Senior Platform Engineer (OpAI)

themarlinalliance; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Marlin Alliance, Inc. is seeking a Senior Platform Engineer (OpAI) to operationalize AI for naval platforms.

You will build and manage secure, scalable cloud environments for AI/ML workloads in DoD contexts, collaborating with cross-functional teams and supporting mission-critical capabilities. Responsibilities include cloud design, container orchestration, IaC, and compliance with STIG standards, with on-site work near San Diego and travel up to 15%.

Qualifications

• Experience in cloud engineering or DevOps roles supporting secure environments.
• Knowledge of AWS or Azure and containerization tech like Docker/Kubernetes.
• Automation scripting proficiency for tasks and pipelines.
• Understanding of IaC and DoD cybersecurity basics.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and secure cloud infrastructure in AWS GovCloud.
• Manage Kubernetes/OpenShift clusters and container orchestration.
• Implement IaC using Terraform/Ansible/CloudFormation.
• Ensure secure data flows and DoD STIG compliance.
• Collaborate with DevSecOps to optimize deployment pipelines.
• Mentor junior engineers and document system operations.

Skills

Cloud platforms

Kubernetes

OpenShift

IaC (Terraform/Ansible)

Scripting (Python/Bash)

Linux administration

Security compliance (DoD/STIG)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/Engineering or related

Master’s preferred

Tools

Docker

GitHub Actions

Jenkins

CloudWatch

Grafana

Elasticsearch

Terraform

Ansible

Job description

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.

Incorporated in 2002, The Marlin Alliance is a digital transformation company dedicated to ensuring our clients compete and win in tomorrow’s digital world. We specialize in creating technical solutions that allow for seamless execution of automated business processes and the generation of governed, machine-consumable data. From strategic planning to advanced analytics and cybersecurity, our team provides cutting-edge, cross-disciplinary solutions. We are seeking motivated professionals who share our agile, solution-oriented mindset and are ready to deliver the real, practical results relied upon by our clients.

Citizenship and Clearance requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship required
• No dual citizenship
• Active TS security clearance required
• Active TS SCI security clearance preferred

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

1. 1st Space Brigade - Fort Carson, CO
2. Air Force TENCAP - Colorado Springs, CO
3. NIWC LANT - Charleston, SC
4. Buckley Space Force Base - Denver, CO
5. NAVWAR - San Diego, CA

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:

• Experience working as a cloud engineer, cloud administrator, cloud architecture, DevOps engineer, IT Specialist, platform engineer, site reliability engineer, release engineer, systems administrator, systems engineer, or similar role.
• 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, v, P: 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
• RabbitMQ
• Apache
• Kibana
• Adapting open-source products to work with GovCloud
• Domino Data Labs
• Tobias
• 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