Senior Platform Engineer (OpAI)

The Marlin Alliance, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A defense contractor is seeking a Senior Platform Engineer to support operational AI for naval platforms. You will be responsible for designing and maintaining secure cloud infrastructures, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and providing technical guidance. The ideal candidate has a strong background in cloud platforms, containerization technologies, and automation scripting. Located in San Diego, this position offers a competitive salary between $110,000 and $180,000 based on experience.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure) or containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
• Some proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash) for automation tasks.
• Some experience with Infrastructure as Code (e.g., Terraform, Ansible).

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain secure cloud infrastructure within AWS GovCloud environments.
• Configure and manage container orchestration platforms like Kubernetes.
• Implement Infrastructure as Code solutions using Ansible or Terraform.

Skills

Cloud platforms knowledge (AWS, Azure)

Containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes)

Automation scripting (Python, Bash)

Linux system administration

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Cybersecurity principles

Heavy equipment handling

Education

Bachelor's in Computer Science or related field

AWS Solutions Architect certification (preferred)

Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) certification (preferred)

Tools

Terraform

Ansible

CloudWatch

Grafana

Elasticsearch

Job description

The Marlin Alliance, Inc. is continuously seeking talented candidates to join our elite team of Business Transformation professionals. Qualified candidates are highly encouraged to apply to our current and prospective openings listed below. Professionals who do not match our current vacancies may apply to the \" General Interest \" requisition to be considered for future opportunities.

The Marlin Alliance, Inc. is seeking a Senior Platform Engineer (OpAI) supporting Naval Operational Architecture. The successful candidate will play a critical role in operationalizing AI for next‑generation naval platforms and systems. Focus is on building and managing secure, scalable cloud-based environments to support advanced analytics, AI/ML workloads, and autonomous systems. This position involves hands‑on engineering with cutting‑edge technologies, close collaboration with cross‑functional teams, and direct support of mission‑critical DoD capabilities. Your work will directly enhance the warfighter’s ability to execute distributed maritime operations and maintain tactical superiority.

Established in 2002, The Marlin Alliance is seeking to hire highly skilled individuals to support mission critical projects within the Navy. We are looking for motivated individuals to lead and support digital transformation, data science and analytics, and automation projects for variety of Navy clients. Individuals must be able to function in a fast‑paced work environment and able to adapt quickly to rapidly changing requirements and technologies. Using your comprehensive knowledge of various technologies, you will design, develop, and implement solutions to support Navy mission owners in their digital transformation journey.

Citizenship and Clearance requirements:

• Active TS security clearance required
• Active TS SCI security clearance preferred

Location - ON-Site near one of the following locations:

• NIWC LANT - Charleston, SC

Travel:

• 15%

Responsibilities:

• Design, build, and maintain secure cloud infrastructure within AWS GovCloud environments.
• Configure and manage container orchestration platforms such as Kubernetes and OpenShift.
• Implement Infrastructure as Code (IaC) solutions using Ansible, Terraform, or CloudFormation.
• Support secure data flow across multiple systems, ensuring compliance with DoD cybersecurity standards and STIG requirements.
• Collaborate with DevSecOps teams to streamline deployment pipelines and container management.
• Optimize cloud resources for performance, scalability, and cost‑effectiveness.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues within cloud, networking, and containerized environments.
• Partner with AI/ML engineers and software developers to deploy and integrate advanced analytics platforms and tools.
• Maintain detailed technical documentation to support system operations and compliance.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and team members.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Strong knowledge of either cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure) or containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
• Some proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash) for automation tasks.
• Some experience with Infrastructure as Code (e.g., Terraform, Ansible) for configuration management.
• Some proficiency with Linux system administration.
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate in a team environment.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity principles and best practices for platform security.
• Ability to transport/move heavy equipment (50lbs) on planes and ships.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Knowledge of advanced networking topics, e.g., VPCs, TCP/IP, TLS, etc.
• Knowledge of DevOps practices and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, e.g., GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, or Jenkins.
• Experience with monitoring and logging tools for platform health and performance, e.g., CloudWatch, Grafana, or Elasticsearch.
• OpenShift or Kubernetes
• Airflow
• Kafka
• Apache
• Kibana
• Adapting open‑source products to work with GovCloud
• Fiddler
• Experience with monitoring/logging tools such as CloudWatch or Grafana
• Experience supporting government or military organizations

Education and Certification Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related STEM field (Master’s preferred) OR Equivalent years of relevant experience in lieu of degree
• Relevant certifications such as AWS Solutions Architect, Kubernetes Administrator (CKA), or Security+ strongly preferred.

Job Classification:

Associate II
$110,000 - $180,000

Disclaimer:

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at‑will” relationship.

An Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities