Software engineer

Job Title: Software EngineerJob Description

We are seeking a Software Engineer to join a Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) team responsible for designing, building, and sustaining a Kubernetes-based platform that supports mission applications and shared platform services. This team delivers the underlying infrastructure, CI/CD workflows, platform services, and Kubernetes-native capabilities used by multiple application teams in an air-gapped environment. You will work across Kubernetes platform engineering and software development, building and maintaining cluster capabilities, developing shared services (primarily in Go and Node.js), and supporting secure deployment pipelines and installation/configuration in Linux environments.

Responsibilities

• Build, enhance, and sustain a Kubernetes-based PaaS, including clusters on physical systems and virtualized environments.

• Develop and maintain shared platform services that provide common capabilities to application teams, such as routing, utility services, alerting, and data processing services.

• Implement and maintain Kubernetes-native integrations, including operators and controller patterns.

• Support and improve CI/CD pipelines using GitLab, integrating scanning tools, automated checks, and promotion workflows.

• Perform Linux-based installation/configuration activities in air-gapped systems, including automation and repeatable deployment workflows.

• Support phased deployment/test promotion flows from virtual/small systems to full systems.

• Contribute to quality practices, including automated checks, fail-fast validations, and broader pipeline/system testing.

• Collaborate using the Atlassian toolset (Jira/Confluence) for planning, tracking, and documentation.

• Work with cybersecurity and platform controls at the cluster level, including scanning integrations and security-related platform configuration.

• Participate in technical assessments/interviews and contribute to a proactive team culture.

Essential Skills

• 5+ years of hands-on experience with Kubernetes, including building and supporting clusters and deploying services.

• Proficiency in Linux, including operating system fundamentals, troubleshooting, configuration, and scripting.

• Experience in software development, particularly in building services or platform components with Go and/or Node.js.

• Experience working in constrained environments, such as air-gapped or secure labs.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field.

• Active Secret clearance preferred; interim Secret may be considered depending on program needs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Familiarity with gRPC or similar middleware messaging technologies and experience in building service-to-service communication patterns.

• CI/CD expertise and pipeline ownership, particularly with GitLab pipelines.

• Infrastructure automation experience, including tools such as Ansible and deployment scripting.

• Experience integrating or operating FOSS/COTS tools for container scanning/security checks in pipelines.

• Experience writing Kubernetes operators using Go-based operator frameworks, CRDs, and controllers.

• Familiarity with the person and/or Python for tooling, automation, and services.

• Exposure to VMs and hybrid environments, including virtual and physical deployments.

• Basic networking knowledge, although not required as a separate team handles physical/network hardware.

Work Environment

The work environment involves working within a Kubernetes-based platform engineering and software development context. The position requires working in air-gapped systems with limited network connectivity and secure labs. The role utilizes the Atlassian toolset for planning and documentation and operates within an agile and collaborative team culture.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Manassas, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $72.00 - $77.00/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 Mar 23, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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 due to a disability, please email [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.