General Dynamics Information Technology
Government IT contractor delivering defense tech
Platform Engineer Senior Principal
On-site role with 10–25% travel required.
About the job
- Ten or more years of progressive experience designing, implementing, and supporting enterprise DevOps, DevSecOps, Platform Engineering, or cloud environments.
- Five or more years of experience designing and deploying secure, highly available, cloud-native solutions in Amazon Web Services.
- Two or more years of software development experience, preferably supporting production or customer-facing systems.
- Demonstrated experience serving as a technical lead, architect, or subject matter expert for enterprise software development, Platform Engineering, infrastructure automation, or cloud modernization initiatives.
- Extensive experience designing, deploying, administering, and troubleshooting enterprise Kubernetes platforms.
- Extensive experience with Docker, Helm, Kustomize, container security, vulnerability scanning, image management, and container hardening.
- Strong knowledge of AWS networking, including Virtual Private Clouds, subnets, routing, load balancing, DNS, ingress, security groups, network access controls, and connectivity troubleshooting.
- Strong understanding of Infrastructure as Code using Terraform, Crossplane, or comparable technologies.
- Experience designing, implementing, and maintaining CI/CD pipelines using GitLab or similar technologies.
- Experience applying DevSecOps practices throughout the software development lifecycle.
- Experience supporting highly available enterprise applications in AWS production environments.
- Experience developing automation using Python, Bash, or similar scripting languages.
- Experience reviewing and validating software code, application architectures, Kubernetes configurations, cloud infrastructure, and technical designs.
- Strong knowledge of Agile software development methodologies.
- Active TS/SCI clearance.
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related technical discipline; an equivalent combination of education, certifications, and relevant professional experience may be considered.
- Only U.S. citizens are eligible for this role.
- Serve as the technical authority for Platform Engineering, DevOps, and DevSecOps architecture across multiple projects.
- Lead the design, implementation, modernization, and continuous improvement of secure, scalable, and highly available cloud-native platforms.
- Design and operate enterprise Kubernetes platforms supporting multiple applications, teams, and deployment environments.
- Architect secure AWS solutions with an emphasis on cloud networking, routing, load balancing, ingress, identity management, resiliency, and zero-trust principles.
- Capture, analyze, and implement customer requirements while ensuring alignment with mission objectives, program priorities, security requirements, and performance expectations.
- Engage throughout the full lifecycle of platform services, including design, development, deployment, operations, monitoring, incident response, and optimization.
- Design, implement, and maintain enterprise CI/CD pipelines using GitLab or similar technologies and industry-recognized best practices.
- Define, establish, document, and maintain DevSecOps standards, processes, governance, and security controls throughout the software development lifecycle.
- Design and implement Infrastructure as Code solutions using Terraform, Crossplane, and comparable technologies.
- Standardize the creation, deployment, configuration, and lifecycle management of Helm charts, Kustomize overlays, and Kubernetes-based applications.
- Develop and implement automated testing frameworks, deployment validation processes, and release strategies that improve platform reliability and reduce operational risk.
- Monitor platform availability, performance, scalability, capacity, and security while proactively identifying opportunities for improvement.
- Apply Site Reliability Engineering principles to improve system resilience, reduce operational toil, and increase service availability.
- Troubleshoot complex infrastructure, networking, security, and application issues while providing root cause analysis and implementing durable corrective actions.
- Conduct architecture reviews, infrastructure reviews, code reviews, and technical design sessions.
- Review and validate application architectures, infrastructure designs, deployment patterns, and technical implementation plans.
- Onboard application development teams to standardized cloud platforms, CI/CD pipelines, Kubernetes deployment patterns, and operational processes.
- Develop automation and platform capabilities using Python, Bash, or similar scripting and programming languages.
- Mentor developers and junior engineers while providing technical leadership across cross-functional engineering teams.
- Collaborate with government stakeholders, program leadership, product owners, cybersecurity teams, and engineering personnel to develop technical roadmaps and modernization strategies.
- CompTIA Security+ CE certification.
- Experience supporting production or customer-facing systems.
About the company
GDIT provides IT services, systems engineering, and mission support to U.S. government and related agencies, covering digital modernization, cloud, cybersecurity, AI/ML, data analytics, application development, and IT infrastructure. It wins long-term government contracts and builds, operates, and maintains technology solutions for agencies across defense, civilian, health, and homeland security sectors. The company differentiates itself through large acquisitions that created a broad, integrated government IT capability and a clearance-backed workforce with deep domain knowledge in security and intelligence. Its goal is to help government agencies modernize operations securely and efficiently, including areas like battlespace technology, border security, and smart government initiatives through ongoing technology investments.
