TSA - Senior Kubernetes Engineer

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Kubernetes Engineer to support mission-critical systems for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This role will lead the design, development, modernization, and innovation of secure, scalable, cloud-native infrastructure solutions supporting TSA’s operational and enterprise environments.

The ideal candidate is a subject matter expert in Kubernetes architecture and engineering, with deep experience designing secure containerized platforms in highly regulated federal environments.

• Lead the design and architecture of enterprise Kubernetes platforms supporting TSA mission systems
• Develop secure, scalable, and highly available container orchestration solutions
• Architect hybrid and cloud-native solutions (AWS, Azure, or other FedRAMP-authorized environments)
• Design multi-cluster, multi-tenant Kubernetes environments aligned with Zero Trust principles
• Establish infrastructure-as-code (IaC) standards using Terraform, Helm, or similar tools

• Build, configure, and optimize Kubernetes clusters (EKS, AKS, OpenShift, Rancher, etc.)
• Develop CI/CD pipelines integrating container security scanning and automated deployments
• Implement GitOps workflows using tools such as ArgoCD or Flux
• Engineer resilient microservices-based architectures
• Automate infrastructure provisioning and cluster lifecycle management

• Implement Kubernetes security best practices (RBAC, Network Policies, Pod Security Standards)
• Integrate container security tools (e.g., Aqua, Prisma, Twistlock, Anchore)
• Ensure compliance with DHS/TSA cybersecurity requirements, including FISMA and NIST frameworks
• Support Authority to Operate (ATO) documentation and security audits

• Drive container modernization initiatives for legacy TSA applications
• Evaluate and implement emerging cloud-native technologies
• Optimize performance, observability, and cost-efficiency of Kubernetes environments
• Introduce DevSecOps best practices across the program

• Serve as technical lead and advisor to government stakeholders
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical oversight
• Collaborate with cybersecurity, cloud, and application development teams
• Contribute to technical proposals and architecture reviews

• 8 years of IT engineering experience, with 5 years focused on Kubernetes
• Demonstrated experience supporting federal government or DHS/TSA environments
• Strong expertise in:
  • Kubernetes cluster design and administration
  • Containerization (Docker/OCI)
  • CI/CD and DevSecOps pipelines
  • Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, CloudFormation, etc.)
  • Cloud platforms (AWS GovCloud, Azure Government, etc.)
• Experience implementing secure architectures in compliance with NIST 800-53
• Ability to obtain or maintain a Public Trust or higher clearance

• Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) or Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS)
• AWS/Azure cloud certifications
• Experience with service mesh technologies (Istio, Linkerd)
• Experience supporting TSA or DHS programs
• Active DHS/TSA clearance