Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. RTI International is an independent, scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition through technical and science-based solutions. The Senior Platform Engineer will design, implement, automate, and support secure, scalable enterprise platform services, with a focus on AWS, Kubernetes, infrastructure as code, CI/CD, observability, security, and platform reliability. The role also involves collaborating across teams, troubleshooting complex technical issues, and advancing cloud-native platform engineering practices.
Responsibilities
- Design, implement, and support multi-tenant cloud-native platform services using AWS and Kubernetes technologies
- Develop and maintain Infrastructure as Code (IaC) solutions using OpenTofu, Terraform, or similar technologies
- Build and support CI/CD and GitOps automation pipelines using GitHub Actions, Flux CD, Helm, and related tools
- Configure and maintain platform observability solutions, including logging, monitoring, alerting, telemetry, and operational dashboards
- Implement and maintain platform security controls, secrets management, identity integration, and policy enforcement capabilities
- Evaluate platform performance, availability, scalability, resiliency, and cost optimization opportunities and implement improvements
- Support the onboarding, lifecycle management, modernization, and continuous improvement of single- and multi-tenant computing platforms
- Partner with internal clients to design cloud solutions and platform integrations, including supporting architecture, scope, schedule, and budget planning for business development and project operations
- Develop platform engineering standards, reference architectures, operational procedures, and technical documentation
- Collaborate with security operations, governance, infrastructure, application development, data, and research teams to ensure platforms meet operational and regulatory requirements
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues across infrastructure, platform, networking, security, and application layers
- Serve as a senior escalation point for complex cloud, platform infrastructure, and security issues
- Identify opportunities to automate, modernize, and improve complex technical systems and operational processes
- Balance operational stability and service reliability with innovation and continuous improvement initiatives
Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related technical field and 12 years of relevant experience; Master's degree and 10 years of relevant experience; Ph.D. and 6 years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- + Ability to analyze complex technical systems and identify opportunities for automation, modernization, scalability, and operational improvement
- Ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues across infrastructure, platform, networking, security, and application layers
- Ability to design scalable, reliable, secure, and maintainable technology solutions that support business and research objectives
- Ability to balance operational stability with innovation and continuous improvement initiatives
- Ability to collaborate effectively with infrastructure, cybersecurity, application development, data, research, and other cross-functional teams
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for diverse audiences
- Ability to prioritize multiple initiatives and manage competing demands in a dynamic environment
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
- Demonstrated commitment to operational excellence, service reliability, and customer-focused support
- Ability to work independently while contributing to cross-functional teams and organizational objectives
- Attention to detail, accuracy, and continuous learning
- Ability to obtain and maintain security clearances as required by contracts
- Demonstration of RTI Values and Lead Forward behaviors
- 4+ years of hands-on Kubernetes experience, including cluster architecture, multi-tenancy, RBAC, scheduling, and autoscaling in environments such as AWS EKS, Azure AKS, OpenShift, or bare metal
- Deep experience with cloud-native GitOps and CI/CD workflows, including multi-dependency or multi-repository GitHub Actions workflows or equivalent technologies
- Strong knowledge of Kubernetes networking, including CNI, service mesh technologies such as Istio and Traefik, ingress controllers such as ALB and Application Gateway, and Network Policy
- Strong experience with Helm and/or Kustomize for application packaging and deployment
- Experience operating storage solutions, including CSI, EFS, and NetApp Trident
- Experience with cloud-native observability technologies such as Prometheus, Grafana, and Loki
- Experience designing and operating solutions in highly regulated environments, including FISMA Low/Moderate and HIPAA
- Strong experience with containerization and modernization of legacy applications and tools
- Experience with Layer 4 and Layer 7 load balancers and firewalls
- Experience with Kubernetes security and policy engines/controllers, including OPA or similar technologies
- Experience with OIDC and SSO authentication flows and systems such as Microsoft Entra ID, Amazon Cognito, and Keycloak
- Experience evaluating, troubleshooting, and supporting open-source applications at scale in production environments
Benefits
- A generous paid time off policy
- Merit based annual increases
- Bonus opportunities
- A robust recognition program
- A competitive range of insurance plans, including health, dental, life, and short-term and long-term disability
- Access to a retirement savings program such as a 401(k) plan
- Paid parental leave for all parents
- Financial assistance with adoption expenses or infertility treatments
- Financial reimbursement for education and developmental opportunities
- An employee assistance program
Company Overview
Company H1B Sponsorship