Company Size
10,001+
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
Founded
1999
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- September 2026 $1.3 billion Army National Guard award extends cybersecurity revenue through 2033.
- September 2026 OpenAI alliance expands federal AI deployments beyond pilots into production workflows.
- NOAA and Air Force demand for zero trust, GPU clusters, and edge AI drives new programs.
What critics are saying
- Army and Air Force contract concentration exposes GDIT to recompetes and budget delays by 2027.
- WARN notices for 87 D.C. workers and prior Maryland cuts signal contract volatility and margin pressure.
- OpenAI and CLEAR partnerships commoditize integration, letting hyperscalers and software vendors displace GDIT entirely.
What makes General Dynamics Information Technology unique
- GDIT combines deep federal integration with OpenAI, CLEAR, Splunk, and Seekr partnerships in 2026.
- Everest Zero Trust passed a government red team and runs at 187 Air Force installations.
- Amy Gilliland's VIA strategy targets mission-specific modernization across AI, cyber, and smart government.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
401(k) Company Match
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Paid Holidays
Hybrid Work Options
Wellness Program
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↑ 5%1 year growth
↑ 5%2 year growth
↑ 5%GDIT taps retired Maj. Gen. Ryan Heritage as VP, full spectrum cyber. General Dynamics Information Technology has appointed retired Maj. Gen. Ryan P. Heritage as vice president, full-spectrum cyber. Heritage will help bring GDIT's full-spectrum cyber expertise to government missions, lead the cyber center of excellence and help grow the company's cyber workforce. "Government agencies need mission-ready and adaptive cyber solutions faster than ever," said Ben Gianni, senior vice president and chief technology officer at GDIT. "For decades, Ryan has executed the nation's most sensitive missions at the highest levels of command. His expertise will enable us to further strengthen our cyber capabilities and help our customers stay ahead of evolving threats." Heritage brings over 35 years of experience leading tactical and strategic level operations. He was most recently director of operations at U.S. Cyber Command, where he oversaw full-spectrum joint and combined cyberspace operations and cyber readiness across the Department of War. He has also served as commanding general for the Marine Corps Forces' Cyber, Space and Information Commands. Heritage joins as GDIT expands its federal cyber work, including recent Army National Guard and Air Force awards valued at $1.3 billion and $120 million, respectively. "As cyber threats grow exponentially and become more complex every day, the margin for error is shrinking," Heritage said. "GDIT's cyber expertise runs deep, and we have experienced employees across the company who tackle the hardest mission problems every day. I look forward to bringing that expertise together and enabling the rapid delivery of integrated solutions across all domains." Staff Writer WashingtonExec celebrates the people, programs, and milestones shaping the Washington, D.C. government contracting community. Join 30,000+ leaders who start their day with The Daily. Our latest executive profiles, council news, and GovCon headlines - every morning.
GDIT debuts Everest Zero Trust offerings for government IT. by Miles Jamison September 10, 2026, 11:45 am * GDIT's Everest portfolio includes Clarity, Flex and Unified offerings for different zero trust needs * The portfolio has been deployed in more than 40 mission environments * Everest is used at 187 installations worldwide supporting more than one million Department of the Air Force users General Dynamics Information Technology has launched its Everest Zero Trust portfolio to help the Department of War and government agencies implement zero trust capabilities while retaining existing IT infrastructure. The General Dynamics business unit said Wednesday the portfolio is designed for agencies that have already invested in zero trust measures but face industry offerings that require replacing existing technology. What does GDIT's Everest portfolio include? The portfolio, aligns with the GDIT's Vision, Innovation and Acceleration strategy, has three offerings: Clarity, Flex and Unified. Clarity focuses on an agency's IT environment and provides an implementation plan for zero trust adoption. Flex gives government agencies a modular option that works with infrastructure already in place and follows an agency's zero trust roadmap. Unified is intended for new IT systems and warfighting environments that lack zero trust capabilities. According to GDIT, the Everest portfolio became the first program to pass a government "red team" cyber assessment on an updated IT system, a test meant to show the system can hold up against advanced cyberattacks. Where has GDIT deployed the technology? The Everest Zero Trust offerings have been deployed in over 40 mission environments. The portfolio is currently used in 187 installations worldwide, providing support to more than one million Department of the Air Force users. GDIT previously received a $120 million Air Force task order to deliver its Everest Zero Trust Digital Accelerator under the service's Next Generation Gateway program. The company also provides cybersecurity services to the Army National Guard. The portfolio is designed to verify users and devices before they receive access to sensitive data, assets and services. GDIT Senior Vice President for Defense Brian Sheridan said the offerings are designed for government customers that need zero trust capabilities tailored to their mission environments. The Everest portfolio is part of GDIT's broader mission technology portfolio and aligns with the company's Vision, Innovation and Acceleration strategy. The company has also expanded its cybersecurity work through partnerships such as its June collaboration with Splunk, which included developing zero trust offerings for federal government customers.
