Platform Engineer with Security Clearance

Job #: 3042159 Apex Systems is currently hiring for Platform Engineer with Defense and Space client. In this role, you will serve as a crucial member of the team who is responsible for the Agentic AI platformʼs scalability and reliability. Serving as the primary architect and operator of the infrastructure required to run complex, agentic applications, you will own the end-to-end lifecycle of the platform—from initial infrastructure-as-code provisioning to high-scale, day-two operations. Mission Supported: • In this role, you bridge the gap between cloud-native engineering and the unique demands of AI/LLM workloads, ensuring that agentic systems are backed by resilient, secure, and performant environments. Qualified candidates will have the following experience and skills: • Scalable Foundations: Design and implement the path from local development to deployed federal cloud clusters (AWS GovCloud/Azure Government) using Kubernetes EKS/AKS, Infrastructure as Code, Terraform/OpenTofu/CDK, and GitOps controllers Flux/Argo CD.
• Optimized Compute: Configure and manage specialized compute resources, including GPU-accelerated node groups and serverless scaling policies, to support inference and training workloads. • Network & Security Hardening: Implement Zero Trust architecture principles, ensuring secure communication between microservices, agentic tools, and external APIs through service meshes (e.g., Istio) and egress controls. • Packaging & Promotion: Author and maintain Helm charts for application delivery, managing the promotion path from local-to-AWS and ensuring consistency across environments. • Current, active Security+ or equivalent certificate for privileged user access. Location: Washington, DC Onsite expectation: 100% onsite Clearance Level: TS/SCI (Polygraph Preferred) Salary/Pay range: $70 - $120/hr PLEASE NOTE: Candidates must be able to obtain and/or maintain a Department of Defense TS/SCI security clearance as a condition and continuation of employment* If you are interested, please apply here or email an updated copy of your resume to Jace at Apex Systems Military & Veteran Programs At Apex Systems, we are proud to support those who serve. Our commitment to the military community is reflected in our robust veteran hiring initiatives, military-friendly workplace policies, and nationally recognized programs. We value the leadership, discipline, and mission-first mindset that military professionals bring to our team. Join us in continuing your mission. Why Apex is a Top Choice for Veterans and Military Talent: Military-Friendly Employer: Recognized as a Military Friendly® Employer for multiple consecutive years. Transition Programs: DoD Skill Bridge program with multiple pathway options. Veteran Hiring Commitment: We actively partner with multiple veteran and military organizations that specialize in IT upskilling and certification training, helping service members and veterans transition into high-demand tech careers Apex Military Network: Internal employee resource group supporting veterans, Guard/Reserve members, and their families. Apex Benefits Overview Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our ‘Welcome Packet’ as well, which an Apex team member can provide. EEO Employer Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at  or 844-463-6178. Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing® in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work® in the United Kingdom and Mexico.