Kubernetes Architect

Apply now: Kubernetes Architect, location is Hybrid/Remote. The start date is July 2026 for this 12-month contract position.

Job Title: Kubernetes Architect
Location-Type: Hybrid/Remote (3 days onsite in Herndon, VA)
Start Date Is: July 6 or July 13, 2026
Duration: 12-Month Contract (Opportunity to Extend or Convert)
Compensation Range: $60/hr - $75/hr W2
Benefits: Eligible for Health, Dental, Vision, 401K
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

Job Description:
Seeking a Kubernetes Architect to lead platform architecture, SDLC documentation, and cloud modernization initiatives while serving as a technical SME across Kubernetes, containerization, cloud platforms, and secure software delivery practices.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities:

• Design, architect, and optimize Kubernetes-based platforms across cloud environments
• Build, harden, and prototype containerized application solutions
• Document end-to-end SDLC processes, deployment workflows, and platform standards
• Conduct technical assessments, architecture reviews, and proof-of-concept initiatives
• Develop architecture diagrams, runbooks, implementation guides, and technical standards
• Collaborate with engineering, security, compliance, and operations teams
• Present technical findings and recommendations to both technical and executive audiences
• Improve CI/CD pipelines with a focus on reliability, security, and compliance
• Support monitoring, observability, and signal management initiatives
• Establish platform best practices across cloud-native environments

Minimum Requirements:

• 7-10 years of relevant platform, cloud, or infrastructure experience
• Strong hands-on Kubernetes experience in production environments
• Containerization expertise using Docker and related technologies
• Experience designing solutions across AWS, Azure, and/or GCP
• Deep understanding of the full SDLC, including CI/CD, testing, version control, and release management
• Experience creating architecture documentation, diagrams, runbooks, and standards
• Strong understanding of cloud networking, IAM, security, storage, and compute services
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Bachelor's degree required for conversion to full-time employment

Preferred Qualifications:

• FedRAMP, government, defense, or regulated environment experience
• Container hardening, image scanning, SBOMs, policy enforcement, or compliance experience
• Monitoring, observability, and signal management expertise
• Infrastructure as Code experience with Terraform, Helm, or Ansible
• Service mesh, secrets management, or cloud-native platform experience
• Experience mentoring engineers and driving platform standards
• Experience supporting reliability, security, and compliance-focused delivery pipelines