Platform Engineer

Location: New York

Join a dynamic platform engineering team supporting a large-scale migration of enterprise middleware services from on-premises environments to AWS. This role is ideal for a hands-on engineer who enjoys building secure, standardized, and highly automated middleware platforms across Linux, virtual machines, bare metal, containers, and cloud infrastructure.
Responsibilities

• Design and support standardized middleware platforms across Linux, VM, bare-metal, and container environments.
• Own key parts of the platform lifecycle, including packaging, deployment, upgrades, patching, and day-to-day operational support.
• Create clear separation between middleware platform engineering and application-level configuration.
• Build and maintain equivalent infrastructure on AWS EC2 as workloads transition from on-premises environments.
• Develop reusable automation for provisioning and configuration using Terraform and Ansible.
• Establish platform standards, deployment patterns, operational guardrails, and support controls.
• Support the transition from Oracle Java to OpenJDK.
• Evaluate product features and configuration choices with security, resiliency, performance, and supportability in mind.
• Collaborate in a hybrid work environment and participate in onsite requirements as needed.

Skills

• Strong background in enterprise Java middleware platform engineering.
• Hands-on experience with several middleware technologies such as Web Sphere, Web Sphere Liberty, Tomcat, JBoss, Web Logic, Apache HTTP Server, or IBM HTTP Server.
• Solid Linux administration skills.
• Practical experience using Ansible for middleware installation, configuration, patching, and automation.
• Practical experience using Terraform for repeatable infrastructure provisioning, especially in AWS.
• Experience operating middleware on AWS EC2 without relying on managed middleware services.
• Understanding of Java runtime standards, including Oracle Java and OpenJDK.
• Ability to work hands-on while also providing architectural guidance and technical leadership.

Preferred Skills

• Experience engineering middleware in virtualized, bare-metal, and container-based environments.
• Exposure to large-scale cloud migration initiatives.
• Ability to assess platform design decisions through the lens of security and operational reliability.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to platform support.
• Clear communication and collaboration skills in cross-functional environments.

Horizontal is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences are valued. We encourage candidates of all identities and abilities to apply, and we strive to create equitable opportunities for everyone throughout the hiring process.

By applying for this position, you acknowledge and agree that Horizontal Talent may contact you regarding your application using automated technology, including phone calls, SMS/text messages, or email, which may be delivered by our virtual AI recruiter, Alex.

Please apply through this online posting or by visiting our Job Board at Applications will be accepted for 4 weeks. For those that join the team, we offer competitive compensation and benefits including medical, dental, vision, and retirement. Check out all we have to offer and how you can become part of the Horizontal Talent Team. The pay range for this role is $47 - $82 per hour based on qualifications and experience.