Kubernetes Engineer (Mid–Senior) | DoD Platform Engineering
Summary
Rackner is hiring mid-to-senior Kubernetes engineers to design, automate, secure, and operate cloud-native platforms supporting DoD missions. Day-to-day work is hands-on with Kubernetes, Terraform/Ansible/Helm IaC, GitOps CI/CD, Istio service mesh, and Kubernetes networking/security, with the ability to obtain a DoD Secret clearance.
Kubernetes Engineer (Mid–Senior) | DoD Platform Engineering
Ability to Obtain a DoD Secret Clearance
Build Secure Kubernetes Platforms That Engineering Teams Depend On
Rackner is hiring Kubernetes Engineers across Mid and Senior levels to help design, automate, secure, and operate cloud-native platforms supporting a mission-focused DoD environment.
You’ll work hands-on across Kubernetes, cloud infrastructure, GitOps, service mesh, networking, security, and Infrastructure as Code—building reliable platform capabilities that development teams can use at scale.
We’re hiring multiple engineers and will align level based on the scope, technical depth, and ownership demonstrated in your work, rather than title alone.
What You’ll Lead and Build
- Design, build, and operate secure, resilient Kubernetes platforms
- Automate infrastructure and platform configuration using Terraform, Ansible, Helm, and Infrastructure as Code
- Build and improve GitOps and CI/CD workflows
- Implement Kubernetes networking, RBAC, security controls, and service-to-service communication
- Engineer and support Istio/service-mesh capabilities
- Build reusable platform components, including Helm charts, Operators, Controllers, CRDs, and Admission Controllers
- Integrate Kubernetes with cloud services, container registries, and delivery pipelines
- Troubleshoot complex issues across Kubernetes, Linux, networking, containers, and cloud infrastructure
- Strengthen platform reliability, security, performance, and recovery
- Partner with application, cloud, security, and architecture teams to turn requirements into working platform capabilities
Senior engineers may also guide larger technical decisions, lead implementation efforts, and help other engineers grow while remaining hands-on.
What You’ll Bring
- Hands-on background building, operating, or supporting Kubernetes environments
- Strong knowledge of Linux, networking, containers, and Kubernetes architecture
- Proficiency with Helm and Infrastructure as Code
- Familiarity with cloud platforms such as AWS/EKS, Azure/AKS, GCP/GKE, OCI, or similar
- Practical use of GitOps, CI/CD, and automated deployment workflows
- Knowledge of Kubernetes security, access controls, and RBAC
- Ability to independently diagnose and solve issues across multiple layers of a platform
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance
For Mid-level engineers, we’re generally looking for roughly 3–5 years of relevant engineering experience. Senior engineers will typically bring 5–7+ years with broader platform ownership, architecture, or technical leadership.
We care most about what you have built, operated, improved, and solved.
Standout Background
Additional value may come from:
- Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)
- Deep experience with Istio or service mesh
- Custom Kubernetes Operators, Controllers, CRDs, or Admission Controllers
- DoD Enterprise DevSecOps Reference Design experience
- Software development, scripting, or platform automation background
- Experience supporting production platforms with active end users
- DoD, federal, regulated, or security-focused engineering environments
Why Rackner
At Rackner, you’ll work on technology tied directly to complex federal missions while remaining close to the engineering.
This role offers the opportunity to build rather than simply maintain: own meaningful platform capabilities, solve problems across cloud and security boundaries, influence technical decisions, and expand your scope without stepping away from hands-on engineering.
Our teams work across cloud, DevSecOps, AI/ML, data, and modern software engineering, creating opportunities to broaden your technical perspective as programs and challenges evolve.
Benefits & Perks
- Company-supported certifications aligned with current and future program work
- Career-development and leadership opportunities
- 401(k) with 100% match up to 6%
- Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage
- Generous PTO and paid holidays
- Home-office equipment and remote-work support
- Fitness and wellness reimbursement
- Weekly pay and team events
Equal Opportunity
Use the same standard Rackner Equal Opportunity statement already used on the Senior Data Engineer posting.
Skills
As published by greenhouse · 12 questions
Basics
First Name, Last Name, Email, Phone, Resume/CV, Cover Letter
Short answers (4)
- Preferred First Name optional
- LinkedIn Profile optional
- Briefly describe one Kubernetes environment you personally worked on. What did you own or contribute to?
- What base salary range are you targeting for your next role? optional
Pick from a list (8)
- This role requires eligibility for a U.S. Department of Defense Secret security clearance. Are you a U.S. citizen? -
- Are you able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense Secret security clearance? -
- Will you now or in the future require employer sponsorship to work in the United States? -
- Which best describes your hands-on work with Kubernetes in a production or comparable environment? -
- Which of the following have you personally implemented, operated, supported, or troubleshot? Select all that apply.
- Where would you consider your strongest hands-on depth?
- What is your current Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) status? optional
- Which level are you primarily interested in being considered for? optional