platforms supporting on-prem mission systems
• Administer and optimize Linux server and operating system environments across development, test, and production
• Support and manage virtualized infrastructure using VMware technologies
• Design and execute platform provisioning, configuration, and lifecycle management processes
• Maintain and integrate COTS software stacks within secure enterprise environments
• Develop and maintain automation and scripting solutions using tools such as Python, Bash, or similar languages
• Implement and manage configuration management and orchestration tools (e.g., Ansible, Chef)
• Support containerized platforms using Docker, Kubernetes, and Rancher where applicable
• Contribute to platform hardening, security compliance, and DevSecOps-aligned practices
• Participate in Agile delivery frameworks including Scrum and SAFe

Requirements

• Strong hands-on experience with Linux server and OS administration in enterprise or mission environments
• Experience supporting VMware-based infrastructure
• Programming or scripting proficiency using Python, Bash, Java, or comparable languages
• Experience with platform provisioning, configuration, and full lifecycle management
• Familiarity managing commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software stacks
• Working knowledge of Agile methodologies, including Scrum and SAFe

Preferred / Modernization Experience

• Experience with configuration management and automation tools such as Ansible or Chef
• Exposure to container orchestration and runtime platforms, including Kubernetes, Docker, and Rancher
• Familiarity with AWS or cloud-adjacent environments
• Experience with system hardening and security-focused platform engineering

Security & Certifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance with CI Poly, required on day one
• Security+ certification, or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire