Staff DevOps Architect

Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a highly skilled Staff DevOps Architect to join our dynamic Intelligence Systems Division within the Surveillance & Targeting Business Unit.

This role is responsible for driving the design, implementation, and optimization of enterprise-scale DevOps solutions supporting mission-critical programs. The ideal candidate will have extensive hands-on experience across a variety of DevOps tools, infrastructure-as-code (IaC) practices, and system automation methods, with a focus on enabling robust, secure, and scalable software delivery pipelines. 

This position requires a candidate with a strong foundation in DevOps architecture and expertise spanning both infrastructure and application-level technologies. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring system reliability, performance, and compliance with cybersecurity best practices. 

Key Responsibilities

• Architect, implement, and maintain scalable DevOps pipelines and infrastructure, ensuring alignment with enterprise policies and mission requirements. 
• Develop and manage Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) solutions using Terraform to enable automated infrastructure provisioning. 
• Administer and optimize Kubernetes-based container orchestration and deployment platforms. 
• Configure and operate AWS cloud infrastructure, ensuring availability, reliability, and security of services. 
• Implement and optimize GitOps workflows using tools such as Flux and Helm to enable efficient deployment and management processes. 
• Manage and configure mission-critical databases, including DynamoDB, to meet program needs. 
• Administer NATS messaging systems to support distributed application communications. 
• Leverage the Big Bang platform, including tools like Grafana, Prometheus, and Loki, for monitoring, observability, and troubleshooting. 
• Lead the configuration, operation, and integration of CI/CD tools (Jenkins, GitLab, Bamboo) to streamline the software delivery lifecycle. 
• Perform foundational Linux system administration tasks to ensure DevOps reliability and compatibility at the operating system level. 
• Champion Agile development methodologies, facilitating cross-functional collaboration and iterative improvement. 
• Ensure robust security practices within DevOps pipelines, including achieving Security+ certification within 60 days of hire if not already held. 

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field with a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience; OR a Master's degree with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience; OR a PhD with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience. 16 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. 
• Active TS/SCI clearance required at the time of application with CI Poly (or higher)
• Demonstrated experience in DevOps architecture design and implementation. 
• Proficiency in Terraform, Kubernetes, AWS, and other infrastructure experience mentioned in the resource list. 
• Working knowledge of one or more CI/CD platforms (Jenkins, GitLab, Bamboo). 
• Strong understanding of security frameworks with the ability to obtain Security+ certification within 60 days of starting. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Big Bang observability tools (Grafana, Prometheus, Loki) and GitOps workflows (Flux, Helm). 
• Expertise with distributed systems, including configuring NATS messaging queues. 
• Broad exposure to and depth of knowledge in Agile development methodologies and practices. 
• Hands-on experience in automation and optimization of hybrid cloud environments. 
• Ability to communicate technical solutions effectively to technical and non-technical stakeholders.