---
title: 'Platform Operations Engineer, DevOps | TS Cleared at Trace3'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/platform-operations-engineer-devops-ts-cleared-trace3-colorado-springs-4g07vqn1fgnp'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-05'
---

# Platform Operations Engineer, DevOps | TS Cleared at Trace3

- **Company:** Trace3
- **Location:** Colorado Springs, CO
- **Compensation:** $75k–$90k
- **Posted:** 2026-07-22
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-05
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/trace3/jobs/8080293

## Job description

Who is Trace3?

Trace3 is a leading Transformative IT Authority, providing unique technology solutions and consulting services to our clients. Equipped with elite engineering and dynamic innovation, we empower IT executives and their organizations to achieve competitive advantage through a process of Integrate, Automate, Innovate.

Our culture at Trace3 embodies the spirit of a startup with the advantage of a scalable business. Employees can grow their career and have fun while doing it!

Trace3 is headquartered in Irvine, California. We employ more than 1,200 people all over the United States. Our major field office locations include Denver, Indianapolis, Grand Rapids, Lexington, Los Angeles, Louisville, Texas, San Francisco.

Ready to discover the possibilities that live in technology?

Come Join Us!

Street-Smart - Thriving in Dynamic Times

We are flexible and resilient in a fast-changing environment. We continuously innovate and drive constructive change while keeping a focus on the “big picture.” We exercise sound business judgment in making high-quality decisions in a timely and cost-effective manner. We are highly creative and can dig deep within ourselves to find positive solutions to different problems.

Juice - The “Stuff” it takes to be a Needle Mover

We get things done and drive results. We lead without a title, empowering others through a can-do attitude. We look forward to the goal, mentally mapping out every checkpoint on the pathway to success, and visualizing what the final destination looks and feels like.

Teamwork - Humble, Hungry and Smart

We are humble individuals who understand how our job impacts the company's mission. We treat others with respect, admit mistakes, give credit where it’s due and demonstrate transparency. We “bring the weather” by exhibiting positive leadership and solution-focused thinking. We hug people in their trials, struggles, and failures – not just their success. We appreciate the individuality of the people around us.

**This position is on site in either Littleton, CO, Denver, CO, or King of Prussia, PA -- This role can be a direct hire/full time position, or a W2 hourly role depending on preference

## JOB SUMMARY:

The Platform Operations Engineer, DevOps is a technical role supporting Space Programs within a Rapid Deployment Team. This position is responsible for supporting the deployment, integration, operation, and sustainment of mission-critical systems across classified environments.

This role operates at the intersection of OpenShift platform operations, Rundeck-based operational automation, and conventional system administration with security compliance responsibilities. The position emphasizes hands-on execution across deployments, system stabilization, incident recovery, and infrastructure integration.

This individual contributor role serves as a primary technical escalation point during operational events, coordinating resolution efforts across multiple domains and mission stakeholders in a high-tempo environment requiring strong troubleshooting across compute, network, storage, and platform layers.

## SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

- Oversee deployment, configuration, lifecycle management, and sustainment of OpenShift environments within classified networks.
- Ensure platform reliability, availability, and integration with mission applications and infrastructure services.
- Design, maintain, and execute Rundeck runbooks to enable deployment workflows, system administration tasks, and incident response procedures.
- Ensure operational automation is consistent, repeatable, and auditable.
- Provide hands-on operational expertise for Linux and Windows environments, including configuration management, patching, troubleshooting, and lifecycle upkeep.
- Act as an escalation point for outages, deployment failures, and platform instability.
- Conduct root-cause analysis across infrastructure layers and restore mission capability under time-sensitive conditions.
- Maintain adherence to security controls, compliance frameworks, configuration standards, and accreditation requirements across classified environments.
- Resolve complex issues spanning networking, storage, operating systems, and platform services across enterprise infrastructure.
- Coordinate resolution activities across infrastructure, cybersecurity, networking, system administration, and program stakeholders during deployments, incidents, and recovery efforts.
- Remove blockers, align execution paths, and provide hands-on guidance and informal mentorship to engineers during active operations to improve team effectiveness in real time.

## PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

- Active Top Secret clearance with the ability to maintain clearance eligibility throughout employment; SCI preferred.
- Hands-on experience supporting OpenShift platform operations, Linux and/or Windows administration, and operational automation tools such as Ansible, Puppet, and Rundeck.
- Strong troubleshooting capability across distributed systems and infrastructure layers including compute, network, storage, and platform services.
- Experience supporting security compliance, system hardening, audit readiness, and mission-critical operational environments.
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to operate across operations, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and program teams in high-pressure environments.
- 2+ years of experience in infrastructure engineering, platform operations, system administration, or operational support within enterprise or classified environments.
- Experience developing and maintaining Rundeck workflows for operational automation and incident response.
- Strong understanding of enterprise infrastructure technologies including networking such as routing, switching, DNS, and load balancing.
- Strong understanding of storage systems such as SAN/NAS, replication, backup, and recovery.
- Experience serving as a technical anchor during deployment events or major operational incidents, including providing informal guidance and mentorship to supporting engineers.
- Certifications such as Security+, RHCSA/RHCE, CISSP, or Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA).
- Experience supporting enterprise-scale modernization initiatives such as 1LMX or similar transformation programs.

This position is performed within a secure, classified workspace. Employees must comply with all applicable security protocols and access control procedures, including restrictions on personal electronic devices and the handling of sensitive information. Actual salary will be based on a variety of factors, including location, experience, skill set, performance, licensure and certification, and business needs. The range for this position in other geographic locations may differ. Certain positions may also be eligible for variable incentive compensation, such as bonuses or commissions, that is not included in the base salary. Estimated Pay Range $75,000—$90,000 USD

The Perks

- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans for you and your dependents
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match, 529 College Savings Plan, Health Savings Account, Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability
- Competitive Compensation
- Training and development programs
- Major offices stocked with snacks and beverages
- Collaborative and cool culture
- Work-life balance and generous paid time off

Our Commitment

At the core of Trace3's DNA is our people. We are a diverse group of talented individuals who understand the importance of teamwork and demonstrating leadership, character, and passion in all that we do.

We’re committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to grow. We recognize that embracing diversity drives innovation, improves outcomes, fosters collaboration, boosts teammate satisfaction, and builds a more inclusive culture.

As an equal opportunity employer, Trace3 bases all employment decisions based on individual qualifications, merit, and business requirements. We do not engage in discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Any demographic information provided is strictly voluntary, kept confidential in accordance with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) regulations, and will not be used in employment decisions, including hiring, promotions, or mentorship programs. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process or participate in an interview, please email recruiting@trace3.com.

***To all recruitment agencies: Trace3 does not accept unsolicited agency resumes/CVs. Please do not forward resumes/CVs to our careers email addresses, Trace3 employees or any other company location. Trace3 is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/CVs.

## About Trace3

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Trace3 is a leading Transformative IT Authority that consults on, integrates, and operates solutions across AI, data, security, and cloud to help enterprises embrace emerging technology and drive measurable business value.
- **Entity Type**: Private (acquired by Apollo Funds in August 2025; previously backed by H.I.G. Capital)
- **Headquarters**: Irvine, California, United States
- **Founded**: 2002
- **Founders**: Not publicly named (Joe Quaglia is the CEO per Indeed)

## Core Business
- **Primary Industry**: Information Technology & Services (IT Consulting, Systems Integration, Managed Services)
- **Target Customers**: Enterprise and Mid-Market organizations across Financial Services, Healthcare, Government (Federal & SLED), and other regulated industries.
- **Mission/Purpose**: "All Possibilities Live in Technology" — turning that belief into true business transformation for clients.

