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The client operates under a strict, document-governed engineering model in which no developer is authorised to write production code except against a signed “Build Authority Packet.” Before any product engineer can be onboarded, that packet-generation system — the “Build Machine” — must exist. This role, referred to in the programme's internal documents as “Engineer #1,” is responsible for standing up the Build Machine: a policy-gated, evidence-producing pipeline that ingests approved engineering specifications and turns them into signed, auditable units of developer work. This is fundamentally a platform/DevOps automation role — primarily configuration and integration of proven open-source tools, with a smaller component of custom scripting. It is explicitly not a product feature development role. Key Responsibilities Provision the Build Machine repository structure, including GitHub organisation setup, private repositories, and branch protection rules. Configure a self-hosted GitHub Actions runner on a Hetzner Ubuntu LTS host. Build a Docker Compose service stack for the Build Machine (no Kubernetes — that is reserved for later, product-side work). Implement ingestion of the MES Registry (the programme's machine-readable engineering specification, in YAML) as the primary data source for packet generation. Assemble Build Authority Packets from eligible registry entries, each carrying the full required field set (scope, non-scope, acceptance tests, dependencies, fail-closed behaviour, and more). Implement Open Policy Agent (OPA/Rego) policy gates that validate every packet before it can be released — fail-closed by design. Implement packet signing and verification using Sigstore (Cosign/Rekor), producing an immutable, auditable signing record. Automate creation of a GitHub Issue from each signed packet, and monitor associated pull requests against packet scope. Emit evidence records at each pipeline stage (assembly, validation, signing, release, PR review, completion) to support programme audit requirements. Provide a working dry-run/test mode so the pipeline can be demonstrated end-to-end before any production packet is released. Document every infrastructure and permissions decision made during setup for review by the Founder & CTO. Core stack for this role Policy-as-code: Open Policy Agent (OPA) and Rego, for declarative, auditable validation rules Pipeline orchestration: Dagger, for portable, containerised, code-defined pipelines Supply-chain security: Sigstore (Cosign keyless signing, Rekor transparency log) CI/CD: GitHub Actions, including self-hosted runner configuration and management Containers: Docker and Docker Compose (production-grade service orchestration, health checks, reproducible startup) Linux server administration: provisioning and hardening an Ubuntu LTS host (Hetzner or equivalent cloud/VPS provider) Scripting/automation: Python (registry parsing, packet assembly, dependency graphing) — comfort with structured YAML/JSON processing is essential Git/GitHub administration: organisation setup, branch protection, Issues/Projects, GHCR (GitHub Container Registry) Helpful additional exposure Zero-trust service identity concepts (SPIFFE/SPIRE, mTLS) — relevant to later phases of the programme Secrets/key management tooling (e.g. OpenBao/Vault-family products) Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) and open-source licence scanning (e.g. syft, ort) Working with LLM-assisted code review workflows (the pipeline integrates Claude for PR review) Working style requirements Comfortable operating inside a highly formal, document-driven engineering process with a single technical approval authority. Able to work independently against a written specification and explicitly escalate rather than infer when something is unclear. Rigorous about documentation — every infrastructure and permissions decision must be recorded for review. All timestamps and logs must be recorded in ISO 8601 UTC format, regardless of the contractor's local timezone. Definition of Done GitHub organisation and repository structure live, with branch protection configured. Build Machine host provisioned and documented; self-hosted runner installed, registered, and operational. Docker Compose stack starts all Build Machine services reproducibly from a single command. Registry ingestion works correctly — draft entries ignored, approved/build-ready entries processed. Build Authority Packets can be assembled with all required fields populated. Policy gates correctly reject invalid packets and pass valid ones. Packets can be signed and independently verified. A signed packet automatically creates a GitHub Issue containing the full packet content. End-to-end evidence trail is produced for a complete test run, and a full dry-run demonstration completes without requiring any product code. All infrastructure and permissions decisions are documented and handed over for review. Engagement Length ~4.5 weeks (3 sprints: Sprint 0/1 – 2 weeks, Sprint 2 – 2 weeks, Sprint 3 – 1 week completion/handover) Commitment 40 hours/week
Project ID: 40576397
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Hello, I can dive into your project immediately. I've led DevOps automation projects shaping auditable build pipelines with Docker, Git, and Docker Compose to ensure reproducible builds and secure artifact signing. I will provision the repository structure, set up a Hetzner Ubuntu self-hosted runner, assemble a Docker Compose stack, enable MES Registry ingestion, implement Open Policy Agent gates with Sigstore signing, and automate GitHub Issues for signed packets with full ISO 8601 logs. Here are some relevant examples: [login to view URL] [login to view URL] I want to discuss with you in more details. Kind regards, Mojjammil
$1,800 USD in 20 days
4.3
4.3
69 freelancers are bidding on average $2,395 USD for this job

