Software Engineer - Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)

Actalent; Manassas (VA); On-site; USD 96,000 - 124,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Disability insurance

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Actalent seeks multiple PaaS Software Engineers to design, build, and sustain a Kubernetes-based platform supporting mission applications in an air-gapped environment. You will work across Kubernetes platform engineering and development, building cluster capabilities and shared services primarily in Go and Node.js.

You will support secure deployment pipelines, Linux installation/configuration, and automation in constrained DoD-style environments, contributing to an in-house PaaS solution for a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in CS or related field or equivalent experience.
• 3–5 years of professional software engineering experience.
• Hands-on experience developing backend services using Golang (Go), including microservices and APIs.
• Experience with JavaScript to support React-based frontends.
• Experience deploying applications into existing Kubernetes environments at the service level.
• Experience working in air-gapped, on-premises, or constrained DoD-style environments.
• Ability to obtain or hold a Secret clearance.
• Proficiency with Kubernetes and containerization concepts in production environments.
• Experience working in Linux environments (installation, configuration, troubleshooting).
• Understanding of CI/CD concepts and workflows in modern software delivery pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Build, enhance, and sustain a Kubernetes-based Platform-as-a-Service, including clusters on physical systems, VMs, and virtual clusters.
• Develop and maintain shared platform services like routing, alerting, and data processing.
• Implement and maintain Kubernetes-native integrations, including operators and controllers.
• Support and improve CI/CD pipelines using GitLab with designed stages and automated checks.
• Perform Linux-based installation/configuration activities in air-gapped systems.
• Support phased deployment and test promotion flows from small to full deployments.
• Contribute to quality practices with automated checks and test coverage.
• Collaborate using Jira/Confluence for planning and documentation.
• Work with cybersecurity and platform controls at the cluster level, including scanning tools.
• Partner with application teams to ensure platform services support mission apps.

Skills

Golang

Node.js

Kubernetes

Linux

CI/CD

GitLab

React

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Kubernetes

GitLab

Jira

Confluence

Job description

Job Title: PaaS Software Engineer

We are seeking multiple PaaS Software Engineers to join a Platform-as-a-Service team that designs, builds, and sustains a Kubernetes-based platform supporting mission applications and shared platform services in an air-gapped environment. In this role, you work across Kubernetes platform engineering and software development, building and maintaining cluster capabilities, developing shared services primarily in Go and Node.js, and supporting secure deployment pipelines and installation and configuration in Linux environments. You contribute directly to an in-house PaaS software solution that supports a cutting-edge sensor platform in a highly specialized defense setting.

Responsibilities

• Build, enhance, and sustain a Kubernetes-based Platform-as-a-Service, including clusters running on physical systems, virtualized environments, and virtual clusters.
• Develop and maintain shared platform services that provide common capabilities to application teams, such as routing and utility services, alerting, cluster-level protections, and data processing services.
• Implement and maintain Kubernetes-native integrations, including operators and controller patterns that extend and automate cluster functionality.
• Support and improve CI/CD pipelines using GitLab, including designing pipeline stages, integrating scanning tools, configuring automated checks, and managing promotion workflows.
• Perform Linux-based installation and configuration activities in air-gapped systems, focusing on automation and repeatable deployment workflows.
• Support phased deployment and test promotion flows, moving solutions from virtual or small systems through miniature systems to full system deployments.
• Contribute to quality practices by implementing automated checks, fail-fast validations where appropriate, and broader pipeline and system testing.
• Collaborate using the Atlassian toolset, including Jira and Confluence, for planning, tracking work, and maintaining documentation.
• Work with cybersecurity and platform controls at the cluster level, including integrating scanning tools and configuring security-related platform settings.
• Partner with application teams to ensure platform services, CI/CD workflows, and Kubernetes capabilities effectively support mission applications in constrained environments.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3–5 years of professional software engineering experience.
• Hands-on experience developing backend services using Golang (Go), including microservices and APIs.
• Experience with JavaScript to support React-based frontends.
• Experience deploying applications into existing Kubernetes environments at the service level.
• Experience working in air-gapped, on-premises, or otherwise constrained Department of Defense-style environments.
• Ability to obtain or hold a Secret clearance.
• Proficiency with Kubernetes and containerization concepts in production or mission-focused environments.
• Experience working in Linux environments, including installation, configuration, and troubleshooting.
• Understanding of CI/CD concepts and workflows in modern software delivery pipelines.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Familiarity with gRPC and service-to-service communication patterns.
• Experience using GitLab for source control and interacting with CI/CD pipelines.
• Exposure to React (JavaScript) for building lightweight dashboards or graphical user interfaces.
• Understanding of API-based architectures, including clear separation of frontend, middleware, and backend services.
• Experience with unit testing and delivering high-quality, well-tested code.
• Knowledge of secure systems, including encryption in transit, secure APIs, and cybersecurity best practices.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams using tools such as Jira and Confluence.
• Experience working with routing, alerting, and data processing services in distributed systems.
• Interest in platform engineering and building shared services that support multiple application teams.

Work Environment

This position is based onsite in Manassas, Virginia, within a classified laboratory environment focused on undersea warfare systems. You work in a secure, air-gapped setting with on-premises infrastructure and Kubernetes-based platforms supporting mission-critical applications. The environment emphasizes rigorous cybersecurity practices, disciplined configuration management, and close collaboration with engineering and mission teams. You use technologies such as Kubernetes, Golang, JavaScript/React, GitLab, Linux, and Atlassian tools in a hands‑on lab setting, contributing to an advanced sensor platform in a highly specialized and mission-driven context.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Manassas, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $70.00 - $90.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long‑term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Manassas,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 2026.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.