Senior Platform Engineer

Your Impact:

Shape the future of Skyward’s platform by leading the development and maintenance of secure, scalable infrastructure that supports mission-critical national security applications. As a senior team member, you will leverage your expertise to mentor others, drive technical innovation, and ensure seamless deployment of ultra-sensitive, multi-domain cyber-logistics solutions.

This role requires an active Secret or Top Secret (preferred) security clearance. 

Where You'll Take Charge:

• Oversee design, scaling, and optimization of multi-domain capabilities, setting standards for robust infrastructure.
• Drive the strategic evolution of platform capabilities, scalability, and tooling while evaluating and integrating emerging technologies.
• Lead the design, deployment, and optimization of Kubernetes clusters and workloads, with a focus on AWS EKS and Helm.
• Develop advanced Infrastructure-as-Code solutions using Terraform, ensuring modular, scalable, and secure configurations.
• Oversee CI/CD pipeline design and maintenance, enhancing deployment efficiency with tools like GitLab, Jenkins, and Argo.
• Implement and automate advanced security controls, including compliance with STIG, SRG, and RMF standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align platform capabilities with business goals.
• Identify and lead initiatives to improve infrastructure performance, reliability, and scalability.
• Act as a SME for infrastructure challenges, providing guidance to peers and stakeholders.
• Evaluate new technologies and provide recommendations for integrating into the platform roadmap.

Your Edge:

• Advanced expertise in container orchestration and Kubernetes (AWS EKS, Helm).
• Expert in Infrastructure-as-Code (Terraform, AWS) and pipeline automation (GitLab, Jenkins, Argo).
• In-depth knowledge of DoD security standards and compliance frameworks (STIG, SRG, RMF).
• Strong technical mentorship and team collaboration skills.
• Proven ability to architect scalable, secure, and efficient infrastructure.
• Effective communication of technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Extensive experience with air-gapped systems and classified environments.
• Expertise in multi-domain DevSecOps practices.
• Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance required.

Career Growth Potential:

• Platform Lead >> Staff Engineer >> Technology Director >> CTO

Compensation and Benefits:

• Targeted Compensation:  155-175 base salary
• 10% 401k match, 100% immediately vested
• 100% employer-paid health, dental & vision coverage
• 100% employer-paid short and long term disability benefits
• 100% employer-paid life insurance policy
• 20 days of flexible paid time off
• 11 federal holidays and 2+ Skyward holidays
• Unlimited sick & bereavement leave events
• Company issued laptop, mobile phone and expense card
• $5,000 per year tax-exempt educational reimbursement
• $250 office set-up stipend
• $50 monthly internet stipend
• $50 monthly coffee budget ☕
• Additional discretionary benefits throughout the year

About Skyward Federal

Skyward Federal solves multi-domain challenges that others can't, primarily supporting national defense. Our mission is to enable those who protect us. We challenge the status quo and ensure our solutions have a meaningful and lasting impact to our clients' missions. We have a flexible, collaborative start-up environment, fostering innovation and teamwork. We prioritize the development of our people, knowing that our success is driven by their talent and dedication.

Skyward Core Values:

• Impact Mission - Move fast. Execute with precision. Deliver results.
• Take Initiative - Don't hesitate. Dive in. Get shit done.
• Empower People - Take point. Make a difference. Feed the team.
• Pursue Excellence - Stay curious. Keep improving. Push boundaries.