Platform Engineer with Security Clearance

Job #: 3022191 PLATFORM ENGINEER (KUBERNETES/OPENSHIFT) Apex Systems is currently hiring a Platform Engineer with a large federal client. As a Platform Engineer, you will play a key role in designing, deploying, and sustaining a Kubernetes-based hosting environment supporting enterprise and mission-critical applications. You will help deliver a scalable, secure, cloud-native platform that enables application teams to deploy and manage containerized workloads across geographically distributed environments. Project Details / Mission Supported: • Collaborate with Government engineers to develop, maintain, and enhance a Kubernetes-based platform architecture.

• Develop, deploy, and maintain Infrastructure as Code (IaC) solutions supporting platform deployment and sustainment.
• Provision namespaces, platform resources, and containerized workloads using automated IaC methodologies.
• Perform daily administration of Kubernetes environments, including patching, upgrading, and lifecycle management of control plane components, worker nodes, CNI plugins, CSI drivers, and container runtimes.
• Integrate and manage enterprise services including Active Directory, DNS, and PKI for authentication and identity management.
• Configure and manage Kubernetes networking solutions using technologies such as Calico, Cilium, or OpenShift SDN.
• Deploy and administer CSI-based storage solutions supporting persistent workloads.
• Create, maintain, and secure Windows Server golden images for virtual machine deployments.
• Monitor resource utilization and support capacity planning efforts.
• Implement platform hardening and cybersecurity best practices in accordance with government security requirements.
• Troubleshoot and perform root cause analysis across Kubernetes, networking, storage, container, and infrastructure layers.
• Develop and maintain architecture diagrams, system documentation, operational procedures, and technical runbooks.
• Provide on-call support for production incident response and resolution.
• Recommend improvements to platform security, scalability, performance, and operational efficiency.
• Build, configure, and administer Kubernetes clusters supporting enterprise workloads.
• Manage container registries such as Harbor, Red Hat Quay, and Docker Hub.
• Deploy and administer persistent storage solutions supporting containerized applications. Qualified candidates will have the following experience and skills: • Senior-level experience with Kubernetes-based platforms such as Red Hat OpenShift, Rancher, or Kubernetes.
• Experience building, configuring, administering, and troubleshooting Kubernetes clusters within enterprise environments.
• Experience with Container Storage Interface (CSI) technologies and persistent storage solutions such as OpenShift Data Foundation, Ceph, AWS EBS, or Azure Disks.
• Strong knowledge of Kubernetes networking concepts, including CNI plugins, ingress controllers, service discovery, DNS, and network policies.
• Experience with container technologies including Docker, Podman, and Kubernetes.
• Experience implementing and managing container registries and image lifecycle processes.
• Strong Infrastructure as Code (IaC) experience using technologies such as Terraform, Ansible, Pulumi, Helm, or Kustomize.
• Experience with GitOps methodologies and tools such as ArgoCD or Flux.
• Familiarity with DevSecOps practices and CI/CD pipeline integration.
• Experience with Kubernetes monitoring and observability solutions including Prometheus, Grafana, Elasticsearch, Fluentd, and Kibana.
• Strong troubleshooting capabilities across networking, storage, operating systems, container runtimes, and Kubernetes-hosted applications.
• Working knowledge of DoD STIGs, IAVM processes, or equivalent security hardening standards.
• DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification (Security+ or equivalent) is required.
• Must possess, or obtain within six months of hire, one of the following: ○ Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) ○ Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS) ○ Red Hat Certified Specialist in OpenShift Administration ○ Equivalent Kubernetes or container platform certification Location: Radford, VA Onsite Expectation: Hybrid: telework with onsite support as needed

Customer Requirement: Candidates must reside within approximately a 5-hour driving radius of Radford, VA, due to onsite support expectations.

Clearance Requirement: Active DoD Secret Clearance Pay Range: $70-$85/hr W2 PLEASE NOTE: Candidates must have the ability to obtain and maintain an active United States Secret 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 . 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. Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth 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 ClearlyRateds Best of Staffing® in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work® in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Everforth Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click here for more details. By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages, or emails from Everforth Apex and its affiliates, and contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You can reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. You can access our privacy policy at https://www.apexsystems.com/privacy-policy
Everforth Apex Benefits Overview: Everforth 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. Everforth 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, Everforth 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. Everforth 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 Everforth Apex team member can provide.
Everforth 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. Everforth Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consis