Kubernetes Architect with Security Clearance

Job Description Kubernetes Architect The Kubernetes Architect will serve as a technical thought leader and SME for our public Cloud / DevOps ecosystem of partners, customers, and service providers. The Kubernetes Architect works as part of the engineering team to support the design and implements the Kubernetes solutions. They will recommend, evaluate, and implement methods to optimize and enhance the application within the cloud environment to maximize performance and minimize costs. Roles and Responsibilities * Lead development, deployment, and testing activities with various Kubernetes environments (Azure AKS/AWS EKS/Google GKE/VMware Tanzu/Red Hat OpenShift, Rancher) * Architect, design, and implement Kubernetes environments from the agile planning stage to production deployments * Lead and take part in readiness assessments, workshops, roadmap/design sessions, and tool/environment modernization discussions * Lead architecting sessions with business and technology owners as a technical expert * Provide systems support in and out of office hours * Lead client demonstrations and working sessions * Mentor junior staff and support project leadership * Lead the creation of written deliverables * Maintains several relevant and higher-end certifications * Lead a team of technical delivery resources on complex projects * Helps to develop new AHEAD products, processes, standards, and / or plans * Obtains and maintains relevant and higher-end certifications * Participate in pre-sales activities and support on an as-needed basis * Be a mentor for more junior staff Experience with various Kubernetes platforms * Proven experience in designing and building large scale, high performing, secure Kubernetes and other application platform infrastructure on Kubernetes platforms * Experience in managing Kubernetes clusters, building docker images and Day 2 Operations * Experience in Kubernetes networking, load balancer, pod security and certificate management * Experience with monitoring tools such Datadog, Dynatrace AppDynamics, ELK, Grafana, Prometheus, or equivalent * Experience with public cloud environments (i.e. AWS, GCP, Azure) * Experience working with private registries like Docker, JFrog Artifactory, Nexus, ECR & etc. * Good understanding & implementation experience using the 12-factor App principle * Experience on container networking & security, image scanning for vulnerabilities using tools, Source code management and Implementation of Security best practices, other Dev Sec Ops principles and tools. * Excellent hands-on experience with Unix/Linux-OS Internals and administration, ideally Red hat, SuSe, or Ubuntu. * Excellent hands-on of DevOps using platforms` and tools like git, Hashi Corp Terraform, Hashi ,Corp Vault, Jenkins, Ansible * Good familiarity with TCP/IP protocols and applications * Strong desire for personal development and learning * Able to communicate beyond technologies and talk solutions to engineers and senior management alike * Good understanding of distributed systems * Strong verbal and written communication skills with demonstrated technical leadership * Client relationship skills and experience working with vendors Desired Skills *Experience in Test Driven Development (TDD) and agile methodologies, including refactoring *5+ years of full-stack Software Development *Experience developing cloud-based enterprise software *Experience leading a product or development team *Ability to incrementally define and improve system architecture as a product evolves *Experience modernizing legacy applications/systems in languages such as Java or C#/.NET Clearance: Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.Compensation and Benefits:Salary Range: 150,000- 200,000 (Compensation is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, work experience, skills, education, certifications, seniority, and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.)Benefits: Gridiron offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), disability & ADD insurance, life and pet insurance to eligible employees. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 30 hours per week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Gridiron’s benefits programs.Gridiron IT Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status or disability status.Gridiron IT is a Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area that supports our clients' missions throughout the United States. Gridiron IT specializes in providing comprehensive IT services tailored to meet the needs of federal agencies. Our capabilities include IT Infrastructure & Cloud Services, Cyber Security, Software Integration & Development, Data Solution & AI, and Enterprise Applications. These capabilities are backed by Gridiron IT's experienced workforce and our commitment to ensuring we meet and exceed our clients' expectations.