Senior Kubernetes Architect - Secure On-Prem Platform

Arenatechnologies; Chantilly (VA); Hybrid; USD 145,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) in Chantilly, VA, is seeking a Kubernetes Architect to design, secure, and manage enterprise Kubernetes platforms for ORCA missions and air-gapped environments.

You will serve as the technical lead for platform architecture, deployment, and governance, collaborating with cybersecurity, infrastructure, and development teams to ensure compliance with NIST RMF, JSIG, and STIGs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT, Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of infrastructure engineering, cloud architecture, DevOps, or platform engineering experience.
• 5+ years of hands-on Kubernetes architecture and administration in enterprise or mission-critical environments.
• Experience designing and supporting Kubernetes platforms in closed environments.
• Experience maturing CI/CD procedures and migrating capabilities to modern platforms.
• Strong troubleshooting, performance optimization, and platform reliability skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to explain complex concepts.
• DoD 8570 / 8140 compliant certification required.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead long-term strategy for enterprise Kubernetes platforms.
• Build and maintain secure Kubernetes environments across air-gapped infrastructure.
• Establish cluster foundations with networking, storage, identity, and governance.
• Develop scalable deployment workflows aligned with federal security requirements.
• Operate platform stability, tenant management, and shared services.
• Oversee changes, upgrades, access control, monitoring, and capacity planning.
• Provide SME guidance to engineering and development teams.
• Create reference architectures and deployment patterns for scalable onboarding.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity, infrastructure, networking, and development teams.
• Ensure compliance with NIST RMF, JSIG, STIGs, and enterprise governance.

Skills

Kubernetes architecture

CI/CD automation

Security compliance

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/IT/Engineering

Tools

CKA

CKS

DoD 8570/8140

Job description

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) in Chantilly, VA, is seeking a Kubernetes Architect to design, secure, and manage enterprise Kubernetes platforms for ORCA missions and air-gapped environments.

You will serve as the technical lead for platform architecture, deployment, and governance, collaborating with cybersecurity, infrastructure, and development teams to ensure compliance with NIST RMF, JSIG, and STIGs.