Senior Platform Engineer (OpAI)

SAIC; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC seeks a Senior Platform Engineer to operationalize AI for naval platforms, building secure, scalable cloud environments for analytics, AI/ML workloads, and autonomous systems. This onsite role in San Diego requires DoD competencies and collaboration across cross‑functional teams.

The role focuses on Cloud security, IaC, and container orchestration, with travel up to 15% for mission support. A TS/SCI eligible background is preferred. Strong communication and problem-solving are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor/masters/PhD in a STEM field with extensive experience
• U.S. Citizenship required; active Top Secret clearance to start and TS/SCI after start
• Experience cloud engineering, DevOps, or platform engineering roles
• Strong knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS/Azure) or containerization (Docker/Kubernetes)
• Scripting in Python or Bash for automation
• Infrastructure as Code (Terraform/Ansible) usage
• Linux system administration proficiency
• Cybersecurity principles and DoD compliance familiarity
• Ability to transport heavy equipment (50lbs) for deployment tasks

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain secure cloud infrastructure (AWS GovCloud)
• Configure Kubernetes and OpenShift Container platforms
• Implement IaC with Terraform/Ansible/CloudFormation
• Ensure secure data flow and DoD cybersecurity standards
• Collaborate with DevSecOps to streamline deployments
• Optimize cloud resources for performance and cost
• Troubleshoot cloud, networking, and container issues
• Mentor junior engineers and document system operations

Skills

Problem solving

Analytical skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Scripting

Linux admin

Cloud security

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related STEM

Master's degree in related field

PhD or JD in related field

Tools

AWS GovCloud

Kubernetes

OpenShift

Terraform

Ansible

CloudFormation

Docker

Python

GitHub Actions

GitLab CI

Job description

Description

SAIC is seeking a Senior Platform Engineer. As a Senior Platform Engineer supporting Naval Operational Architecture, you will play a critical role in operationalizing AI for next-generation naval platforms and systems. You’ll focus 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.

In this role, you’ll contribute to Naval Operational Architecture, working alongside engineers and operators to deliver resilient, forward‑leaning solutions in support of national defense.

THIS IS AN ONSITE ROLE IN SAN DIEGO, CA WITH UP TO 15% OF TRAVEL INVOLVED.

JOB DUTIES

• 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.

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelors in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related STEM field and fourteen (14) years or more experience; Masters and twelve (12) years or more experience; PhD or JD and nine (9) years or more experience.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must have an Active Top Secret Clearance to start.
• Must be able to obtain a TS/SCI after start.
• 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.

DESIRED SKILLS

• 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
• 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.
• Relevant certifications such as AWS Solutions Architect, Kubernetes Administrator (CKA), or Security+ strongly preferred.

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.