Cloud Platform Engineer

Cloud Platform Engineer

Northstrat · Columbia, United States (Hybrid) · Full-time · Posted 2026-07-20

Salary: USD 132,000–216,000

Workplace: hybrid

Description

Northstratis seeking a Cloud Platform Engineer with experience in Cloud technology (AWS), programming skills in languages like Python or Go, and a strong Linux foundation. Will significantly contribute to the development of custom software components and integration of open-source code to address complex problems through the use of cutting-edge Big Data / Cloud technology. As a result, the candidate will be expected to work autonomously identifying and solving problems quickly while working toward broader strategic goals set by Architects on the team. Work is performed in a hybrid environment with a great team. 

• The ideal candidate is a strong systems integrator with an eye for opportunity to enhance, optimize, or increase robustness of an existing code base. 
• The candidate should have experience with infrastructure as code and be able to leverage modern tools to define, build and manage virtual infrastructure in the cloud.  
• Design and implement core architecture and capabilities for software from prototype to operational applications. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A current U.S. Government Security clearance is not required on day 1, but will be processed for one; U.S. citizenship required. Can also consider candidates with current Secret or TS level clearance.  

• Must have 5+ years of experience in Platform Engineering or Software Development (Python or Go) with Bachelors in related field; OR 3 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; OR High School Diploma or equivalent and 9 years relevant experience. 

• Must have experience with OS deployment and orchestration (kickstart, ansible, puppet, etc). 

• Experience with deploying and managing Kubernetes (or vendor flavor of Kubernetes). 

• Experience with container (Docker/Podman) build tooling, Kubernetes automation tools (e.g. Helm, Kustomize, Flux CD, etc.) 

• Experience with programming skills in languages like Python or Go. 

• You must have a solid understanding of Linux systems, hosts, networks, security, applications and proficiency in shell scripting (Shell/Bash). 

• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to identify and troubleshoot complex issues. 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills. 

• Must be able to work in a hybrid environment, spending an average of 1-2 days per week at our Columbia, MD or San Antonio office. Flexibility is essential to adapt to schedule changes as needed. 

• If working from the Columbia, MD office, must be willing to travel to San Antonio, TX on average 3-4 days every three months. 

Preferred Requirements 

• A current Secret or TS/SCI level security clearance preferred.  

• Experience with OS and container hardening (STIGs, CIS benchmarks, PCI compliance, etc). 

• Experience developing and deploying infrastructure in AWS. 

• Experience with writing automation in CI/CD pipelines (e.g. Gitlab-CI, Travis-CI, Jenkins, etc.). 

• Understanding of agile software development methodologies and use of standard software development tool suites. (e.g., JIRA, Confluence, Github, Gitlab, etc.) 

• Experience with puppet, ansible, maven, virtualization (ovirt, proxmox, vmware, etc). 

• Prior experience or familiarity with DISA’s Big Data Platform or other Big Data systems (e.g. Cloudera CDH Hadoop, MapR Hadoop, Databricks, Apache Spark, etc..) is a plus. 

• DoD 8140 / 8570 IAT Level II compliance certifications may be required in this position as directed by the customer.

Benefits

Northstrat values true work life balance. We offer power of choice benefits designed to best meet the needs of you and your lifestyle. Our benefits programs are designed to support and encourage wellness, healthy living, retirement investment, and lifetime learning.

Pay Range

There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. We also offer competitive compensation, benefits, and professional development opportunities. Please refer to our Benefits section for additional details.  

Flex Time

Northstrat does not mandate specific working hours. Although project requirements may dictate schedules, a Northstrat employee is only required to work an average of 8 hours per weekday over the course of a month. For example: John worked 12 hours on June 1st to meet a project deadline. On June 15th, John only worked 4 hours because he left early for a long weekend. John’s IBA was not debited for time off because flex time allowed him to carry over those 4 hours from June 1st.

Individual Benefits Account (IBA)

To attract and retain the highest quality staff, Northstrat provides a unique and versatile benefits package, the Individual Benefit Account (IBA), which places the power of choice in the hands of our greatest asset – the employee.

The purpose of the IBA is to provide attractive benefits to all full-time employees of Northstrat on a flexible basis that enables each covered employee to select a package that best suits his or her needs. Whether those needs are paid time off, medical expenses, prescription drug expenses, cash disbursement, or a combination of any of these, the IBA provides flexibility to help you meet your specific goals. The IBA can be used for such things as:

IBA Benefits accrue each month in the amount equivalent to 50% of the employee’s monthly compensation rate. That is, the effective dollar amount of this accrual is in addition to an employee’s salary.

Profit Sharing Plan (PSP)

The PSP is a qualified retirement plan that Northstrat funds quarterly on the employee’s behalf through the IBA in the amount equivalent to 25% (up to the IRS contribution limit) of the employee’s compensation. That is, of the 50% accrual in the IBA, half of the amount accrued is applied to the PSP.

Lifelong Learning

Our culture promotes and nurtures a growth environment. We hire and scale rapidly to meet the needs of our partner customers. Through periodic company sponsored training events, and the ability to use IBA funds for reimbursement of work-related education expenses you will have the opportunity to continually grow your skills and abilities.

Join Our Talented Team

We hire the BEST employees and value each one. Since 2021, The Washington Post has recognized Northstrat among its "Top Workplaces". We think that your friends and family will like it here too, so we offer employee referral incentives.

Northstrat is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or other legally protected status.

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