Kubernetes Engineer (Mid–Senior) | DoD Platform Engineering

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.