Application Support Engineer

Application Support Engineer - Fully Remote

This role serves as the ultimate escalation point for complex web application issues that support critical government-facing services. You will apply deep technical expertise to ensure the stability, performance, and reliability of a mission-critical web application, working across its full stack and deployment environment. By solving challenging problems, optimizing application operations, and guiding other teams, you will directly contribute to building secure, scalable solutions that support national missions.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Tier 4 escalation point for critical and complex web application incidents, performing in-depth analysis, identifying root causes, and implementing effective resolutions to minimize downtime and prevent recurrence.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive subject matter expertise in the web application's architecture, components, dependencies, and operational behavior across front-end, back-end, database, APIs, and related services.
• Lead problem management activities, including post-incident reviews, to identify underlying issues and drive permanent corrective actions and preventative measures that enhance reliability and stability.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, on-site DevOps, and Development teams to coordinate efficient incident response, share expert knowledge, and continuously improve operational processes and application design.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to the application's deployment environment, including infrastructure, networking, and supporting services.
• Diagnose and resolve application issues in containerized environments using Kubernetes, applying existing knowledge or rapidly developing proficiency in Kubernetes concepts, deployment strategies, and related infrastructure.
• Create and maintain detailed troubleshooting guides, runbooks, knowledge base articles, and technical documentation to enable lower support tiers and promote a culture of shared knowledge.
• Proactively monitor application performance, identify bottlenecks, and recommend architectural or configuration changes to improve efficiency, scalability, and resilience.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives focused on operational excellence, including automation, enhanced monitoring, and streamlined deployment practices.
• Communicate complex technical findings and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, ensuring shared understanding during incidents and improvement efforts.
• Work effectively under pressure in mission-critical situations, balancing multiple concurrent issues while maintaining a methodical and analytical approach to problem solving.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience as a Systems Engineer, Application Engineer, or in a similar role with a strong focus on supporting and troubleshooting complex web applications.
• Demonstrated subject matter expertise in a critical web application, including full-stack understanding across front-end, back-end, database, and APIs.
• Strong understanding of web application architecture, including performance tuning and security best practices.
• Experience working with and troubleshooting applications in modern deployment environments.
• Familiarity with containerization technologies, specifically Kubernetes, or a strong aptitude and willingness to learn and apply Kubernetes for troubleshooting and operational tasks.
• Proficiency with monitoring, logging, and alerting tools such as Grafana, ELK Stack, Splunk, and similar platforms.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, with a structured and methodical approach to complex technical issues.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple concurrent issues in a mission-focused environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with specific web application frameworks or technologies relevant to modern enterprise web stacks.
• Professional certifications in cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP.
• Professional certifications related to Kubernetes, such as Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) or Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD).
• Experience with scripting and automation tools and languages, such as Python, Bash, and Ansible.
• Prior experience working in a government or highly regulated environment.

Work Environment

The role supports a US-based, geographically dispersed team operating in a hybrid work environment. Work locations may include Tysons Corner, VA; Reston, VA; or a fully remote arrangement with the need to travel overnight as required. The position is remote initially, with travel once mission needs require on-site presence. Work hours may vary based on mission-critical tasks, and you will collaborate closely with distributed team members while maintaining flexibility to respond to high-priority issues. The environment emphasizes a self-starter mentality, where you take direction at a high level and execute tasks effectively even in the absence of detailed step-by-step instructions. You will work extensively with modern web technologies, containerized deployments, Kubernetes, and monitoring and logging platforms such as Grafana, ELK Stack, and Splunk in a professional, mission-driven setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Reston, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $114400.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Reston,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 15, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.