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Build Machine Setup for Efficient DevOps Automation ❇️ Hi My Friend, I hope you're doing well. I've reviewed your project needs and see you're looking for a Build Machine setup. You don’t need to look any further; Zohaib is here to help you! My team has completed over 50 similar projects focused on DevOps automation. I will utilize proven open-source tools and custom scripting to build a robust pipeline that meets your requirements, all within your budget. ➡️ Why Me? I can easily set up your Build Machine, as I have 5 years of experience in DevOps automation, specializing in GitHub Actions, Docker, and CI/CD processes. My skills include repository management, policy validation, and pipeline orchestration. Additionally, I have a strong grip on Linux server administration and scripting with Python. ➡️ Let's have a quick chat to discuss your project in detail and show you samples of my previous work. I look forward to connecting with you! ➡️ Skills & Experience: ✅ GitHub Actions ✅ Docker & Docker Compose ✅ Python Scripting ✅ Linux Server Administration ✅ Open Policy Agent (OPA) ✅ CI/CD Pipeline Setup ✅ YAML/JSON Processing ✅ Policy Gates Implementation ✅ Build Authority Packet Creation ✅ Issue Tracking Automation ✅ Evidence Record Generation ✅ Documentation & Audit Compliance Waiting for your response! Best Regards, Zohaib
$1,800 USD in 2 days
7.9
7.9

Hi! This role aligns closely with my background as a Python Backend Engineer with strong DevOps and infrastructure experience. I’ve built and maintained CI/CD pipelines, automated deployment workflows, Docker-based environments, GitHub Actions, Linux servers, and Python automation scripts for production systems. I’m comfortable working with structured YAML/JSON, repository administration, branch protection, infrastructure provisioning, and writing reliable automation rather than feature heavy application code. I enjoy designing reproducible systems with strong documentation and auditability, and I understand the importance of infrastructure-as-code, security, and policy-driven workflows. My previous US clients often kept me on long term engagements because of my communication, ownership, and ability to work independently on complex technical systems you can verify this in my profile reviews. I’d love to discuss how I can help build your Build Machine from the ground up.
$2,250 USD in 7 days
7.9
7.9

Hi, This is Elias from Miami. I reviewed the brief and understand Engineer #1 is responsible for building the policy-controlled delivery system that must exist before product development begins. This is a DevOps and platform-automation engagement focused on turning approved MES Registry entries into validated, signed, auditable Build Authority Packets. The main challenge is ensuring the pipeline is deterministic and fail-closed at every stage. I’d structure it around Dagger and Docker Compose, with Python for YAML ingestion and packet assembly, OPA/Rego for policy validation, Cosign/Rekor for signing, and GitHub Actions for issue creation, PR scope monitoring, and evidence generation. Every action, permission decision, and timestamp would be documented and recorded in ISO 8601 UTC. I have experience with Linux infrastructure, Docker, GitHub Actions, policy-driven automation, Python tooling, CI/CD security, and auditable delivery workflows. A few questions to clarify the setup: Q1 – Is the MES Registry schema and Build Authority Packet specification already finalized? Q2 – Will the Hetzner server and GitHub organisation be provided, or should provisioning be included? Q3 – Should evidence records be stored in Git, object storage, or a dedicated audit database? The proposed 3-sprint, 4.5-week schedule is realistic for implementation, dry-run validation, hardening, and handover. Looking forward to hearing from you.
$2,250 USD in 7 days
7.1
7.1

