DevOps Engineer I (Ability to Obtain Secret clearance Required) with Security Clearance
The DevOps Engineer I role supports federal contracts by managing and securing cloud and on-premises infrastructure, focusing on AWS and Azure environments. Responsibilities include troubleshooting databases, maintaining CI/CD pipelines with Kubernetes and container technologies, implementing security best practices aligned with NIST 800-53, and collaborating with development teams to ensure stable, secure application deployments. This on-site position requires a Secret clearance and involves approximately 25% travel within the DMV area.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, IT.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
Confidential Client is seeking an entry-level DevOps Engineer I to support mission-critical federal programs. You will join a technical team that delivers secure, cloud-first infrastructure and automation. Typical responsibilities include:
- Troubleshoot and administer MySQL (MariaDB) and PostgreSQL databases (AWS RDS/Aurora and cloud-native Postgres).
- Operate across cloud platforms with a focus on AWS and Azure.
- Maintain and deploy software updates reliably and securely.
- Use Git for version control and manage branching/CI workflows.
- Build and maintain Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) using Terraform or equivalent.
- Develop and maintain CI/CD pipelines for containerized applications (Kubernetes, ArgoCD, Jenkins).
- Instrument systems and implement monitoring/alerting to provide actionable metrics.
- Write automation tooling to streamline operational tasks and deployments.
- Advise developers on secure, stable application deployments and lifecycle support.
- Apply security best practices and help implement NIST 800-53 controls in cloud environments.
- Integrate traditional virtualization and serverless platforms (e.g., Microsoft Power Platform) where required.
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must meet the following requirements:
- U.S. Citizenship required with the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Bachelor’s degree, 4+ years of active military service, or 5+ years of relevant technical/analytical experience.
- Entry-level cloud and Kubernetes experience (practical exposure to EKS, containers, and cluster operations).
- Basic understanding of DevSecOps practices and how to build reliable systems.
- Familiarity with networking fundamentals in cloud and datacenter environments.
- Programming/scripting experience (JavaScript/TypeScript, Bash, or similar).
- Working knowledge of AWS services (including EKS, Organizations, Control Tower, and advanced networking).
- Willingness/ability to obtain AWS Associate-level certification and a CKAD or CKA within 12 months.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred / Desired Qualifications
- Familiarity with Agile project workflows.
- Experience with AWS Transit Gateway, Fortinet products, or equivalent network/security tools.
- Certifications or hands-on experience with GCP, Azure, or private cloud platforms like OpenShift.
- Experience with Elasticsearch / Kibana / Logstash (ELK) and centralized logging.
- Understanding of Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) is a plus.
- Prior government contracting or cleared-environment experience welcomed but not required.
Location, Travel & Schedule
- Primary location: Herndon, VA — candidates must be within a commutable distance to the client site.
- This role may be listed with telework flexibility in some postings, but the position requires on-site presence as needed; expect approximately 25% travel to contract locations within the DMV area.
- Full-time position.
Compensation & Benefits
- Pay range: $85,000 - $95,000 per year (provided by the client).
- Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), paid time off (PTO), and other voluntary benefits as offered by the client.
About the Client
Confidential Client is a federal services contractor supporting government missions. The role supports highly visible federal programs where secure implementations and compliance with security frameworks are essential.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
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