At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and deliver secure, scalable Kubernetes platforms and manage OpenLDAP services.
- Company: Join a dynamic public sector team focused on innovative tech solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Enjoy a collaborative culture with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a secure environment while leading a talented DevOps team.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience with Kubernetes and OpenLDAP, plus strong leadership skills.
Location: London (Hybrid/2-3 days onsite per week)
Sector: Public Sector
Clearance Required: Security Clearance (SC) required | NPPV3 eligible
Nationality Requirement: Single National
Rate: £650-£670/day inside IR35
We are seeking a highly experienced Senior DevOps Engineer with deep, hands-on expertise in Kubernetes platform engineering and OpenLDAP-based Identity and Access Management (IDAM). This is a senior technical role within a secure, regulated public sector environment, requiring an individual who can operate independently, lead from the front, and deliver robust, scalable, and secure containerised platforms.
The successful candidate must be fully confident working across Kubernetes and directory services (particularly OpenLDAP) and be able to hit the ground running with minimal ramp-up, bringing strong practical experience in production-grade environments.
In addition to hands-on delivery, the role includes technical leadership responsibilities for a small DevOps team, supporting CI/CD capability, secure deployments, and production governance. This position operates at SFIA Level 4/5, requiring autonomy, technical authority, and the ability to make informed decisions in complex, security-controlled environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Kubernetes Platform Engineering
- Design, build, and operate secure and scalable Kubernetes clusters
- Manage full cluster life cycle including provisioning, upgrades, scaling, and decommissioning
- Implement and enforce RBAC, network policies, and pod security standards
- Configure ingress controllers and service mesh integration
- Define and support multi-environment strategies (Dev/Test/Prod)
- Troubleshoot complex production incidents and performance issues
- Deliver deployments using Helm and Kustomize
- Ensure platform resilience, scalability, and operational excellence
- OpenLDAP/Identity & Access Management (Core Requirement)
- Deep hands-on experience with OpenLDAP in enterprise environments
- Install, configure, and harden OpenLDAP services
- Design directory structures and schemas aligned to enterprise identity models
- Implement secure authentication using LDAPS, certificates, and RBAC mapping
- Integrate LDAP authentication with Kubernetes and CI/CD tooling
- Support identity federation patterns across enterprise platforms
- Design and maintain high availability and replication strategies
- Diagnose and resolve directory performance, latency, and synchronisation issues
- CI/CD Engineering (Jenkins)
- Develop and maintain Jenkins pipelines using Groovy (pipeline-as-code)
- Build and manage shared libraries and governance frameworks
- Integrate Jenkins with Kubernetes-based build agents
- Implement secure credential and secrets management practices
- Integrate automated testing into CI/CD workflows
- Support release orchestration and deployment automation
Supporting Skills
- Strong Working Knowledge: Docker (multi-stage builds, image optimisation, secure base images), Python (automation, Scripting, infrastructure tooling)
- Working Knowledge: AWS (IAM, networking concepts, container services), Terraform (infrastructure-as-code principles and module usage), Other networking technologies relevant to secure infrastructure environments
Leadership & Governance Responsibilities
- Act as a technical point of contact for DevOps-related queries
- Support technical design authority decisions for incoming work
- Oversee governance and assurance of production releases
- Provide mentoring, coaching, and performance feedback to engineers
- Drive capability uplift and continuous improvement within the team
Key Attributes
- Strong hands-on technical engineer with deep Kubernetes and OpenLDAP expertise
- Proven ability to operate independently within complex environments
- Experience in secure, regulated (ideally public sector/government) environments
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Security-first mindset and disciplined engineering approach
- Comfortable making decisions in high-accountability environments
Additional Vetting Requirement
This role requires additional vetting beyond standard onboarding processes, which may extend the clearance and mobilisation timeline. Candidates should be aware that SC/NPPV3-related checks may result in longer onboarding periods than usual.
Senior DevOps Engineer employer: Stealth iT Consulting
Join a leading public sector organisation in London as a Senior DevOps Engineer, where you will thrive in a dynamic hybrid work environment that promotes innovation and collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company offers extensive training opportunities and a supportive culture that values technical leadership and autonomy. Enjoy the unique advantage of working on critical projects that make a real difference in the community while being part of a team that prioritises security and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior DevOps Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your Kubernetes and OpenLDAP projects. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and sets you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common DevOps scenarios and challenges. Practice explaining your thought process and solutions clearly, as communication is key in technical roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to get noticed by our hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior DevOps Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience with Kubernetes and OpenLDAP. We want to see how your skills match the job description, so don’t be shy about showcasing your hands-on expertise!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this Senior DevOps Engineer role. Share specific examples of your past work that align with our needs.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a small DevOps team, make sure to mention any leadership experiences you have. We love candidates who can mentor others and drive continuous improvement!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stealth iT Consulting
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid grasp of Kubernetes and OpenLDAP. Brush up on your hands-on experience, as you'll likely be asked to discuss specific scenarios where you've implemented these technologies. Be ready to share examples of how you've managed cluster life cycles or troubleshot production incidents.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a small DevOps team, prepare to talk about your leadership style. Think of instances where you've mentored others or made key decisions in complex environments. Highlight your ability to drive continuous improvement and support your team's growth.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. For example, how would you handle a performance issue in a Kubernetes cluster? Practise articulating your thought process and the steps you would take to resolve such issues.
✨Understand the Public Sector Context
Familiarise yourself with the unique challenges of working in a regulated public sector environment. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure security and compliance in your work, especially when it comes to identity and access management. This will show that you understand the importance of a security-first mindset.
