Systems and Platform Engineer

Leidos LLC; Plyers Mill Estates (MD); On-site; USD 108,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a platform engineer to design and optimize enterprise Kubernetes platforms powering AI workloads for mission customers. You will implement IaC tools and automate pipelines, ensuring security and compliance across Linux environments.

You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, manage containerized workloads, and support ATO processes while meeting DoD IAT requirements. This on-site Bethesda role emphasizes strong problem-solving and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years in Platform or System Engineering.
• Strong Linux experience (RHEL/Ubuntu/Oracle/Rocky).
• Experience deploying and managing Kubernetes clusters.
• Hands-on Docker and container lifecycle expertise.
• Experience with Argo, Airflow, Kubeflow for AI/ML workflows.
• Proficient with RESTful APIs for automation and integration.
• Excellent problem-solving and team collaboration.
• IAT Level II certification required; Level III also acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and maintain enterprise Kubernetes platforms.
• Develop and manage IaC using Terraform, Salt, Ansible, Bash, Python.
• Support secure, automated pipelines (GitLab CI/CD) and compliance.
• Troubleshoot complex issues across cloud, network, and platform layers.
• Maintain architecture docs and Linux best practices.

Skills

Kubernetes

Linux

Docker

IAT Certification

Python

REST APIs

Education

Bachelor's in CS/EE

Tools

Terraform

Ansible

GitLab CI/CD

Shell/Python

Job description

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers’ success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business. Employees enjoy career enrichment opportunities available through mobility and development, and experience rewarding relationships with supportive supervisors, talented colleagues, and customers. Your most important work is ahead. If this sounds like the kind of environment where you can thrive, keep reading! Leidos is looking for a highly skilled platform engineer with deep expertise in operating systems, hardware, GPU, and high-speed networking. In this role, you will design, develop, and optimize Kubernetes clusters that power enterprise AI for the mission customers.

This is a 100% on-site position. All work must be performed at the customer site in Bethesda at the Intelligence Community Campus.

Responsibilities:

• Kubernetes Cluster Engineering: Design, configure, and maintain enterprise Kubernetes platforms. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to define and optimize Kubernetes architecture, ensuring they meet performance, efficiency, and feature requirements.
• Infrastructure as Code: Develop and manage Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using tools such as Terraform, Salt, Ansible, Bash, Python or similar frameworks. Collaborate with development teams to design and implement secure, automated, and repeatable pipelines (e.g., GitLab CI/CD). Troubleshot complex systems issues across cloud, network, and platform layers.
• Compliance & Documentation: Maintain technical documentation, architectural specifications, and Linux best practices. Support ATO (Authority to Operate) and ensure compliance with federal security standards.

You Bring

• Bachelor's or higher degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. Additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• 5+ years in Platform Engineering or System Engineering experience.
• Strong expertise with Linux distributions. (RHEL, Ubuntu, Oracle Linux, and Rocky).
• Experience administering Kubernetes clusters, including deploying, scaling, and maintaining containerized workloads.
• Hands-on experience creating, managing, and troubleshooting Docker containers and container images throughout the software development lifecycle.
• Experience with Kubernetes cluster management and AI/ML workflow orchestration (Argo, Airflow, and Kubeflow).
• Strong track record with consuming, and troubleshooting RESTful APIs for platform integration and automation.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to collaborate within a team.
• Candidate must, at a minimum, meet DoD 8570.11- IAT Level II certification requirements (currently Security+ CE, CCNA-Security, GICSP, GSEC, or SSCP along with an appropriate computing environment (CE) certification). An IAT Level III certification would also be acceptable (CASP+, CCNP Security, CISA, CISSP, GCED, GCIH, CCSP).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in managing NVIDIA GPU data center platforms. (DGX, HGX, H200, H100, 200, B300, L40S).
• Experience with NVIDIA enterprise tools such as Base Command Manager, Run:AI, Nvidia AI Enterprise.
• Knowledge of enterprise server components (storage/network controllers, HBA, SSDs).
• Familiarity with GPU virtualization and cloud computing.
• Experience developing and deploying infrastructure in AWS.
• Knowledge of distributed resource scheduling systems. (Slurm , LSF, Open MPI,etc.)

Clearance Active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph required OR active TS/SCI and willingness to obtain and maintain a Poly.

US Citizenship is required due to the nature of the government contracts we support.

What You’ll Gain

At Leidos, your work directly supports some of the most critical missions in the intelligence community. You'll be part of a high-performing, collaborative environment where your contributions shape national security operations. Whether optimizing secure networks, refining system baselines, or integrating next-generation technologies, you’ll find meaningful work, continuous technical challenges, and a clear path for advancement. At Leidos, we don’t want someone who "fits the mold"-we want someone who melts it down and builds something better. This is a role for the restless, the over-caffeinated, the ones who ask, “What’s next?” before the dust settles on “what’s now.” If you’re already scheming step 20 while everyone else is still debating step 2... good. You’ll fit right in.

Original Posting: July 23, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:

Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00 The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers.

Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retiranment. More details are available here.

• competitive compensation
• Health and Wellness programs
• Income Protection
• Paid Leave and Retiranment

Commitment and Diversity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $17.2 billion for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2026.

For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.