Architect - Automation and Orchestration

ResponsibilitiesPosition OverviewPeraton is seeking a highly skilled Kubernetes Architect to support a federal government customer in designing, building, securing, and operationalizing enterprise Kubernetes platforms across both air-gapped and cloud-based environments. This role will serve as the technical lead for Kubernetes platform architecture, automation, infrastructure modernization, and container orchestration strategy supporting mission-critical government systems.The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in Kubernetes platform engineering, cloud-native infrastructure, Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC), enterprise automation, and secure platform operations within highly regulated federal environments. Key ResponsibilitiesLead the design, implementation, and long-term operational strategy of enterprise Kubernetes platforms supporting federal government missions and secure enterprise workloads.Architect, build, and maintain Nutanix Kubernetes Platform (NKP) environments across air-gapped on-premises infrastructure and AWS cloud environments.Establish secure Kubernetes cluster foundations including networking, storage integrations, identity management, cluster lifecycle management, and platform governance aligned with federal compliance requirements.Design and implement cloud-native Kubernetes infrastructure leveraging Terraform and Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) methodologies to automate deployment and management processes.VPC design and segmentationSubnets and routingIAM integration and role-based access controlsCluster provisioning and node managementSecure networking and ingress configurationsHigh availability and resiliency architecturesDevelop repeatable, scalable, and compliant infrastructure deployment workflows aligned with enterprise standards and federal security requirements.Operationalize and maintain platform stability, tenant management, and shared services running within Kubernetes environments.Oversee Kubernetes platform operations including:Change managementCluster upgrades and patchingAccess controls and RBACMonitoring and loggingSecurity hardeningCapacity planningPerformance optimizationServe as the Kubernetes Subject Matter Expert (SME) providing architectural guidance, technical leadership, and best practices to engineering, DevSecOps, and application teams.Develop reference architectures, platform standards, operational procedures, and deployment patterns supporting scalable application onboarding and long-term platform sustainability.Translate complex Kubernetes and cloud-native concepts into actionable technical guidance for stakeholders, engineering teams, and operational leadership.Collaborate with cybersecurity, infrastructure, networking, and development teams to ensure secure and compliant platform operations.Support modernization initiatives involving containerization, automation, DevSecOps, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud-native transformation efforts.Ensure compliance with federal cybersecurity standards, configuration management requirements, and enterprise operational governance processes.Develop and maintain technical documentation including architecture diagrams, operational runbooks, deployment standards, and engineering procedures.QualificationsRequired Qualifications10+ years of experience in infrastructure engineering, cloud architecture, DevOps, or platform engineering roles.5+ years of hands-on Kubernetes architecture and administration experience in enterprise or mission-critical environments.KubernetesNutanix Kubernetes Platform (NKP)Amazon EKSTerraformInfrastructure-as-Code (IaC)Container orchestration and cloud-native technologiesExperience designing and supporting Kubernetes platforms in both air-gapped and cloud-based environments.AWS networking and architectureIAM and RBACVPCs, subnets, routing, and security groupsKubernetes networking and ingressStorage integrations and persistent volumesCluster lifecycle managementExperience implementing secure and compliant Kubernetes environments within federal or highly regulated organizations.Strong understanding of DevSecOps methodologies, CI/CD pipelines, automation frameworks, and container security best practices.Experience operationalizing shared enterprise Kubernetes platforms supporting multi-tenant workloads.Excellent troubleshooting, performance optimization, and platform reliability engineering skills.US Citizen with an active Top Secret clearance with the abiliity to obtain a Q/SCI security clearance.Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA)Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS)AWS Certified Solutions ArchitectTerraform AssociateNutanix Certified Professional (NCP)Experience supporting Department of Energy (DOE), Intelligence Community (IC), or civilian federal agency environmentsBachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent professional experience) preferredExperience with:RancherHelmArgoCDGitOps workflowsIstio or service mesh technologiesPrometheus/GrafanaELK/OpenSearch logging stacksFamiliarity with Zero Trust Architecture and federal cloud modernization initiatives.As the world’s leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Each day, our employees do the can’t be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Target Salary Range$146,000 - $234,000. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual’s experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.EEOEEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.