Automation Engineer

Job#: 3022184

Job Description:
Automation Engineer - Cloud & Kubernetes Platforms
Position Overview

We're seeking a senior-level Automation Engineer to help build and operate a highly available, cloud-native edge computing platform supporting large-scale enterprise and mission-critical workloads. This environment is containerized, Kubernetes-based, and deployed across multiple geographically distributed sites.

In this role, you'll design and evolve an automation and DevSecOps framework that enables secure, repeatable infrastructure deployments and application hosting at scale. You'll work closely with government and engineering stakeholders to modernize infrastructure using Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Kubernetes orchestration, and industry-leading automation tools. If you enjoy solving complex platform problems, hardening systems, and reducing operational friction through automation, this role offers real ownership and impact.
What You'll Do

• Collaborate with government and platform engineers to design, implement, and maintain a robust automation and DevSecOps framework.
• Build and maintain Infrastructure as Code (IaC) pipelines for provisioning and managing Kubernetes-based environments.
• Automate the deployment, configuration, and lifecycle management of Kubernetes clusters, including networking (CNI) and storage (CSI) integrations.
• Support hosted application teams by provisioning secure, isolated customer environments using automation and container orchestration tools.
• Harden automation tooling and container platforms using commercial best practices and required cybersecurity controls.
• Create and maintain clear technical documentation, including system architecture diagrams, network topology, configurations, and SOPs.
• Troubleshoot complex issues across Kubernetes clusters, containerized applications, and automation pipelines; perform root cause analysis.
• Participate in an on-call rotation to support after-hours production incidents when needed.
• Continuously improve the automation framework by evaluating new tools, enhancing existing workflows, and identifying opportunities for new platform capabilities.
• Champion automation-first thinking across the organization by promoting best practices and measurable operational improvements.
• Assess existing ("as-is") environments, perform gap analyses, and recommend automation strategies to improve reliability, security, and scalability.

Required Skills

• Must be capable of acquiring/maintaining an active DOD secret clearance for employment.
• Must have active Comptia Security+ or IAT level II certification
• Must live within 4.5 hours of Washington, DC
• Senior-level experience with automation, secrets management, and configuration management tools such as Terraform, Vault, Ansible, GitLab, or similar platforms.
• Strong hands-on experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC), including automated networking, server provisioning, software deployment, monitoring, and testing.
• Solid knowledge of containerization and orchestration technologies, including Kubernetes, Docker, and/or Red Hat OpenShift.

Nice to Have

• Familiarity with DoD security frameworks (e.g., STIGs, IAVM) or equivalent industry security hardening standards.
• Experience automating Kubernetes cluster deployments in production environments.
• Proficiency with scripting languages such as Python, Bash, or PowerShell.
• Experience writing and structuring Ansible playbooks and roles for enterprise operations.
• Strong diagnostic and troubleshooting skills across distributed systems, Kubernetes platforms, and automation tooling.

Why This Role

• Work on a modern, cloud-native platform operating at enterprise and edge scale.
• High visibility and ownership over automation strategy-not just maintaining pipelines, but shaping them.
• Solve meaningful infrastructure challenges where reliability, security, and automation truly matter.
• Collaborate with experienced engineers in an environment that values clean design and continuous improvement.

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.

Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.