Senior Kubernetes Solutions Architect

About the Role

AFS is searching for a Senior Kubernetes Solutions Architect to contribute to the design, deployment, and automation of Kubernetes-based platforms. This role focuses on implementing secure, scalable, and highly available container orchestration environments to support business-critical workloads. The ideal candidate excels at building robust Kubernetes clusters and enabling development teams to maximize platform capabilities.

As a senior expert in Kubernetes, you will leverage your deep experience in cluster management, security, and scaling to deliver resilient containerized solutions. Your advanced skills in Infrastructure as Code, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud-native automation will empower development teams to efficiently utilize self-service Kubernetes platforms.

While the primary focus is Kubernetes, expertise with hybrid and private cloud environments such as VMware vSphere or OpenShift further distinguishes candidates.

Responsibilities

• Architect, build, and maintain Kubernetes clusters with a strong focus on scalability, reliability, and security, applying best practices for cluster lifecycle management while overseeing core Kubernetes services including networking, storage, workload scheduling, and RBAC for access control.
• Manage core Kubernetes services, including networking, storage, workload scheduling, and RBAC for access control.
• Oversee containerized workloads, ensuring high availability, efficient scaling, and robust security for multi-tenant environments.
• Design, implement, and manage Kubernetes Operators to automate operational tasks and lifecycle management of complex applications. Leverage both custom-built and existing Operators to streamline deployment, monitoring, and maintenance of workloads, ensuring consistency and reliability across environments.
• Drive Infrastructure as Code (IaC) initiatives using tools like Terraform to automate Kubernetes resource provisioning.
• Design, implement, and optimize CI/CD pipelines for containerized applications, embedding security controls throughout the pipeline.
• Build custom automation tools and scripts (Python, Go, Bash) to enhance Kubernetes operations and minimize manual tasks, leveraging APIs for integration.
• Serve as the Kubernetes senior-level expert, mentoring development teams and guiding optimal use of container orchestration technologies.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to assess new Kubernetes-native solutions and recommend enhancements to platform efficiency and capabilities.
• Promote best practices in Git workflows and the use of AI tools to accelerate the development and troubleshooting of container-based applications.

Required Skills & Experience

• Must hold and maintain DoD 8570/8140 certifications.
• 8 years of experience in any of the following and a Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent professional background, with extensive work in Kubernetes and container orchestration.
• Advanced proficiency with infrastructure as Code, especially Terraform, including targeted applies, imports, and complex module usage.
• Significant experience architecting, deploying, and managing Kubernetes clusters (Amazon EKS or equivalent).
• Strong command of Kubernetes RBAC, security policies, and best practices.
• Thorough understanding of Kubernetes networking, Linux/Unix systems, and platform security.
• Proficiency with Git and GitOps workflows for Kubernetes resource management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with VMware vSphere or OpenShift in hybrid or private cloud contexts.
• Demonstrated experience designing, building, and maintaining automated CI/CD pipelines for containerized workloads.
• Proven experience building custom Kubernetes operators.
• Familiarity with configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible).
• Exposure to public cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and DevOps methodologies.
• Advanced programming skills in Python, Go, or JavaScript/TypeScript.
• Understanding of authentication protocols including OIDC, OAuth2, LDAP, and SAML.
• Contributions to open-source Kubernetes or DevOps projects.
• Relevant certifications: Kubernetes certifications such as Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA), Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD), Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS), and Kubestronaut.

Clearance

• An Active TS/SCI is required

Pay and benefits

As required by local law, Accenture Federal Services provides reasonable ranges of compensation for hired roles based on labor costs in the states of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia. The base pay range for this position in these locations is shown below.

Compensation for roles at Accenture Federal Services varies depending on a wide array of factors, including but not limited to office location, role, skill set, and level of experience. Accenture Federal Services offers a wide variety of benefits. You can find more information on benefits here. We accept applications on an on-going basis and there is no fixed deadline to apply.

The pay range for the states of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia is:

$120,400—$234,700 USD

What We Believe

As a company wholly dedicated to serving the US federal government, we bring together the best talent to help reinvent how federal agencies operate and deliver greater value for their mission and the American people. As a business imperative, every person at Accenture Federal Services has the responsibility to create and sustain a culture where everyone feels welcomed and included.

This is grounded in our core values and our experience that hiring and developing great people who reflect different perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds is key to driving innovation and delivering the results that our clients and the country count on.