Kubernetes Engineer; Storage

Kubernetes Engineer (Storage)

This role focuses on designing, deploying, and maintaining Kubernetes-based environments that support a multi-year infrastructure modernization initiative, with a strong emphasis on software-defined storage and containerized application deployment in lab and tactical system environments. You will work hands-on with Kubernetes, storage technologies, automation tools, and CI/CD pipelines to move capabilities from prototype to robust, repeatable deployments across multiple environments.

Responsibilities

• Deploy, configure, and troubleshoot Kubernetes clusters, pods, services, and workloads across development and tactical lab environments.
• Support containerized storage testing by configuring storage pools, storage classes, persistent volumes, and persistent volume claims.
• Modify, maintain, and optimize Kubernetes YAML files and Helm charts to support evolving application and storage requirements.
• Support automated deployment processes using Ansible playbooks and shell scripts to streamline infrastructure provisioning and configuration.
• Package and deploy Kubernetes configuration artifacts through Git Lab CI/CD pipelines to enable consistent and repeatable deployments.
• Assist with installing, standing up, and validating candidate storage solutions within Kubernetes environments.
• Collaborate with storage engineers to deploy and test storage technologies such as Rook/Ceph, Longhorn, Maya Stor, Net App Trident, NFS, DRBD, and NVMe over Fabrics.
• Support deployments across unclassified development environments and classified tactical lab environments while adhering to security and operational guidelines.
• Troubleshoot dependency, configuration, and deployment issues across diverse hardware and software environments.
• Help standardize deployment processes and best practices as storage candidates are evaluated, refined, and transitioned across programs.
• Work closely with engineering teams to understand requirements and translate them into reliable, automated Kubernetes and storage deployments.
• Continuously learn and adapt to new tools, technologies, and approaches that improve the reliability and performance of Kubernetes-based storage solutions.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in Kubernetes, Dev Ops, Linux systems, or infrastructure engineering.
• Hands-on experience creating, deploying, and troubleshooting Kubernetes pods and services.
• Proficiency in writing and modifying Kubernetes YAML files for applications, services, and storage resources.
• Experience with Helm charts and Kubernetes package and configuration management.
• Strong experience working in Linux command-line environments.
• Scripting experience with Bash or Python to automate deployment and operational tasks.
• Familiarity with Git-based workflows, preferably using Git Lab.
• Experience deploying, configuring, and troubleshooting Kubernetes clusters, pods, services, and workloads.
• Experience with Linux as a core operating environment for Kubernetes and storage workloads.
• Experience with performance testing and tuning in infrastructure or storage contexts.
• Experience with Ansible for automated infrastructure deployment and configuration management.
• Experience with Git Lab for source control and CI/CD processes.
• Experience working with storage-related tools and technologies such as Rook and Ceph.
• Ability to work effectively in environments that include both unclassified development and classified tactical lab systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Kubernetes storage concepts, including storage classes, persistent volumes, persistent volume claims, CSI drivers, and storage pools.
• Experience with software-defined storage deployments inside Kubernetes environments.
• Familiarity with one or more storage technologies such as Rook/Ceph, Longhorn, Maya Stor, Net App Trident, DRBD, NFS, and NVMe over Fabrics.
• Experience with Ansible playbooks and automated infrastructure deployment at scale.
• Experience with Git Lab CI/CD, RPM packaging, and deployment automation.
• Familiarity with REST and gRPC service communication patterns.
• Understanding of certificates, authentication tokens, and secure service-to-service communication.
• Experience working in defense, Navy, tactical systems, classified labs, or mission-critical infrastructure environments.
• Ability to quickly learn new technologies and apply them in complex, multi-environment deployments.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to diagnosing and resolving deployment, configuration, and performance issues.

Work Environment

This position supports an active, multi-year modernization effort centered on Kubernetes-based deployment of storage candidates and infrastructure components in both lab and tactical system environments. You will work in highly hands-on lab settings where teams actively evaluate, install, configure, customize, and troubleshoot a variety of software-defined storage solutions running on Kubernetes. The environment emphasizes…