Kubernetes Platform Engineer - Senior

Senior Kubernetes Platform Engineer - Team Lead

Position Summary
The Senior Kubernetes Platform Engineer will lead an AWS EKS-based multi-tenant platform. This role provides technical leadership, manages Kubernetes platform architecture, and ensures stability, scalability, and security for mission-critical workloads. The Senior Engineer oversees day-to-day platform operations, directs automation efforts, and serves as the escalation point for complex technical issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Kubernetes cluster administration (EKS) including provisioning, upgrades, node group management, and patching.
• Architect and optimize platform infrastructure, ensuring scalability and adherence to security baselines.
• Oversee creation and maintenance of Kubernetes IaC (Helm charts, Terraform modules) for tenant onboarding and environment configuration.
• Manage and patch Kubernetes-layer tooling (Cilium, Karpenter) and associated open-source components.
• Own platform network configuration (DNS, firewall services/TIC 3.0, VPN/tunnels).
• Direct base image automation, distribution, and security incident response.
• Implement and maintain load balancer configurations (public & ingress, TIC 3.0 compliance).
• Drives development of golden paths and developer self-service capabilities.
• Lead contingency planning and disaster recovery strategies, including backup/restore procedures and incident communications.
• Produce and maintain platform documentation (POAMs, SOPs, security SOPs, management plans).

Mentor junior platform engineers and coordinate work across Cloud Ops, App Support, and Automation teams.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS/BA, 8+ years of work experience, with:
• 5-7 years in Kubernetes operations with AWS EKS in production.
• Must have hands-on experience with Cilium and Karpenter.
• Proven leadership in multi-tenant Kubernetes environments.
• Expertise in Helm, Terraform, ArgoCD, AWS IAM/RBAC, Cilium, and ECR.
• Experience with platform-level security and FedRAMP/NIST compliance.
• Strong scripting skills (Bash, Python, Go).
• Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) or equivalent experience preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills
• Ability to work nights and/or weekends for patching or deployments.
• Ability to obtain a public trust clearance

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. 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. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can’t be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we’re keeping people around the world safe and secure.