GDIT, OpenAI partner to deliver secure AI for federal agencies. by Miles Jamison September 4, 2026, 11:44 am * GDIT and OpenAI will support AI adoption and system modernization for federal agencies * The partnership will use GDIT's integration capabilities and OpenAI's models * The companies plan to deploy AI agents for routine workflows, complex case workloads and large data analysis General Dynamics Information Technology and OpenAI have collaborated to provide government agencies with secure artificial intelligence capabilities, GDIT announced Thursday. What will the gdit-openai partnership focus on? The General Dynamics business unit said the partnership, part of GDIT's Vision, Acceleration and Innovation strategy, aims to support federal AI adoption, software development and system modernization and integration. GDIT will pair its mission and integration capabilities with OpenAI's frontier models, such as GPT-5.6, to deploy AI agents that can automate routine workflows, handle complex case workloads involving multiple agencies and analyze large data sets, enabling federal customers to adopt AI beyond limited pilot programs. GDIT will also deploy OpenAI's Codex coding agent in secure federal environments to review, test and modernize applications, including systems built on legacy languages such as COBOL and Fortran. How will GDIT integrate OpenAI models with existing systems? GDIT plans to connect agencies' existing systems with OpenAI models to support interoperability throughout complex federal environments. The company said these integrations are designed to protect personal information, keep data sharing controlled and support AI adoption that aligns with federal compliance requirements and the operation of sensitive government systems. What are GDIT & OpenAI Leadership saying about the partnership? Ben Gianni, senior vice president and chief technology officer of GDIT, said the partnership is meant to help agencies move toward a future in which human expertise and autonomous AI agents work together to deliver public services. OpenAI Vice President and Head of Government Joseph Larson, a 2026 Wash100 Award winner and keynote speaker at the Potomac Officers Club's 2026 GovCon Executive Leadership Summit held in February, said the collaboration brings Codex's advanced reasoning and OpenAI's secure API delivery models to federal missions, providing public sector developers and operators the tools to modernize infrastructure and deliver mission impacts more quickly. How does the OpenAI partnership fit GDIT's AI strategy? The OpenAI collaboration is the latest development under GDIT's VIA strategy, which focuses on technology investments and relationships with commercial technology providers. In June, GDIT expanded its alliance with Splunk to build AI-enabled cybersecurity capabilities, including agentic cyber operations, enhanced data integration and zero trust functions. The partnership also follows GDIT's March partnership with Seekr to develop agentic AI capabilities for federal missions.
General Dynamics Information Technology has been awarded a $1.3 billion contract to provide enterprise IT and cybersecurity services for the Army National Guard and other federal government partners. The Enterprise Network Operations and Cybersecurity Support contract, awarded by the General Services Administration, has a one-year base period and six one-year option periods. GDIT will upgrade and build new enterprise IT environments, operate and defend the Guard's classified and unclassified networks, and provide integrated IT services including operations centres and workforce support. The company will apply advanced artificial intelligence, data analytics and communication capabilities to enhance mission execution. The award builds on GDIT's existing partnership with the Army National Guard and broader Army-wide support portfolio.
SOF Week dispatch: AI at the edge - securing decision advantage in contested environments. Watch Time 34 minutes date posted August 6th, 2026 Its Industries In partnership with GovExec TV, GDIT's Matt Osinski sat down with LTC Eric Sturzinger, Director of Research and Engagements at the U.S. Army's Artificial Intelligence Integration Center (AI2C), and Aaron Gussman, Principal Architect for National Security at Google Public Sector, at SOF Week 2026 to discuss how secure, AI-enabled edge computing is delivering decisive advantage in contested environments. Their conversation highlighted how deployable cloud capabilities - proven in real-world exercises and built on zero-trust principles - are enabling warfighters to turn data into decisive action, even when connectivity is fragile, denied, or intermittently available. Tune into the full program to discover how predictive analytics and AI at the tactical edge are redefining operational readiness and empowering the next generation of military missions.