Senior Platform Engineer, Defense Unicorns
$148.8-201.3k
+ Company Stock Options
Travel Expectations: 5-10%
Software for national security systems
Be an early applicant
Software for national security systems
101-200 employees
Be an early applicant
$148.8-201.3k
+ Company Stock Options
Travel Expectations: 5-10%
101-200 employees
Company mission
To create software to solve the unique challenges experienced by the government.
Role
Who you are
- The ideal candidate will have a strong background in cross-functional relationship management, technical expertise, demonstrating a strong understanding of system architecture, and a passion for helping mission heroes (what we call our customers) achieve their goals with the UDS platform
- Active Secret Clearance (or ability to obtain one)
- Proven experience as a Platform Engineer or similar role, with a focus on cloud infrastructure (i.e. AWS, Azure, GCP) and Infrastructure as Code (i.e. Terraform/OpenTofu, Spacelift)
- Demonstrated experience with cloud-native technologies such as Kubernetes, and Docker
- Hands-on experience with AWS storage services (S3, EBS, EFS, FSx) and familiarity with on-premises storage systems (e.g., NFS, SAN/NAS, Ceph), including experience with persistent storage in ephemeral or non-persistent compute environments
- Experience architecting and maintaining hybrid cloud/on-prem environments
- Strong knowledge of hybrid cloud architectures, including networking, RBAC, and storage for cloud and on-prem clusters
- 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
- Don’t have all the preferred experience or qualifications? Studies show that underrepresented groups like women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs if they don't meet every requirement listed
- At Defense Unicorns, we're committed to diversity. If you're enthusiastic about the role but don't match every criteria, we encourage you to apply. You could be the perfect fit for this or another role!
What the job involves
- We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Platform Engineer with strong multi-platform Infrastructure-as-Code proficiency to join our Federal Engineering team
- This role involves managing Unified Defense Stack (UDS) deployments, generating training documentation, and training system integrators on our software tools
- Support Kubernetes-based deployments in both on-prem and cloud infrastructure, ensuring platform components operate reliably across hybrid environments
- Implement and manage storage services across AWS and on-premises environments, including persistent storage decoupled from ephemeral VMs, backup and recovery, and cross-environment data synchronization
- Support networking, identity, and security controls across hybrid environments, including integration with IAM solutions (e.g., Keycloak, AWS IAM)
- Demonstrate the ability to identify and solve business problems independently. Develop small components to address specific challenges without relying on explicit architecture diagrams
- Provide grounded time and effort estimates for medium-sized tasks. Assist in project planning and resource allocation based on estimated timelines
- Build and maintain automated pipeline functions, leading teams towards delivery and sustainment options
- Contribute to the build and maintenance of our cloud infrastructure as well as our Enterprise IaC modules
- Adhere to SLA commitments, including on-call support for critical UDS issues in customer environments
- Serve as the primary technical interface for System Integrators and mission heroes, providing guidance, troubleshooting, and resolution of complex UDS issues
- The listed responsibilities are not exhaustive and additional responsibilities may be assigned based on the evolving needs of the organization. We are seeking a dynamic individual who is able to adapt and take on new responsibilities as they arise
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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