DevOps Engineer

Staff DevOps Engineer

• Location: Portsmouth (Hybrid – Minimum 2 days per week on-site)
• Duration: 31st March 2027
• IR35 Status: Inside IR35
• Clearance Requirements: Active SC Clearance and Sole UK Nationality (Essential/Non-negotiable)

We are looking for a DevOps Engineer to join a critical, secure programme operating along cutting-edge, experimental lines. This is not a standard infrastructure maintenance pipeline role; you will be responsible for leading the integration and containerization of Machine Learning (ML) models on a service basis to support the evolving needs of the programme.

Operating within a fast‑paced, 2-week sprint model, this position demands top‑tier DevOps expertise combined with a strong focus on secure architecture design and high‑assurance engineering compliance.

Key Deliverables and Responsibilities

• ML Model Integration: Deliver seamless, service-based integration of experimental Machine Learning models into secure environments.
• Containerization and Orchestration: Design, implement, and manage robust, production‑grade Kubernetes and Docker container architectures.
• Security Architecture: Embed DevSecOps best practices and security controls across all infrastructure layers, ensuring compliance with strict security standards.
• Agile Delivery: Collaborate closely with data science and software engineering teams to deliver iterative infrastructure updates within 2‑week agile sprints.
• Programme Support: Provide technical leadership, architectural documentation, and engineering mentoring to ensure repeatable and secure software delivery.

Essential Technical Skills and Experience

• Production Containerization: Deep, hands‑on expertise with Kubernetes orchestration and Docker containerization.
• Infrastructure as a Code (IaC): Proven track record automating secure, complex cloud or on‑prem environments using tools like Terraform and Ansible.
• Security and Vulnerability Gating: Solid understanding of security architecture, including container scanning, vulnerability remediation, and network hardening within secure/classified settings.
• CI/CD Pipelines: Experience designing and optimizing automated deployment pipelines (e.g., GitLab CI/CD, GitHub Actions, or Azure DevOps).
• Adaptability: Comfort working in fluid, experimental environments where requirements shift dynamically based on software and model development.

Logistics and Compliance Notes

• Travel: Minimum 2 days per week on-site in Portsmouth is required, with the possibility of occasional travel to other client sites or international destinations.
• Nationality Constraint: Due to strict national security regulations, applicants must be Sole UK Nationals. Dual citizens cannot be considered for this position.
• Clearance: Candidates must hold a valid, active SC Clearance at the time of application.

Salary: £750.00 – £800.00 / day

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