Job description

P-298 About Databricks At Databricks, we are passionate about enabling data teams to solve the world's toughest problems — from making the next mode of transportation a reality to accelerating the development of medical breakthroughs. We do this by building and running the world's best data and AI infrastructure platform so our customers can use deep data insights to improve their business. Founded by engineers — and customer obsessed — we leap at every opportunity to solve technical challenges, from designing next-gen UI/UX for interfacing with data to scaling our services and infrastructure across millions of virtual machines. And we're only getting started. The Role s enterprise data enclaves and Generative AI applications become mission-critical to national security and public sector modernization, maintaining the reliability and operational integrity of the underlying platform is paramount . Databricks is seeking a Senior Support Engineer (GovOps) to join our Cleared Engineering team in McLean, VA . Sitting at the vital intersection of core infrastructure operations and active platform reliability, this team serves as the ultimate technical authority for our platform across GovCloud, FedRAMP High, and air-gapped environments . In this role, you will move beyond basic ticket resolution to handle the hardest technical escalations across our platform domains—including Compute, Networking, Storage, IAM, and OS internals . You will partner directly with Core Engineering, conduct deep live troubleshooting, safely execute automation tools, and isolate complex system boundary blocks inside secure enclaves . If you are a systems specialist who thrives under pressure, enjoys writing custom tooling to unblock platform bottlenecks, and wants to safeguard the infrastructure powering next-generation federal AI workloads, this opportunity provides unmatched scope and impact . The Impact You’ll Have The Impact You’ll HaveDrive High-Side Platform Reliability: Serve as the technical authority for resolving the most complex platform escalations across Compute, Networking, Storage, and OS domains within air-gapped and GovCloud enclaves. Partner with Core Engineering: Triage system defects, perform root-cause analysis, and collaborate directly with product engineering teams to drive permanent software bug fixes and fleet-wide supportability enhancements. Execute Advanced Automation & Tooling: Write and adapt custom Python, Bash, or Go scripts and diagnostic tools to automate platform triage and streamline operational recovery inside restricted boundaries. Manage Critical Incidents: Lead technical triage and live incident response during high-consequence platform events, maintaining composure and clear stakeholder communications under intense pressure. Optimize Secure Environment Pipelines: Identify systemic environment blocks, diagnose patch deployment failures, and review Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) configurations to ensure seamless platform operations. Uphold Federal Guardrails: Navigate evolving secure facility (SCIF) operational frameworks, ensuring all platform interventions strictly align with FedRAMP High, ITAR/IL5, and federal security compliance standards. What We're Looking For Minimum Qualifications Active TS/SCI security clearance. Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Mathematics, or equivalent practical experience. 5+ years of experience in Systems Engineering, Cloud Infrastructure, Senior Support Engineering, DevSecOps, or a related technical operations role. Deep expertise in Linux/Unix operating-system internals, networking, process/resource debugging, and distributed systems. Hands-on proficiency in Python, Bash, Go, or Java with the ability to read source code, debug software defects, and write custom diagnostic scripts. Proven experience managing, debugging, and operating cloud infrastructure across public or federal cloud boundaries (AWS GovCloud, Azure Government, or GCP). Solid working knowledge of Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) tools such as Terraform or CloudFormation, along with container orchestration mechanics (Docker/Kubernetes). 3+ years of experience writing clear, succinct written and verbal technical communications, including technical status reports, incident summaries, or cross-team escalations. Ability to work on-site out of our McLean, VA secure facility (SCIF), including participation in an on-call rotation for critical incidents. Preferred Qualifications Active Counterintelligence (CI) or Full Scope Polygraph (FSP). Prior experience supporting AWS World Wide Public Sector (WWPS), isolated defense integration networks, or FedRAMP High / ITAR environments. Hands-on experience operating inside low-egress or fully air-gapped networks where standard external diagnostics are restricted. Pay Range Transparency Databricks is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The pay range(s) for this role is listed below and represents the expected salary range for non-commissionable roles or on-target earnings for commissionable roles. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to job-related skills, depth of experience, relevant certifications and training, and specific work location. Based on the factors above, Databricks anticipates utilizing the full width of the range. The total compensation package for this position may also include eligibility for annual performance bonus, equity, and the benefits listed above. For more information regarding which range your location is in visit our page here . Local Pay Range $130,200 — $178,950 USD About Databricks Databricks is the Data and AI company. More than 20,000 organizations worldwide — including adidas, AT&T, Bayer, Block, Mastercard, Rivian, Unilever, and 70% of the Fortune 500 — rely on the Databricks Data + AI Platform to build and scale data and AI apps, analytics and agents. Headquartered in San Francisco with 30+ offices around the globe, Databricks offers a unified platform that includes Genie, Lakebase, Agent Bricks, Lakeflow, Lakehouse, and Unity Catalog. To learn more, follow Databricks on LinkedIn , X , YouTube , and Instagram . Benefits At Databricks, we strive to provide comprehensive benefits and perks that meet the needs of all of our employees. For specific details on the benefits offered in your region click here . Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion At Databricks, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone can excel. We take great care to ensure that our hiring practices are inclusive and meet equal employment opportunity standards. Individuals looking for employment at Databricks are considered without regard to age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other protected characteristics. Compliance If access to export-controlled technology or source code is required for performance of job duties, it is within Employer's discretion whether to apply for a U.S. government license for such positions, and Employer may decline to proceed with an applicant on this basis alone.

