Overview
Our client are seeking an experienced IT Contractor with extensive hands-on knowledge of Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform (OCP) to support the design, build, configuration, and security implementation of a highly controlled OpenShift environment.
This role will focus on delivering a resilient, scalable, and secure Kubernetes-based platform, aligned with modern DevSecOps practices and best-practice security controls. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in OpenShift architecture, build automation, platform operations, and security hardening particularly within regulated environments.
What We Offer
* Remote-first engagement
with
very occasional expensed trips to Bristol
.
* Opportunity to contribute to a high-profile, secure programme with modern platform engineering principles.
* Collaborative environment with a strong focus on security, automation, and delivery quality.
Key Responsibilities
OpenShift Platform Build & Environment Delivery
* Design and build OpenShift Container Platform (OCP) environments across development, test, and production.
* Lead or support the installation and configuration of OpenShift clusters (IPI/UPI as required).
* Configure core platform services including networking, ingress, routes, storage classes, node pools, and cluster scaling.
* Establish platform baseline configurations, cluster standards, and operational patterns.
* Implement platform lifecycle management (patching, upgrades, cluster health and capacity management).
Configuration & Product Engineering
* Configure OpenShift components and operators to meet programme requirements.
* Support container platform enablement, including:
* image registries and repositories
* cluster logging and monitoring (eg, EFK/Loki, Prometheus/Grafana)
* CI/CD integration (eg, Jenkins, GitLab, ArgoCD)
* service mesh (eg, OpenShift Service Mesh/Istio) where applicable
* Work closely with engineering teams to ensure application onboarding follows best-practice patterns.
Security-by-Design/DevSecOps Implementation
* Implement and enforce security controls across the OpenShift estate, including:
* RBAC policy design and access control models
* Security Context Constraints (SCCs) and pod security controls
* network segmentation and network policies
* secrets management and certificate handling
* audit logging and traceability controls
* Support secure cluster hardening aligned to CIS benchmarks and Red Hat security guidance.
* Apply secure build and deployment practices:
* image scanning, signing, and trusted registries
* vulnerability management and patching processes
* policy-as-code (eg, Open Policy Agent/Gatekeeper) where applicable
* Ensure platform configuration aligns to programme security requirements and supports accreditation and assurance activities.
Essential Skills & Experience
* Strong, demonstrable hands-on experience building and operating
Red Hat OpenShift (OCP)
.
* Deep Kubernetes expertise with practical experience delivering production-grade container platforms.
* Proven experience implementing security controls in OpenShift (RBAC, SCC, network policies, image security, etc.).
* Strong Linux administration knowledge (Red Hat Enterprise Linux preferred).
* Experience with Infrastructure-as-Code and automation tools (eg, Ansible, Terraform, Helm).
* Familiarity with GitOps and CI/CD tooling in an enterprise environment.
* Strong stakeholder engagement and ability to work in multi-team delivery programmes.
Desirable/Nice-to-Have
* Active
SC clearance
(highly desirable), or eligibility to obtain SC clearance.
* Experience working in government, defence, or other highly regulated environments.
* Knowledge of:
* OpenShift Advanced Cluster Security (ACS)
* OpenShift Data Foundation (ODF)
* Red Hat Quay
* Service mesh, API management, and enterprise IAM integration (LDAP, AD, SSO, OIDC)
* Experience supporting assurance, audit, or accreditation activities.
Please send you CV in the first instance.