Hi there, We’ve built similar CI/CD pipelines that validate code against product requirements, ensuring only approved code is released. We also developed a GitHub app that automatically creates issues from pull requests, extracting relevant information and assigning them to product managers for review. With 15 years of experience, I’ve worked extensively with GitHub Actions and CI/CD pipelines, leading teams and delivering multiple products. I’m well-versed in DevOps and server management, having set up production environments for various web apps. Let’s schedule a 10-minute introductory call to discuss your project in more detail and see if I’m the right fit. I usually respond within 10 minutes. I’m eager to learn more about your exciting project. Best, Adil
$1,924.45 USD in 21 days
6.0
6.0

Our team is thrilled by the unique and complex challenges that your build machine automation project presents. With our extensive experience in building and deploying production-grade systems, we possess the necessary skill set to set up your Build Machine repository structure on GitHub, configure the self-hosted GitHub Actions runner, and build a Docker Compose service stack. In addition, our proficiency in Python will ensure efficient registry parsing and packet assembly while operating under a highly formal engineering process. We are well-versed in the tools that align with your project's needs such as Open Policy Agent (OPA), Rego, and Sigstore (Cosign/Rekor). Our familiarity and understanding of these technologies will be invaluable for implementing the policy gates, enabling fail-closed behavior, and establishing immutable signing records - essential elements for successful packet generation using your MES registry. Moreover, our rigorous approach to documentation perfectly matches your requirements. We always make it a priority to record every infrastructure and permissions decision made during setup - ensuring complete transparency. In conclusion, if you're seeking a team that'll combine their expertise in Linux server administration, scripting, automation, Git/GitHub administration and more to deliver exceptional results on this project - look no further! We are confident we can not only meet but exceed your expectations at every stage of this journey.
$2,250 USD in 7 days
6.3
6.3

Hello, I will stand up the Build Machine: a policy gated, evidence producing pipeline that ingests the MES Registry YAML, assembles Build Authority Packets, enforces OPA Rego gates fail closed, signs packets with Sigstore Cosign and Rekor, and emits signed packets as GitHub Issues together with an auditable evidence trail. I delivered a comparable pipeline for a regulated client that produced 150 signed packets during pilot using Dagger driven workflows and a Docker Compose service stack. My work will provision the GitHub organisation and repositories with branch protection, configure a self hosted GitHub Actions runner on a Hetzner Ubuntu LTS host, build the Docker Compose service stack, implement Python registry ingestion and packet assembly, integrate Cosign signing and Rekor logging, and emit evidence records at every pipeline stage. Every infrastructure and permissions decision will be documented for Founder & CTO review. Happy to jump on a quick chat. Ali Zain
$2,250 USD in 7 days
5.3
5.3

With my broad range of expertise in DevOps, Docker, Git, GitHub, and Python, combined with an innate ability to work smoothly within well-documented engineering processes, I am an exceptional choice for the Engineer #1 role in your project. I bring extensive experience in designing and developing highly scalable web applications and SaaS platforms, which aligns perfectly with your requirement of building the "Build Machine", a policy-gated pipeline that converts approved engineering specifications into developer work. Specifically, my skillset includes a deep understanding and hands-on experience with policy-as-code tools like Open Policy Agent (OPA) and Rego - crucial for implementing OPA/Rego policy gates as you envision. My solid grasp on supply-chain security tooling such as Sigstore (Cosign/Rekor) will also ensure that your pipeline incorporates robust and auditable signing and verification processes at each stage. Furthermore, I am well-versed with Linux server administration and have a proven capability of provisioning and hardening Ubuntu LTS hosts - a skill essential for configuring the self-hosted GitHub Actions runner on a Hetzner Ubuntu LTS host for your stack. In addition to these core skills, my knowledge and experience with Docker Compose services, CI/CD tools like GitHub Actions, as well as my strong scripting abilities with Python make me superbly positioned to fulfill all the key responsibilities o
$2,300 USD in 7 days
4.9
4.9

Hi, I'm excited about the opportunity to build your Build Machine DevOps automation pipeline. With solid experience configuring Docker Compose environments and automating workflows, I am confident in assembling a policy-gated pipeline that meets your exacting audit and security standards. My background with Git repositories and JSON/YAML processing will ensure seamless registry ingestion and packet assembly. I'll document every step for CTO review and ensure the dry-run validation meets your requirements perfectly. Let's schedule the initial setup and get the Build Authority Packet system operational. If your Build Machine were a superhero, what superpower would it need beyond Docker Compose and automation? Thanks,
$2,500 USD in 19 days
4.4
4.4

The biggest risk here isn't standing up the tooling—it's making sure every Build Authority Packet is impossible to release unless it passes policy, signing, and evidence generation in the correct order. If those gates can be bypassed, the audit trail loses its value. I'd start by establishing the repository structure, self-hosted GitHub Actions runner, and Docker Compose stack so the pipeline is reproducible from day one. From there I'd build the YAML registry ingestion in Python, assemble packets deterministically, and enforce fail-closed validation with OPA/Rego before introducing Cosign signing and GitHub Issue creation. One detail I'd pay close attention to is making packet assembly deterministic so identical registry inputs always produce the same output before signing, making verification and auditing much simpler. One question: is the MES Registry schema already fixed, or is Engineer #1 expected to define parts of it alongside the pipeline?
$2,000 USD in 7 days
4.6
4.6

With my broad technical expertise and deep experience in DevOps, automation, and software development ranging from CI/CD to scripting and Docker orchestration, I am a perfect match for your project. I comprehend the gravity of this Engineer #1 role and your document-governed engineering model. My proficiency in Open Policy Agent (OPA/Rego) will ensure a policy-gated evidence-producing pipeline for the Build Machine that adheres to your stringent validation rules. Additionally, I am well-versed with Docker Compose, GitHub Actions including self-hosted runners, Linux server administration, Python for YAML/JSON processing, and Git/GitHub administration - all integral components of this project. I can also provide test-mode features to demonstrate pipeline end-to-end before production release as well as ensure ISO 8601 UTC standard timestamps/logging in line with your requirements for audit purposes.
$2,250 USD in 3 days
4.4
4.4

Hi, Mateo here from Toronto. The Python layer is where I'd start - YAML registry ingestion, packet assembly with dependency graphing, evidence emission at each stage. That scripting logic is the real product here; OPA, GitHub Actions, Docker Compose, and Sigstore are configuration work, and I move through open-source tool specs efficiently with AI-assisted development. The tricky part is the OPA/Rego gate. Rego's evaluation model is non-obvious and fail-closed design means a policy mistake silently blocks packets rather than surfacing an error - so I'd implement and unit-test the gates after full packet assembly is working end-to-end. Python automation, API integrations, structured YAML/JSON pipelines are my background. I use Claude Code in my daily workflow, which the spec flags as a bonus, so the PR review integration would be native rather than bolted on. Document-driven process with explicit escalation is how I already work.
$3,000 USD in 30 days
3.4
3.4

Hello, I can build your Build Machine DevOps automation platform with a secure, policy-driven, and fully auditable pipeline. I have experience with Ubuntu, Docker Compose, GitHub Actions, Python automation, CI/CD, YAML/JSON processing, and infrastructure hardening. I will implement registry ingestion, OPA policy gates, Sigstore signing, evidence tracking, and complete documentation following your engineering governance model.
$1,600 USD in 7 days
1.8
1.8

I'm excited about bringing my skills to bear in developing your Build Machine repository structure. My proficiency in Python is key in managing important tasks such as packet assembly and dependency graphing - skills that will be useful as I integrate your MES Registry into the pipeline for effective packet generation. Moreover, my experience in Linux server administration dovetails effortlessly with configuring the self-hosted GitHub runner on Hetzner Ubuntu LTS host. Crucially, my commitment to rigorous documentation and comprehensive record-keeping will provide valuable support for auditing requirements throughout the process. As we progress through each stage, I'll not only ensure ISO 8601 UTC format-compliant logs but also document every infrastructure and permissions decision made for reviewer transparency. Let me handle this multi-faceted project end-to-end - leveraging my coordination with cross-functional teams to streamline communication and deliver results on time and to perfection.
$3,500 USD in 25 days
0.0
0.0

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