A processing device receives a first cluster management operation request, wherein the first cluster management operation request is for a deployment operation of a first cluster and comprises a cluster template, a specified number of nodes to deploy and a configuration. The processing device determines a plurality of constraints from at least one of the cluster template or the configuration. The processing device deterministically solves for and outputs a first cluster layout comprising the specified number of nodes, each of the specified number of nodes comprising a hardware type, an image type and one or more services, wherein the first cluster layout satisfies the plurality of constraints.