Senior Custom Software Engineer (Platform Developer)

About

The Senior Custom Software Engineer (Platform Developer) is responsible for the containerization, automation, scripting, and Infrastructure‑as‑Code (IaC) development necessary to support secure platform operations in Government cloud environments. This role designs, configures, integrates, and maintains management infrastructure services while ensuring stability, monitoring, and adherence to security and compliance requirements. The engineer develops hardened machine images (e.g., Azure VMs), ensures STIG compliance, and builds custom services to facilitate security inheritance across the environment. As a senior‑level contributor, the engineer applies expert‑level knowledge, leads major technical assignments, evaluates performance results, and may supervise or mentor other technical staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain containerized and automated platform components.
• Implement Infrastructure‑as‑Code (IaC) using automation tools (e.g., Terraform) for provisioning, installation, configuration, operation, and maintenance of systems.
• Configure, integrate, and secure services across cloud and on‑premises environments.
• Develop hardened virtual machine images (e.g., Azure VM images) and ensure compliance with STIG benchmarks and security inheritance models.
• Support Platform‑as‑a‑Service (PaaS) capabilities, including Kubernetes‑based solutions.
• Implement monitoring and observability frameworks to ensure system stability and reliability.
• Deploy and manage Azure Landing Zones, Azure policies, and related governance frameworks.
• Support command‑line integration, scripting, and troubleshooting across Azure, Linux, and Windows environments.
• Work with networking concepts including DNS, load balancing, TLS, routing, and secure service communication.
• Lead major technology assignments and function as a technical expert across multiple project portfolios.
• Provide technical oversight, mentorship, and direction to junior engineering staff.
• Recommend major changes affecting short‑term project success and long‑term growth.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology or related field; 6 years of IT systems implementation experience may substitute for the degree.
• 7 years of software development experience building secure solutions in Government cloud environments.
• 2 years of experience with IaC implementation and automation using tools such as Terraform.
• 2 years of experience with Platform‑as‑a‑Service, including Kubernetes.
• 1 year of experience deploying and working with Azure Landing Zones and implementing Azure policies.
• Experience with Azure CLI, network technologies (DNS, load balancing, TLS), and infrastructure services.
• Experience with AWS services and cloud platform operations.
• Compliance with DoD 8570.01‑M IAT Level II requirements (e.g., Security+) and applicable computing environment certifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience debugging via log analysis, stack trace review, and permissions investigation.
• Experience with network troubleshooting including DNS, security groups, and route tables.
• Experience in software development using Git repositories and CI/CD workflows.
• Experience with DevSecOps tools and configuration management (Ansible preferred; Chef/Puppet acceptable).
• Experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) administration.
• General understanding of advanced networking principles.
• Experience mentoring or supervising technical personnel.
• Experience supporting remote or distributed development teams.

Clearance Requirements

• Must possess an active Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility.