Platform Engineer
Intuitive Machines - West (formerly Lanteris Space Systems) unlocks the promise of space to help governments and businesses solve problems on Earth and beyond. As a leading provider of comprehensive space technologies, we deliver innovative solutions across mission systems engineering, product design, spacecraft manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing. With more than 60 years of mission expertise, we are a trusted partner in commercial and government missions, known for reliable performance and longevity.
About the role
We are seeking a Platform Engineer focused on AWS infrastructure, Kubernetes operations, and GitOps workflows. This role can be based in Palo Alto, CA, or remotely in the US. You will build and maintain cloud-native infrastructure that enables engineering teams to deploy and operate applications efficiently across AWS GovCloud environments. This role focuses on Kubernetes cluster operations, networking architecture, GitOps automation, AWS infrastructure patterns, and AI-enhanced platform automation. You will work with container orchestration, service mesh, zero-trust networking, and CI/CD pipelines to provide reliable, secure infrastructure for mission-critical aerospace applications. You'll also leverage AI agent orchestration to build intelligent automation that enhances platform operations and developer productivity.
This is a platform engineering role focused on infrastructure enablement, not traditional DevOps. You'll build self-service infrastructure capabilities that empower engineering teams while maintaining security, compliance, and operational excellence.
Responsibilities
- Kubernetes Cluster Management & Operations
- GitOps & Infrastructure Automation
- AWS Infrastructure & Networking
- AI Agent Orchestration & Platform Intelligence
- Platform Observability
- Compliance & Security
- Developer Enablement
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related discipline
- Minimum of 2 years of relevant industry experience in platform engineering, SRE, or cloud infrastructure
- 1 year of production Kubernetes experience
- AWS experience
- GitOps experience
- CI/CD experience
- Networking fundamentals
- Python for automation, tooling, and infrastructure scripting
Preferred Qualifications
- Tooling experience: Crossplane, Cilium CNI, KubeVirt, Packer, Harbor, Tetragon
- AI/ML Platform Experience
- SPIFFE/SPIRE for workload identity
- Keycloak for identity and access management
- ArgoCD expertise: ApplicationSets, sync policies, multi-environment workflows
- AWS Solutions Architect Associate or similar AWS certification
- Kubernetes certifications: CKA (Certified Kubernetes Administrator) or CKAD
- CMMC or FedRAMP compliance experience in production environments
- Experience with hybrid cloud or on-premises Kubernetes (KubeEdge, K3s)
- Experience with air-gapped environments and disconnected operations
- Linux system administration and kernel tuning experience
- Background in aerospace, defense, or government contracting
- Experience with satellite ground systems or mission operations
Pay
The base pay for this position varies by location:
- Colorado: $82,000.00 - $136,000.00 annually
- New Jersey: $82,000.00 - $136,000.00 annually
- Delaware: $82,000.00 - $136,000.00 annually
- Washington, DC metropolitan area: $90,000.00 - $150,000.00 annually
- California: $94,000.00 - $156,000.00 annually
- All other states: Geographic cost of labor will determine the range
The successful candidate’s starting pay will be determined based on job-related factors, including experience, qualifications, knowledge, skills, and geographic work location.
Benefits
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including:
- Paid time off
- Health and welfare insurance
- 401(k) for eligible employees