Platform Engineer - Kubernetes - Contractor Role - CST TZ

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Platform Engineer to join our remote team. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in Kubernetes/Swarm administration, troubleshooting across all components, infrastructure, observability, and platform engineering. This role will involve managing large-scale Kubernetes environments, implementing, maintaining and ensuring the reliability and scalability of the platform. You will also be part of an on-call rotation to handle critical incidents.

The role includes (but may not be limited to) the following functions:

- Kubernetes Management:

• Manage and optimise large-scale Kubernetes clusters.

• Perform version updates, configuration changes, and troubleshoot issues.
• Assist with and maintain container orchestration using Kubernetes.
• Platform Engineering Services:
• Maintain and expand the platform solution to meet SLA/OLS requirements.
• Perform platform moves/adds/changes and monitor core platform metrics.

• Manage load across components and ensure normal operating parameters.
• Implement component updates for defect resolution and preventive maintenance.

- Operational Onboarding:

• Create and maintain documentation for service levels, roles, and responsibilities.
• Conduct platform reviews and tooling deployments.

- DevOps and SRE:

• Aid in the use of GitOps pipelines and assist in application deployment strategies.
• Provide guidance on namespace, cluster, access control, and isolation best practises.
• Implement blue/green deployment strategies and assist with performance issues.

- Automation and DR Planning:

• Develop automations for preventative maintenance and operational efficiency.
• Create and validate cluster recovery guides to ensure infrastructure recoverability.

- Emergency Support:

• Provide 24/7 emergency engineering support with a 1-hour response SLA.
• Analyse alerts and perform root analysis to prevent recurrence.

Requirements

This section sets out the previous experience, technical abilities, and professional qualifications required to perform the role.

Experience:

• 6 years of total experience in IT and platform engineering.
• 4 years managing Kubernetes environments.
• Experience with Docker Swarm is an advantage.
• Experience in operation, virtualisation, cloud infrastructure (AWS,Azure,GCP), and DevOps practises.
• Familiarity with ITIL-based practises for incident management and service requests.

Technical skills:

• Expertise in Kubernetes, Docker, and container orchestration tools.
• Experience with monitoring and logging tools (Prometheus, Grafana, Loki etc).
• Proficient in scripting and automation (Python, Bash, Terraform, Ansible).
• Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and GitOps practises.
• Knowledge of Virtualisation Technologies (VMware).

Soft Skills:

• Excellent problem-solving and trouble shooting skills.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and methodologies.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing requirements and priorities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a remote team.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including developers, operations, and security teams.
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity to cultural differences when managing international partnerships.

Additional information:

• This role requires participation in an on-call rotation to respond to critical incidents.
• Candidates must be able to work primarily within the CST time zone with some flexibility for other time zones.