Job Requirements
Role:
Technical Lead / Project Lead with strong expertise in Kubernetes (k3s/k8s), Linux systems, and open-source platform engineering
Responsibilities:
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Lead end-to-end technical strategy, design and implementation for k3s-based Kubernetes platform
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Lead upstream contributions to the Rancher/K3s open-source repository, including writing patches, conducting PR reviews, and participating in community forums.
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Define and implement open-source lifecycle management strategy including upstream sync and internal repository management
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Own k3s source code management, enhancements, formal verification and release processes
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Drive architecture for master/agent nodes, cluster lifecycle and networking
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Define release strategy, versioning, and communication
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Manage breaking changes aligned with release planning
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Define vulnerability management processes and STIG compliance
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Drive performance benchmarking and optimization
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Ensure alignment with upstream k3s and coordinate merges
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Define governance model, release controls and quality gates
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Conduct technical and architecture reviews
Skills:
Must Have:
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7–10 years of experience in platform engineering / distributed systems
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Strong expertise in Linux fundamentals and system internals
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Strong understanding of Kubernetes architecture and core components
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Understanding of Kubernetes control plane components (API server, scheduler, kubelet)
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Strong GoLang development experience
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Knowledge of advanced Kubernetes networking (network policies, routing)
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Good knowledge of Python for automation
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Hands-on experience with Docker / container runtimes (containerd preferred)
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Experience with automation tools such as Ansible
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Good understanding of Kubernetes networking (CNI concepts, ingress, DNS, services)
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Basic understanding of datastore backends (etcd / SQL systems)
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Experience with CI/CD pipelines and Git workflows
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Strong problem-solving and debugging skills
Nice to Have:
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Experience with k3s or Rancher ecosystem
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Deep knowledge of Kubernetes control plane internals
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Experience in vulnerability management and STIG/CIS compliance
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Experience with open-source governance and contribution models
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Familiarity with Linux packaging, systemd services and binary distribution
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Strong Linux networking knowledge (iptables/nftables, routing)
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Experience with embedded datastores (SQLite/Dqlite) and etcd.
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Experience in vulnerability management and STIG/CIS compliance
Work Experience
Required Experience
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7-10 years in Platform Engineering, Distributed Systems, or Kubernetes Administration.
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Experience leading platform design, development, and release management.
Required Skills
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Kubernetes (K8s/K3s): Architecture, Control Plane, Cluster Lifecycle, Networking.
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Linux: System administration, internals, networking, troubleshooting.
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GoLang: Strong development and debugging experience.
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Containers: Docker, containerd.
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Automation & DevOps: Python, Ansible, Git, CI/CD pipelines.
Preferred Skills
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Rancher/K3s ecosystem.
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Open-source contributions and governance.
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etcd, SQLite, Dqlite.
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STIG/CIS compliance and vulnerability management.
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Advanced Linux networking (iptables, nftables, routing).
Benefits
NA
