Job Title: Software Engineer - Kubernetes Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)
This position requires an interim clearance. If engineer does not posses one, it will be processed for them. This is a full time position, with full time benefits, paid vacation, paid holidays, etc.
Job Description
This role focuses on designing, building, and sustaining a Kubernetes-based Platform-as-a-Service that underpins mission applications and shared platform services in an air-gapped environment. You will work at the intersection of Kubernetes platform engineering and software development, delivering cluster capabilities, shared services in Go and Node.js, and secure CI/CD workflows on Linux-based systems. You will collaborate closely with multiple application teams to provide reliable, secure, and repeatable platform capabilities that operate across physical, virtual, and hybrid environments.
Responsibilities
Design, build, enhance, and sustain Kubernetes-based PaaS clusters running on physical systems and virtualized environments, including support for virtual clusters.
Develop and maintain shared platform services in languages such as Go and Node.js that provide common capabilities to application teams, including routing and utility services, alerting, cluster-level protections, and data processing services.
Implement and maintain Kubernetes-native integrations, including operators and controller patterns, to extend and automate cluster functionality.
Support and improve CI/CD pipelines using GitLab by designing pipeline stages, integrating scanning tools, implementing automated checks, and managing promotion workflows.
Perform Linux-based installation and configuration activities in air-gapped systems, emphasizing automation and repeatable deployment workflows.
Support phased deployment and test promotion flows, such as progressing from virtual or small systems to miniature systems and ultimately to full systems.
Contribute to quality practices by implementing automated checks, fail-fast validations where appropriate, and broader pipeline and system-level testing.
Collaborate with team members using the Atlassian toolset, including Jira and Confluence, for planning, tracking, and documentation of work.
Work with cybersecurity stakeholders to implement and maintain platform controls at the cluster level, including scanning integrations and security-related platform configuration.
Participate in technical assessments and interviews, and actively contribute to a team culture that emphasizes ownership, initiative, and the ability to pick up tasks and execute them effectively.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field.
At least 2 years of hands-on Kubernetes experience, including building and supporting clusters, deploying services, and working with Kubernetes primitives.
Strong experience with Linux, including operating system fundamentals, troubleshooting, configuration, and scripting in Linux environments.
Professional experience in software development building services or platform components, with strong preference for experience in Go and/or Node.js.
Experience working in constrained environments such as air-gapped systems, limited network connectivity, or secure lab environments.
Ability to work with CI/CD pipelines, particularly with GitLab, to support automated builds, tests, and deployments.
Familiarity with collaboration tools such as Jira and Confluence for task tracking and documentation.
Ability to work with cybersecurity and security-related platform configuration at the cluster level.
Eligibility to obtain and maintain a security clearance, with an active Secret clearance preferred and interim Secret potentially considered depending on program needs.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Familiarity with gRPC or similar middleware messaging technologies and experience building service-to-service communication patterns.
Deep CI/CD expertise and pipeline ownership, especially with GitLab pipelines and related tooling.
Infrastructure automation experience using tools such as Ansible, deployment scripting, and the design of repeatable installation and configuration workflows.
Experience integrating or operating open-source or commercial container scanning and security tools within CI/CD pipelines.
Experience writing Kubernetes operators using Go-based operator frameworks, Custom Resource Definitions (CRDs), and controllers.
Familiarity with Python for tooling, automation, or service development.
Exposure to virtual machines and hybrid environments that combine virtual and physical deployments.
Basic networking knowledge, including understanding of ports and switching concepts, is a plus but not required, as a separate team manages physical and network hardware.
Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multi-team environment.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Manassas, VA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $51.00 - $66.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - 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 May 14, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.
