Platform Operations and Security Specialist

Job Family:

Security Management

Travel Required:

None

Clearance Required:

Ability to Obtain Public Trust

What You Will Do:
​​We are searching for a Platform Operations and Security Specialist to support future opportunities.  The person in this role will operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and secure high-throughput and automated laboratory platforms, ensuring reliable daily operations, compliance, and optimal performance across on-premises and cloud environments.  This position will be based in Bethesda, MD.    

• Oversee daily technical operations for automated laboratory systems and HPC/cloud platforms, ensuring uptime, throughput, and security.  

• Operate and maintain automated systems: liquid handlers (including acoustic), pintools,  TekMatic Indigo, Chemspeed, Unchained Labs Junior.  

• Use maintenance tools, upgrade kits, and monitoring software to ensure system health and performance.  

• Perform preventive maintenance, calibrations, patching, and first-line troubleshooting; lead and coordinate patch cycles.  

• Execute upgrades and collaborate with vendors for advanced repairs and lifecycle management.  

• Conduct periodic security checks/audits to ensure compliance with government directives and NIH-mandated standards.  

• Maintain accurate logs, SOP adherence, and compliance records, supporting ATO processes.  

• Assist in managing technology projects and providing technical guidance for task completion.  

• Collaborate with development engineering teams to address operational technical debt and optimize processes.  

• Research new technologies and recommend improvements for performance, security, and cost optimization.  

• Develop and guide team members in enhancing technical capabilities and productivity.  

What You Will Need:

• Bachelor’s degree in technical discipline (Engineering, IT, Computer Science, etc.).  

• A minimum of TWO (2) years of operations/maintenance experience with lab automation, manufacturing platforms, or HPC/cloud environments.  

• Experience supporting cloud services (AWS, Azure, GCP) and securing cloud/Kubernetes environments.  

• Familiarity with monitoring tools, SIEMs, IDSs, IPS, and ITSM platforms.  

• Strong mechanical/electro-mechanical aptitude; ability to read schematics and SOPs.  

• Experience in HTS/HCA environments and safety/compliance practices.  

• Experience with scripting languages (Python, Ruby, Go) for automation and troubleshooting.  

• Strong multitasking, communication, and documentation skills.  

What Would Be Nice To Have:

• Expertise in zero-trust architecture, container security (Kubernetes), and compliance frameworks (FedRAMP, NIST). 

• Experience with CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure-as-code tools (Terraform, Ansible), and automated patching. 

• Familiarity with advanced lab automation platforms beyond core systems (e.g., Hamilton, Tecan, Beckman). 

• Skills in tuning HPC clusters and cloud workloads for cost and speed efficiency. 

• Advanced use of SIEM tools (Splunk, ELK), IDS/IPS, and vulnerability. 

The annual salary range for this position is $56,000.00-$94,000.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.

What We Offer:

Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.

Benefits include:

• Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance

• Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays

• Parental Leave

• 401(k) Retirement Plan

• Group Term Life and Travel Assistance

• Voluntary Life and AD&D