Technical Architect - k3s/k8s

Job description

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