At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and maintain CI/CD pipelines, Kubernetes clusters, and secure application deployments.
- Company: Join a leading defence client focused on innovative technology solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a contract role with competitive pay and the chance to work on impactful projects.
- Why this job: Be part of a multidisciplinary team making a difference in national security.
- Qualifications: Experience with GitLab CI, Terraform, Ansible, and Kubernetes is essential.
- Other info: Must be a UK national eligible for DV clearance; out-of-hours support may be needed.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Location: Bristol
Clearance Level: DV Cleared
Contract Type: Contract - Outside IR35
Start Date: ASAP
Duration: 6 Months / rolling
Overview: We are supporting a key defence client in their search for a highly skilled DevOps / Senior Software Engineer with hands-on experience across modern DevOps, platform engineering, and application delivery tooling. This role will involve designing, deploying, and maintaining secure and scalable infrastructure environments using CI/CD pipelines, Kubernetes, and IaC frameworks within a classified or secure environment.
The ideal candidate will be comfortable working across both Linux (RedHat) and Windows operating systems, and will bring deep technical knowledge across CI/CD tooling, Kubernetes cluster build, and secure application deployment practices.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design, implement, and maintain CI/CD pipelines using tools such as GitLab CI, Terraform, Ansible, PowerShell, and Python.
- Build, configure, and maintain Kubernetes clusters, ensuring high availability, scalability, and security.
- Deploy and support key applications such as Apache NiFi, Elastic ECK, and JFrog Artifactory.
- Develop and manage Helm Charts to standardise application deployment.
- Integrate with and manage HashiCorp Vault for secure secrets management and token-based authentication within pipeline workflows.
- Build and consume REST APIs to support automation and platform integration.
- Apply Infrastructure as Code (IaC) principles to enforce repeatability, consistency, and scalability across environments.
- Ensure platform and infrastructure solutions adhere to security and compliance standards relevant to a defence environment.
- Collaborate closely with software developers, platform engineers, security teams, and DevOps specialists in a multidisciplinary team.
Key Skills and Experience:
- CI/CD & Automation: Proven experience with GitLab CI, Terraform, Ansible, Python, PowerShell, and REST API development/integration. Experience creating reusable automation scripts and maintaining configuration management best practices.
- Platform & Containerisation: Strong understanding of Kubernetes design, configuration, and operations in production environments. Experience managing applications with Helm Charts and supporting microservices-based architecture.
- Applications & Services: Direct experience deploying and supporting Apache NiFi, Elastic ECK (ElasticSearch on Kubernetes), and Artifactory. Familiarity with container image management and application lifecycle support.
- Security & Infrastructure: Use of HashiCorp Vault for managing secrets, certificates, and access tokens. Solid working knowledge of Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Windows Server environments. Understanding of operating within secure, high-assurance environments.
Desirable Qualifications:
- Active SC or DV clearance highly desirable.
- Experience working on defence or national security programmes.
- Certifications such as CKA, CKAD, Terraform Associate, or HashiCorp Vault certification.
Additional Information:
- Due to the nature of the work, candidates must be UK nationals and eligible for security clearance.
- Out-of-hours availability may occasionally be required to support deployment windows.
DevOps Engineer DV Cleared (, , United Kingdom) employer: LHH
Contact Detail:
LHH Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land DevOps Engineer DV Cleared (, , United Kingdom)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific tools mentioned in the job description, such as GitLab CI, Terraform, and Ansible. Having hands-on experience or projects showcasing your skills with these tools can significantly boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the DevOps field, especially those who have experience in defence or secure environments. Engaging in relevant forums or LinkedIn groups can provide insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in CI/CD and Kubernetes. Consider attending webinars or workshops that focus on these areas, as this knowledge can set you apart during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
If you have any previous experience working in a classified environment, be sure to highlight this during discussions. Understanding the nuances of security and compliance in such settings is crucial for this role.
We think you need these skills to ace DevOps Engineer DV Cleared (, , United Kingdom)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in DevOps, CI/CD, and Kubernetes. Use specific examples of projects where you've designed, deployed, or maintained infrastructure environments.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, emphasise your hands-on experience with the tools mentioned in the job description, such as GitLab CI, Terraform, and Ansible. Explain how your skills align with the responsibilities of the role.
Highlight Security Clearance: Since this position requires DV clearance, clearly state your current security clearance status in your application. If you have active SC or DV clearance, make it prominent.
Showcase Collaboration Skills: Mention any experience working in multidisciplinary teams, especially with software developers and security teams. Highlight your ability to collaborate effectively in a secure environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at LHH
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with CI/CD tools like GitLab CI, Terraform, and Ansible. Highlight specific projects where you've successfully implemented these technologies, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the technical demands of the role.
✨Understand the Security Requirements
Since this position involves working in a classified environment, it's crucial to understand security protocols and compliance standards. Familiarise yourself with how you have previously ensured security in your projects, especially when using tools like HashiCorp Vault.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
This role requires close collaboration with various teams. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively within multidisciplinary teams, particularly in high-pressure situations or during critical deployments.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles, particularly related to Kubernetes management or CI/CD pipeline issues, and how you resolved them.