Software Engineer (Kubernetes)

Job Title: Software Engineer (Kubernetes)

Job Description

This role focuses on designing, developing, and sustaining a Kubernetes-based Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) solution that supports a state-of-the-art digital ground station for mission-critical communications. You will contribute throughout an initial 12‑month prototyping phase and continue into implementation, maintenance, sustainment, and system upgrades in subsequent years. Working closely with cross‑functional teams, you will ensure seamless integration of microservices, strong system performance, and high reliability while leveraging modern open source technologies and cloud-native practices.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the full software development lifecycle, from concept and design through implementation, testing, deployment, and sustainment.
• Design, develop, and maintain Kubernetes-based microservices using languages such as Python, Go, JavaScript, and related technologies.
• Contribute to the design, development, and maintenance of a React-based JavaScript frontend that interfaces with backend microservices.
• Utilize open source technologies to support continuous deployment, event-driven automation, and efficient infrastructure management.
• Build, configure, and maintain CI/CD pipelines to automate application build, test, and deployment processes.
• Write clean, well-structured, and well-documented code, and uphold code quality through code reviews and adherence to best practices.
• Optimize software components for maximum performance, scalability, reliability, and user experience in a distributed environment.
• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve issues related to Kubernetes clusters, containerized applications, and supporting infrastructure.
• Develop and maintain Kubernetes Operators and Custom Resource Definitions (CRDs) to extend and automate cluster functionality.
• Ensure that all software components adhere to relevant security and compliance standards and support secure operation in a defense environment.
• Stay current with industry best practices and emerging trends in software engineering, Linux, Kubernetes, containers, and modern programming languages.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including architects and other engineers, to integrate new capabilities into the overall system.
• Contribute to architectures that support signal processing, digital signal processing (DSP), satellite, and RF-related capabilities when applicable.
• Participate in technical discussions, design reviews, and problem-solving sessions to refine system architecture and implementation approaches.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field.
• 4+ years of professional software engineering experience.
• Hands-on experience with Kubernetes and containerization technologies, including building and supporting PaaS solutions.
• Proficiency in at least one of the following programming languages: Python, C++, Go, or JavaScript, with a preference for Python, C++, and Go.
• Experience with modern software development practices, including CI/CD pipelines and microservices architecture.
• Strong familiarity with Linux environments and container-based workflows.
• Ability to write clean, maintainable, and well-documented code and to participate effectively in code reviews.
• Experience troubleshooting and resolving issues in Kubernetes clusters and containerized applications.
• Active Secret security clearance with eligibility for TS/SCI.
• Ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams and contribute throughout the full software development lifecycle.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience developing software architectures that enable and support signal processing capabilities, including DSP, satellite, and RF-related systems.
• Hands-on experience deploying and managing applications in Kubernetes, including writing and customizing Kubernetes manifests, Helm charts, and ArgoCD configurations.
• Practical experience with major cloud providers such as AWS, Azure, or GCP, with particular value placed on AWS experience.
• Familiarity with infrastructure-as-code tools such as Terraform.
• Experience building and managing CI/CD pipelines using open source tooling and modern DevOps practices.
• Ability and willingness to clearly communicate technical concepts, requirements, and system designs to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Experience participating in customer meetings, technical deep‑dives, architecture discussions, and design reviews.
• Experience creating technical documentation, diagrams, and presentations as deliverables for customers.
• Interest in working with open source, modern technologies in a defense-focused environment.
• Motivation to work on mission-connected projects that directly support operational outcomes.

Work Environment

This position follows a hybrid work model, with two days per week onsite in Warrenton, VA. During the first one to two months, you will work onsite full-time to complete training and onboarding. The team operates out of a modern open office space in the Vint Hill technology park, in close proximity to amenities such as a brewery, winery, and fitness facilities. The broader program team includes approximately 13 core team members and a total of 25-30 personnel when including subcontractors, providing a collaborative yet focused environment. The work uses laptops and contemporary tooling rather than traditional secure compartmented facilities, offering a setting that feels closer to a commercial software project while still supporting a defense mission. The culture emphasizes a fun, supportive atmosphere, a hybrid schedule, and work that is closely connected to real-world mission outcomes. Compensation is structured so that team members are paid for the hours they actually work, rather than a fixed 40-hour assumption, and the organization has expanded its market presence through recent strategic growth in the space and defense domain.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Warrenton, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $80.00/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 hybrid position in Warrenton,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.