Requirements

Must-haves

The Impact You’ll Have
Partner with Core Engineering: Triage system defects, perform root-cause analysis, and collaborate directly with product engineering teams to drive permanent software bug fixes and fleet-wide supportability enhancements.
Execute Advanced Automation & Tooling: Write and adapt custom Python, Bash, or Go scripts and diagnostic tools to automate platform triage and streamline operational recovery inside restricted boundaries.
Manage Critical Incidents: Lead technical triage and live incident response during high-consequence platform events, maintaining composure and clear stakeholder communications under intense pressure.
Optimize Secure Environment Pipelines: Identify systemic environment blocks, diagnose patch deployment failures, and review Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) configurations to ensure seamless platform operations.
Uphold Federal Guardrails: Navigate evolving secure facility (SCIF) operational frameworks, ensuring all platform interventions strictly align with FedRAMP High, ITAR/IL5, and federal security compliance standards.
Active TS/SCI security clearance.
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Mathematics, or equivalent practical experience.
5+ years of experience in Systems Engineering, Cloud Infrastructure, Senior Support Engineering, DevSecOps, or a related technical operations role.
Deep expertise in Linux/Unix operating-system internals, networking, process/resource debugging, and distributed systems.
Hands-on proficiency in Python, Bash, Go, or Java with the ability to read source code, debug software defects, and write custom diagnostic scripts.
Proven experience managing, debugging, and operating cloud infrastructure across public or federal cloud boundaries (AWS GovCloud, Azure Government, or GCP).
Solid working knowledge of Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) tools such as Terraform or CloudFormation, along with container orchestration mechanics (Docker/Kubernetes).
3+ years of experience writing clear, succinct written and verbal technical communications, including technical status reports, incident summaries, or cross-team escalations.
Ability to work on-site out of our McLean, VA secure facility (SCIF), including participation in an on-call rotation for critical incidents.

Nice-to-haves

Active Counterintelligence (CI) or Full Scope Polygraph (FSP).
Prior experience supporting AWS World Wide Public Sector (WWPS), isolated defense integration networks, or FedRAMP High / ITAR environments.
Hands-on experience operating inside low-egress or fully air-gapped networks where standard external diagnostics are restricted.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Application prep

Use the role’s language and application details while tailoring your materials.

Keywords to mirror

aipythongojavaawsazuregcpdockerkubernetes

Platform: greenhouse
Effort: quick