Senior Cloud Platform Engineer

Role Overview We are seeking a Senior Cloud Platform Engineer with deep expertise in Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Kubernetes, and High-Assurance UK Defence environments. In this role, you will design, deploy, and maintain mission-critical, sovereign cloud infrastructure for sensitive national security operations. You will operate at the intersection of modern cloud-native software engineering and strict defense compliance—building automated, air-gapped platforms using Google Distributed Cloud air-gapped (GDC air-gapped) and GKE Enterprise capable of supporting tactical edge analytics and disconnected containerised workloads. Requirements Key Responsibilities • Sovereign Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Design, build, and maintain enterprise-grade GCP environments and Sovereign Landing Zones using Terraform and Ansible. • Kubernetes Orchestration: Manage, scale, and secure production GKE and GKE Enterprise clusters in air-gapped or low-bandwidth environments. • High-Assurance Security Architecture: Implement Zero-Trust network topologies, Private Google Access, Service Controls, and IAM policies aligned with NCSC Cloud Security Principles , JSP 604 , and MoD Secure by Design (SbD) frameworks. • Air-Gapped & Edge Deployments: Operate fully disconnected, sovereign cloud nodes ( GDC air-gapped ) and handle offline artifact management (e.g., container image mirroring, local Helm repositories, offline Terraform providers). • DevSecOps & Policy-as-Code: Build secure CI/CD pipelines incorporating container scanning, cryptographic image signing, secret management (Vault/GCP KMS), and automated policy enforcement (OPA/Gatekeeper). • Data Sovereignty & Isolation: Configure private interconnects, network firewalls, and outbound-only proxies to guarantee strict data sovereignty and prevent data exfiltration. Required Experience 1. Defence & High-Assurance Context • Active UK SC Clearance, ideally MoD Developed Vetting or eligibility for DV. • Proven experience delivering cloud platforms within UK Defence (MoD, CSOC, DE&S), Intelligence, or National Security environments. • Working knowledge of UK Government Security Classifications (OFFICIAL-SENSITIVE / SECRET / TOP SECRET), NCSC guidelines, and JSP 604 accreditation loops. 2. GCP & Infrastructure Automation • 3+ years of production experience operating Google Cloud Platform (GCP) . • Expertise in Terraform for declarative infrastructure management. • Deep understanding of GCP networking (VPC Service Controls, Cloud Interconnect, Private Service Connect, Cloud NAT, DNS). 3. Containerisation & Kubernetes • Production experience administering GKE / GKE Enterprise . • Hands-on experience with container security, Service Mesh (Istio), and admission controllers (OPA/Gatekeeper or Kyverno). • Experience managing air-gapped software deployments where continuous internet connectivity is absent. Desirable Qualifications • Certifications: GCP Professional Cloud Architect, GCP Professional Cloud Security Engineer, or Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA). • Experience with Google Distributed Cloud air-gapped (GDC air-gapped) hardware appliances or edge deployments. • Familiarity with event streaming (Kafka, Cloud Pub/Sub) in low-bandwidth, intermittent, or limited (DIL) connectivity scenarios. • Background in Armed Forces technical branches, tactical C4ISR systems, or specialised defence consultancies. Benefits • Competitive Pay: Salaries reviewed annually to ensure they reflect your performance and market value. • Loyalty Pension: We invest in your future. Starting at a 5% employer contribution, we increase this by 0.5% every year after your third anniversary, up to a maximum of 8% . • Protection: Comprehensive Group Life Assurance for peace of mind. Purpose & Culture • Real Impact: Work on mission-critical projects that secure and improve the UK's digital infrastructure. • Autonomy: A culture that empowers you to make decisions, prototype rapidly, and iterate towards success. • Service & Community: We support those who serve. 10 paid days for Reservist Military Service. Work / Life Balance • Time Off: 25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays, with the flexibility to Buy/Sell additional days to suit your lifestyle. • Giving back: 2 paid volunteering days per year. Development & Growth • Master Your Craft: Fully funded professional certifications (AWS, GCP, Agile, etc.) supported by 5 days paid study leave . • Expand Your Horizons: An additional £500 annual "Personal Choice" fund to learn whatever inspires you—work-related or not. • Support: Access to 1-2-1 professional coaching and team training to accelerate your career. Health & Balance • Premium Health: Vitality Private Medical Insurance (includes Apple Watch, gym discounts, and rewards). • Flexibility: Genuine hybrid working with a WFH equipment allowance to perfect your home setup. • Wellbeing: Cycle to Work scheme and a commitment to sustainable, healthy working practices.