## Products & Services
Trace3 operates through several key practice areas and a dedicated government arm:

- **AI & Data Consulting**: Practical AI enablement (e.g., Copilot for M365), custom AI/ML solutions, data strategy, and analytics. Helps clients start small with AI and scale.
- **Cloud Services**: Cloud architecture, migration, hybrid cloud (VCF9), and managed cloud operations.
- **Cybersecurity**: Security strategy, architecture, engineering, and managed security services (Splunk delivery, security generalists).
- **Modern Infrastructure**: Hybrid cloud architecture, data center modernization, networking.
- **Managed Services**: Tier 1-3 support, service desk, and ongoing IT operations management.
- **Management Consulting**: Strategic advisory, portfolio management, and business transformation consulting.
- **Trace3 Government**: A joint venture with Zivaro (formed 2024) focused on DoD, DOE, and SLED clients with over 120 cleared engineers.
- **Innovation Program**: Custom IT research, VC/PE thematic briefings, and access to emerging startups.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not disclosed (private company). Acquired by Apollo Funds in August 2025; prior PE round led by H.I.G. Capital in 2017.
- **Key Metric**: Annual Revenue of **$2.85 Billion** (USD) as of the latest available data.
- **Notable Investors/Partners**:
    - **Parent Company**: Apollo Global Management, Inc.
    - **Previous Investor**: H.I.G. Capital
    - **Key OEM Partners**: Cisco, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Dell Technologies, Palo Alto Networks, Splunk.
- **Growth Signals**:
    - **Headcount**: 1,064 employees (+4.1% YoY) with 109 active job postings (+186.8% YoY).
    - **Acquisition Spree**: Acquired Zivaro (2024), Ivoxy (2025), and multiple other firms (Set Solutions, Optio Data, Tail Wind Informatics, Groupware Technology, LaSalle Solutions) to build scale.
    - **Government Expansion**: Launched Trace3 Government in 2024, targeting classified and mission-critical work.
    - **Talent Sources**: Heavy recruitment from Cisco, Microsoft, AWS, Dell, and competitors (e360, World Wide Technology, Insight).

## Competitive Advantages
- **Vendor Agnostic Stance**: Provides unbiased, agnostic assessments of the technology landscape — a key differentiator from resellers.
- **Deep VC/PE Relationships**: "On a first-name basis with major VC firms" — allows clients early access to emerging tech and innovation briefings.
- **Scale & Breadth**: 700+ engineers (including 120+ cleared government engineers), national presence, and multiple acquired specialty firms under one roof.
- **Government Security Clearances**: Many engineers hold top-secret clearances (DoD, DOE), a high barrier to entry for competitors.
- **Proven M&A Integration**: Successfully rolled up 7+ companies to build a comprehensive service portfolio.

## Strategic Focus
- **AI as a Core Growth Engine**: "Run with AI" and "Transform with AI" are central themes. Focused on practical, low-risk AI adoption for enterprises.
- **Government Sector Expansion**: Trace3 Government is a major growth vector, targeting federal and state contracts.
- **M&A Roll-Up**: Continue acquiring niche consultancies to deepen capabilities in data, security, and cloud.
- **Managed Services Growth**: Building out a national managed services footprint (Tier 1-3 support centers in multiple cities).

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: Described as "the spirit of a startup with the advantage of a scalable business." Core values include Teamwork, Innovation, Consultative approach, and being "Humble, Hungry, & Smart."
- **Remote/Hybrid/Office**: Mixed. Many roles are remote (e.g., Cloud Engineers, Solutions Architects), but some are on-site (e.g., Managed Services Engineers in Phoenix, Atlanta, Chicago, Las Vegas). Sales and consulting roles often require regional presence.
- **Notable Perks**:
    - Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
    - 401(k) retirement plan and 529 college savings plan
    - HSA, life insurance, and long-term disability
    - Generous PTO and work-life balance
    - Stocked kitchens with snacks and beverages
    - Training and development programs
    - Competitive compensation packages
- **Engineering Culture**: Heavy emphasis on emerging tech (AI, cloud, security). Engineers get exposure to cutting-edge tools and vendor relationships. Many roles require certifications and deep technical expertise.
- **CEO Approval Rating**: 51% on Indeed (average for a large consulting firm).

## Sources
1. [trace3.com](https://www.trace3.com/)
2. [trace3.com/careers](https://www.trace3.com/careers)
3. [Greenhouse Job Board](http://job-boards.greenhouse.io/trace3)
4. [LinkedIn Company Page](https://www.linkedin.com/company/trace3)
5. [Indeed Company Page](https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Trace3?from=serpCompanyHeaderLogo)

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