Product Operations Engineer

Bridge Defense is hiring a full-time Product Operations Engineer to support deployment, operation, and continuous improvement of FarSpan on government networks, including classified environments.

Responsibilities

• Manage the high-side product request queue, including deployments, configuration changes, data transfers, access requests, and health checks.
• Execute requests using written runbooks, verify successful completion, and document results before closing each request.
• Monitor deployed software and provide a daily system status report.
• Immediately escalate unexpected behavior, system issues, or other concerns requiring attention.
• Maintain accurate runbooks and update procedures when documented steps do not match the operating environment.
• Recognize when a request falls outside documented procedures and seek guidance before proceeding.
• Maintain an improvement backlog for recurring tasks, inefficient processes, and workarounds.
• Capture operational context and potential approaches to resolve or automate recurring issues.
• Collaborate with the product team to prioritize and address improvements.
• Participate in product standups to understand development priorities and contribute operational insight.
• Identify environmental constraints early and explain when proposed changes may not work in the deployed environment.
• Produce clear tickets and reports to help the development team address operational gaps.

Requirements

• Experience writing code and ability to read a script and explain its function (professional software engineering experience not required).
• Ability to follow documented procedures precisely and identify when instructions need correction.
• Ability to produce clear, accurate tickets, reports, and procedural documentation.
• Ability to navigate modern software and perform standard technical tasks involving files, processes, networks, and permissions.
• Ability to perform hands-on technical work in secure government environments.
• Ability to follow documented procedures, maintain accurate records, and promptly escalate issues.
• Willingness to travel when needed, up to 10%.
• May be required to work within a compressed schedule; overtime should be expected when schedules demand it.
• Must be able to sit/stand at a desk for long periods and lift 20 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to multi-task and rapidly change priorities with limited notice.

Technologies

• Bash
• Python
• PowerShell
• Linux
• Kubernetes
• CI/CD, CI, CD
• Palantir Foundry
• SIPR
• JWICS

Desired Qualifications

• Experience operating on DoD or Intelligence Community networks, including SIPR, JWICS, or similar environments.
• Military communications or information technology experience.
• Familiarity with terminal-based work, including navigating Linux systems and reviewing log files.
• Help desk, systems administration, or operations center experience.
• Experience using Bash, Python, or PowerShell to automate routine tasks.
• Exposure to Kubernetes, containers, or continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD).
• Experience with Palantir Foundry or similar platforms.

Clearance

• Active Secret required; TS/SCI preferred.
• Clearance sponsorship is not available for this position.

Location

• Washington, DC (onsite) with daily work in a secure facility.

Travel Availability

• Ability to travel up to 10%, potentially including occasional trips to Tampa, Florida.

Salary

• $90,000–$125,000 per year.
• Actual compensation determined based on factors including experience, education, security clearance, and certifications.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Life insurance
• Disability coverage

Work Authorization

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of applicable background investigations, verification of employment eligibility, customer approval, and maintenance of the required security clearance.