Director of Platform Engineering

Location: Hybrid (DMV Area)

Compensation: $210k-$300k base salary ( Bonus of 15%-50%)

A fast-growing technology company in the national security and enterprise data space is seeking a hands-on Director of Platform Engineering to lead the architecture, development, and scaling of its flagship platform.

This is not a management-only role. You will be deeply technical-writing code, reviewing pull requests, debugging production issues, and shaping architecture alongside your team. You will own the platform's technical direction end-to-end while helping bring advanced AI capabilities into real-world operational use.

• Architect and build core platform components directly
• Own system design across data integration, workflow orchestration, and AI/agent layers
• Conduct code reviews, define engineering standards, and establish scalable patterns
• Troubleshoot complex production issues across distributed systems and AI pipelines
• Maintain deep technical fluency across Python, Node.js, Go, AWS GovCloud, Kubernetes, and modern data/AI stacks
  
  

• Define and execute the vision, roadmap, and delivery of the platform
• Align engineering outcomes with product strategy and mission needs
• Make build-vs-buy decisions based on technical evaluation
  
  

• Build and maintain CI/CD pipelines, testing frameworks, and release processes
• Ensure interoperability with platforms such as Palantir, Databricks, and Snowflake
  
  

• Lead development of AI agents with auditable and traceable behavior
• Implement evaluation frameworks, monitoring, and safety controls
• Stay current with emerging AI/ML tools and frameworks
  
  

• Partner directly with clients to implement solutions in real-world environments
• Translate mission needs into technical capabilities
• Drive deployments from pilot to production
  
  

• Build and lead a high-performing engineering team
• Foster a culture of ownership, technical excellence, and execution
• Mentor engineers through hands-on collaboration and code review
• Align cross-functional teams across engineering, delivery, and business
  
  

• 10 years of experience in platform engineering, data systems, or AI/ML
• Actively coding in production environments
• Strong expertise in Python, Go, Node.js, and AWS (required)
• Experience with Kubernetes or ECS, infrastructure-as-code, and distributed systems
• Knowledge of data platforms such as Databricks, Snowflake, or Spark
• Experience with MLOps, LLMs, and agent-based systems
• Experience working in regulated or mission-driven environments (government/defense preferred)
  
  

• Hybrid in the DMV area, with occasional visits to HQ and client sites
• U.S. Citizenship required (eligible for Secret clearance or higher preferred)
• Minimal travel to meet with clients (<10%)
  
  

• Competitive compensation package
• 401(k) with company match
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage (PPO and HDHP options)
• Education reimbursement
• Life insurance
• Generous PTO and holidays
• Wellness and commuter benefits
  
  

EOE Statement: Specialist Staffing Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

In addition to base pay, direct-hire employees may be eligible for client offered benefits such as medical, dental, and vision coverage, and paid leave where required by applicable law. Eligibility may vary based on factors such as location and hire date and is subject to change.

To find out more about Huxley, please visit www.huxley.com