DevOps Engineer I (Ability to Obtain Secret clearance Required)
The DevOps Engineer I supports federal contracts by managing cloud infrastructure, databases, and CI/CD pipelines with a focus on security and automation. This role involves troubleshooting, implementing DevSecOps best practices, and collaborating with development teams to ensure stable, secure, and efficient system operations. The position requires on-site presence near Herndon, VA, with some travel and the ability to obtain a Secret clearance.
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.
Responsibilities
Confidential Client is seeking a Jr. DevOps Engineer to support high-visibility federal IT contracts. This role focuses on security monitoring, auditing, systems engineering, and supporting development teams.
- Troubleshoot MySQL (MariaDB) and PostgreSQL deployments (AWS RDS/Aurora or Kubernetes Cloud Native Postgres).
- Work across cloud platforms with an emphasis on AWS and Azure.
- Maintain Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and ensure software updates are properly deployed.
- Use Git for version control and collaborate with development teams on release workflows.
- Build and maintain Kubernetes- and cloud-centric CI/CD pipelines using containers.
- Automate operational tasks using DevOps tools such as Terraform, Kubernetes, ArgoCD, Jenkins, and Git.
- Implement monitoring, instrumentation, and actionable alerting for systems.
- Advise developers on secure, stable application delivery and support the full application lifecycle.
- Apply security best practices (NIST 800-53); familiarity with STIGs is a plus.
- Integrate traditional virtualization with cloud and serverless platforms (e.g., Microsoft Power Platform) where required.
Qualifications
- U.S. citizenship required and ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Bachelor’s degree OR 4+ years military active duty OR 5+ years relevant technical or analytical experience.
- Entry-level cloud and Kubernetes experience; awareness of Linux and Kubernetes administration.
- Working knowledge of AWS (including EKS, advanced networking, Organizations, Control Tower) and Azure fundamentals.
- Programming experience with JavaScript/TypeScript and Bash.
- Base-level understanding of DevSecOps practices and networking fundamentals in cloud and datacenter environments.
- Ability and commitment to obtain AWS associate-level certification and CKAD or CKA within 12 months.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
Desired Qualifications
- Familiarity with Agile project management fundamentals.
- Experience with networking tools such as AWS Transit Gateway and Fortinet products.
- Knowledge or certification in additional cloud platforms (GCP, Azure) or private platforms (OpenShift).
- Experience with ELK stack (Elasticsearch, Kibana, Logstash).
Work Type
- On-site in Herndon, VA. Approximately 25% travel to contract locations within the DMV area. Candidates must be located within a commutable distance to Herndon.
Compensation & Benefits
- Pay range: $85,000 - $95,000 per year (reported by source).
- Confidential Client offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), Paid Time Off (PTO), and other voluntary benefits.
About the Employer
Confidential Client provides federal mission services and IT solutions to government customers. Employment is direct with Confidential Client.
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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