Principal Platform Engineer

Shift5

. Architect and operate end-to-end release infrastructure (Lunar) and GitOps delivery pipelines using ArgoCD, EKS, GitHub Enterprise, and GitHub Actions .

Posted 10/6/2026full-timeRemote • Virginia • United StatesLead💰 $255,000 - $280,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in architecting and managing end-to-end release infrastructure and GitOps delivery pipelines, with a strong focus on security and compliance. Proven ability to mentor engineers and manage production infrastructure at scale while collaborating across teams in regulated environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

KubernetesArgoCDGitHub ActionsInfrastructure as Code (Terraform/OpenTofu)Artifact Security (Cosign/Vault)

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Software EngineeringPlatform EngineeringProduction Infrastructure ManagementSBOM GenerationEmbedded Linux/OS (Yocto)Scripting (Go, Python, Bash)Compliance Standards (NIST 800-53)Container Signing (Cosign/Sigstore)AI Infrastructure DeploymentGitOps

Soft Skills

MentoringProject LeadershipDirect Management

Tools & Technologies

GitHub EnterpriseEKSHarborVault Transit EngineCursor

Certifications & Qualifications

U.S. Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

DefenseAerospaceRegulated EnvironmentsAirgapped DeploymentEdge Deployment

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AWSKubernetesLinuxPythonTerraformVaultGo

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Architect and operate end-to-end release infrastructure (Lunar) and GitOps delivery pipelines using ArgoCD, EKS, GitHub Enterprise, and GitHub Actions
Lead artifact security using Harbor, Cosign, and Vault Transit Engine
Build automated, compliance-by-default pipelines with NIST controls and SBOM generation
Support hardware OS image builds using Yocto and Manifold
Productionize internal AI gateways, RAG tooling, and developer AI workflows using Cursor
Author RFCs and design documents, run architecture reviews, and plan roadmaps
Mentor mid- and staff-level engineers
Provide direct management, including 1:1s, hiring, and performance reviews, during transitions or scale
Partner with security, embedded, and field teams across airgapped and edge environments

Requirements

What you’ll need

10+ years in software/platform engineering
5+ years managing production infrastructure at scale
Proven track record leading projects, designing architecture, mentoring engineers, and readiness or prior experience for direct people management
Hands-on mastery of Kubernetes, ArgoCD, GitHub Actions/Earthly, and Infrastructure as Code (Terraform/OpenTofu, AWS/GovCloud)
Strong background in artifact registries, container signing (Cosign/Sigstore), Vault, and SBOM generation
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance
U.S. Citizenship required
Preferred: background in defense, aerospace, or regulated environments (NIST 800-53, IL4/IL5, CMMC)
Preferred: embedded Linux/OS experience (Yocto, SLE Micro) and airgapped/edge deployment models
Preferred: experience deploying internal AI/LLM infrastructure (RAG, model gateways, governance)
Preferred: scripting proficiency in Go, Python, and Bash

Benefits

Comp & perks

Bonus program and equity in a fast-growing startup
Competitive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families
Health Savings Account with annual employer contributions
Employer-paid Life and Disability Insurance
Uncapped paid time off policy
Flexible work & remote work policy
Tax-deferred public transit benefits with Metro SmartBenefits (DC/MD/VA)