Maintain and improve AWS-based Kubernetes infrastructure, GitLab CI/CD pipelines, Terraform modules, and Helm deployments for a satellite communications platform. The role focuses on cloud reliability, security, observability, IAM, troubleshooting, automation, and operational support across distributed engineering teams.
ABOUT SPHINX
Sphinx builds software to solve complex national security problems in Space. Founded by engineers and technologists with deep experience across commercial and defense technology, we were frustrated by the outdated and insecure technology America's service members are forced to rely on. We're here to do better.
We’re focused on building modern, scalable products with an emphasis on using open source technologies. Expect talented, motivated, and interesting colleagues who emphasize collaboration, transparency, and individual responsibility.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Sphinx Space Communications team is a small, engineering focused team that prioritizes delivering quality products and learning from each other. The team is distributed across the US, with a strong culture that balances independence with collaboration. Expect talented, motivated, and interesting colleagues who are always looking to learn from each other.
Sphinx is hiring a DevOps Engineer to join our team building a cutting edge communications platform for US government satellites. We're looking for an experienced DevOps Engineer to help take our build and deployment automation to the next level. As a DevOps Engineer you will help build the development and deployment infrastructure used by our Space Communications team, which provides infrastructure for a wide variety of US Government satellites. As an early hire on a small team, you will have an outsized role in determining what we build and how we work.
WHAT YOU’LL BE FOCUSING ON
- Maintain and support existing AWS-based Kubernetes infrastructure and services.
- Ensure platform reliability, availability, and security across cloud environments.
- Develop and maintain GitLab CI/CD pipelines to support software delivery.
- Build and maintain Terraform modules and infrastructure-as-code solutions.
- Create and manage Helm charts for Kubernetes application deployments.
- Troubleshoot infrastructure, platform, and application issues across AWS and Kubernetes environments.
- Manage AWS IAM permissions and cross-account access configurations.
- Partner with software and platform engineering teams to support operational needs and platform improvements.
- Continuously improve system performance, automation, observability, and operational efficiency.
WE’RE LOOKING FOR A TRACK RECORD OF THE FOLLOWING
- Experience maintaining and supporting production AWS-based Kubernetes (EKS) environments.
- Experience writing, maintaining, and optimizing GitLab CI/CD pipelines.
- Experience developing and maintaining Infrastructure as Code using Terraform.
- Experience creating, deploying, and maintaining Helm charts for Kubernetes applications.
- Strong understanding of AWS IAM, role-based access controls, and cross-account access management.
- Experience troubleshooting applications and services running in AWS and Kubernetes environments.
- Proficiency with Python or Go for automation, tooling, and operational support.
- Experience maintaining highly available cloud infrastructure while meeting performance, reliability, and security requirements.
- Ability to support cross-functional engineering teams and respond to operational issues as needed.
- Strong communication skills and a collaborative approach to problem solving.
YOU MIGHT BE A GOOD FIT IF
- You have hands-on production experience with AWS, Kubernetes (EKS), Terraform, and GitLab CI/CD.
- You have several years of experience operating and maintaining cloud-native infrastructure.
- You are comfortable writing automation and tooling in Python or Go.
- You have experience managing Kubernetes deployments using Helm.
- You understand AWS IAM permissions, security best practices, and cross-account architectures.
- You enjoy troubleshooting complex distributed systems and identifying root causes quickly.
- You are comfortable working across multiple teams and supporting a variety of engineering initiatives.
- Experience with tools such as Nexus, GitLab, Okta, NeuVector, Kyverno, Sumo Logic, monitoring platforms, alerting systems, or Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) is a plus.
- You thrive in remote environments and communicate effectively with teammates across distributed teams.
LOCATION
While this role is remote, the potential for travel may occur such as client visits, company gatherings, and other project related travel as needed may be required.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- This role is between $140,000 - $160,000 base salary.
- Quarterly bonus structure
- Equity ownership in the company
- 100% Premium coverage for medical, dental, and vision for you and dependants
- Health Savings Accounts
- Life Insurance
- 401k employer contribution plan
- Generous paid time off policy
- Flexible work/remote work policy
At Sphinx Defense, we are devoted to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Sphinx Defense is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
CLEARANCE ELIGIBILITY - This position requires eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance. For more information about U.S. Security Clearances: click here.
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
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