Platform Operations and Security Specialist

Guidehouse•Bethesda, MD

3d•$56,000 - $94,000

About The Position

We are searching for a Platform Operations and Security Specialist to support future opportunities . The person in this role will o perate , maintain, troubleshoot, and secu re high-throughput and automated laboratory platforms, ensuring reliable daily operations, compliance, and optimal performance across on-premises and cloud environments . This position will be based in Bethesda, MD . Oversee daily technical operations for automated laboratory systems and HPC/cloud platforms, ensuring uptime, throughput, and security. Operate and maintain automated systems: liquid handlers (including acoustic), pintools,  TekMatic Indigo, Chemspeed, Unchained Labs Junior. Use maintenance tools, upgrade kits, and monitoring software to ensure system health and performance. Perform preventive maintenance, calibrations, patching, and first-line troubleshooting; lead and coordinate patch cycles. Execute upgrades and collaborate with vendors for advanced repairs and lifecycle management. Conduct periodic security checks/audits to ensure compliance with government directives and NIH-mandated standards. Maintain accurate logs, SOP adherence, and compliance records, supporting ATO processes. Assist in managing technology projects and providing technical guidance for task completion. Collaborate with development engineering teams to address operational technical debt and optimize processes. Research new technologies and recommend improvements for performance, security, and cost optimization. Develop and guide team members in enhancing technical capabilities and productivity.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in technical discipline (Engineering, IT, Computer Science, etc.).
A minimum of TWO (2) years of operations/maintenance experience with lab automation, manufacturing platforms, or HPC/cloud environments.
Experience supporting cloud services (AWS, Azure, GCP) and securing cloud/Kubernetes environments.
Familiarity with monitoring tools, SIEMs, IDSs, IPS, and ITSM platforms.
Strong mechanical/electro-mechanical aptitude; ability to read schematics and SOPs.
Experience in HTS/HCA environments and safety/compliance practices.
Experience with scripting languages (Python, Ruby, Go) for automation and troubleshooting.
Strong multitasking, communication, and documentation skills.

Nice To Haves

Expertise in zero-trust architecture, container security (Kubernetes), and compliance frameworks (FedRAMP, NIST).
Experience with CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure-as-code tools (Terraform, Ansible), and automated patching.
Familiarity with advanced lab automation platforms beyond core systems (e.g., Hamilton, Tecan, Beckman).
Skills in tuning HPC clusters and cloud workloads for cost and speed efficiency.
Advanced use of SIEM tools (Splunk, ELK), IDS/IPS, and vulnerability.

Responsibilities

Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and secure high-throughput and automated laboratory platforms.
Oversee daily technical operations for automated laboratory systems and HPC/cloud platforms.
Operate and maintain automated systems: liquid handlers (including acoustic), pintools, TekMatic Indigo, Chemspeed, Unchained Labs Junior.
Use maintenance tools, upgrade kits, and monitoring software to ensure system health and performance.
Perform preventive maintenance, calibrations, patching, and first-line troubleshooting; lead and coordinate patch cycles.
Execute upgrades and collaborate with vendors for advanced repairs and lifecycle management.
Conduct periodic security checks/audits to ensure compliance with government directives and NIH-mandated standards.
Maintain accurate logs, SOP adherence, and compliance records, supporting ATO processes.
Assist in managing technology projects and providing technical guidance for task completion.
Collaborate with development engineering teams to address operational technical debt and optimize processes.
Research new technologies and recommend improvements for performance, security, and cost optimization.
Develop and guide team members in enhancing technical capabilities and productivity.

Benefits

Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays
Parental Leave
401(k) Retirement Plan
Group Term Life and Travel Assistance
Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance
Health Savings Account, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Transit and Parking Commuter Benefits
Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development, Certifications & Learning Opportunities
Employee Referral Program
Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach
Care.com annual membership
Employee Assistance Program
Supplemental Benefits via Corestream (Critical Care, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Assistance and ID theft protection, etc.)
Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus