Platform Engineer, Defense Unicorns
Offers Company Stock Options
Travel Expectations: 10%-25%
Software for national security systems
Be an early applicant
Software for national security systems
101-200 employees
Be an early applicant
Offers Company Stock Options
Travel Expectations: 10%-25%
101-200 employees
Company mission
To create software to solve the unique challenges experienced by the government.
Role
Who you are
- We are seeking a dynamic individual who is able to adapt and take on new responsibilities as they arise
- Proven experience as a Platform Engineer or similar role, with a focus on system architecture and development
- Demonstrated experience with cloud-native technologies such as Kubernetes, Google Cloud, and Docker
- Familiarity with continuous delivery, distributed architectures, systems, everything-as-code, containerization, and cloud services
- Proficiency in at least one programming language (e.g., Python, Go, Ansible) and a basic understanding of shell scripting
- Proficient with YAML
- Experienced in working on a team following an Agile framework in a remote environment
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
- Experience with security automation and familiarity with API Security, Container Security, and Cloud Security
- Familiar with architecture security design, monitoring, and performance instrumentation in a complex enterprise environment
- Comfort with debugging systems and reading/writing code
- Secret Clearance required
- Possess a DoD 8570 IAT II certification
- Experienced in Department of Defense work, specifically working on a production Authority to Operate (ATO'd) system
- Knowledgeable about DevSecOps/DevOps and CI/CD theory
- If you're enthusiastic about the role but don't match every criteria, we encourage you to apply
What the job involves
- We are seeking a talented and experienced Platform Engineer to join our team
- Possessing strong proficiency with Kubernetes, the ideal candidate will play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of our platform, demonstrating a strong understanding of system architecture, problem-solving skills, and the ability to guide junior engineers
- As a Platform Engineer within our organization, you will join a team of dedicated unicorns who are focused on advancing freedom and independence globally
- Our teams work on various different technical baselines depending on specific engagements
- We focus our Products on the Platform layer, but to deliver for our Heroes, we also work IaC automation, security, and implementation
- You will help us automate and build a runtime Production Environment and serve as a link between the Applications, either custom development, COTS, or OSS, and that environment, advocating best practices and facilitating communication between the application teams and platform teams
- Validate Solutions/Implementations: Ensure that solutions and implementations align with the outlined tasks and business requirements. Conduct thorough validations to maintain the integrity and efficiency of the platform
- Independently Problem Solve: Demonstrate the ability to identify and solve business problems independently. Develop small components to address specific challenges without relying on explicit architecture diagrams
- Understand Medium-Level Tasking: Comprehend how medium-level tasks contribute to the achievement of overall goals. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate various components into a cohesive and functional platform
- Estimate Time and Effort: Provide accurate time and effort estimates for medium-sized tasks. Assist in project planning and resource allocation based on estimated timelines
- Demonstrate Programming Language Proficiency: Possess familiarity with at least one programming language. Exhibit a basic understanding of when to use a programming language versus a shell for efficient task execution
- Own the bridge between the Application Development team(s) and the Production Environment
- The listed responsibilities are not exhaustive and additional responsibilities may be assigned based on the evolving needs of the organization
Our take
Military defence technology is having to adapt at a quickening pace. However, innovations in the tech sector, outdated technology, varied compute environments, and complex security and compliance issues create lags in new defence technology. Defense Unicorns is an open-source tech developer aiming to minimise this lag.
Founded by former Department of Defense software engineers, Defense Unicorns uses AI and innovative software to create military technology for various uses and combat landscapes. The company is particularly focused on tech that can be used in “air-gapped” areas - those that are disconnected from the internet.
In terms of the company's future position in the market, Defense Unicorns received $136 million in Series B funding in 2026. This will be used to expand its services for the US and allied military systems, and signifies a rapidly changing combat landscape set against an unpredictable global backdrop, one in which Defense Unicorns has the chance to be an important player.
Kirsty
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
Insights
Company
Funding (last 2 of 3 rounds)
Jan 2026
$136m
SERIES B
Feb 2024
$35m
SERIES A
Total funding: $171.5m
Company benefits
- Medical/Dental/Vision (premiums are 100% company paid)
- Health reimbursement account
- Life insurance & disability insurance
- 401k with employer contribution (regardless of employee contribution)
- Company stock options
- Home office setup budget
- Unlimited paid time off, with a mandatory 10 days off on top of 11 federal government holidays
- Paid parental leave
- Reimbursement for approved trainings/subscriptions
- Conferences (travel, lodging, and fees)
Company HQ
Southeast Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO
Leadership
Robert Slaughter
(Co-Founder & CEO)Works as a Trainer at Project Blue. Previously the Director of DoD Platform One, a Counselor at SpaceCAMP, and worked in DevOps for the US Airforce.
Andrew Greene
(Co-Founder & Engineer)Previously worked for DoD Platform One. Was also a Software Engineer at Omitron and at SGT.
Jeff McCoy
(Co-Founder & CTO)Previously Co-Founder and CTO at Platform One, Was also CTO at SpaceCAMP, Senior Software Engineer at Defense Innovation Unit, and Co-Founder at DDS Rogue Squadron.
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