Kubernetes DevOps Engineer / Platform Automation Engineer Location: Hybrid - Denver, CO (Onsite 4 Days/Week) Duration: Contract Client: Direct Client - Multinational Telecommunications Technology Company Note: Local Denver candidates only Onsite Interview strong only CKA & CKAD certified Kubernetes expert with strong AWS, Terraform (IaC), CI/CD (GitLab), Docker, Helm, Linux, Python/Bash scripting, microservices, networking (DNS/routing), and production troubleshooting experience. Candidates must hold BOTH:
- CKA (Certified Kubernetes Administrator)
- CKAD (Certified Kubernetes Application Developer)
Please apply only if you have both active certifications. Position Overview: Our direct client, a leading multinational telecommunications technology company, is seeking a highly skilled Kubernetes DevOps Engineer / Platform Automation Engineer to design, implement, and advocate for automation and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) within a Kubernetes-based PaaS ecosystem. This role supports internal API Gateway and Identity Provider (IDP) platforms built primarily on open-source technologies. The ideal candidate is passionate about DevOps best practices, cloud architecture, automation, and scalable platform engineering. Responsibilities:
- Architect and implement Kubernetes-based platform automation solutions
- Design and maintain Infrastructure as Code using Terraform
- Build and optimize CI/CD pipelines (build, scan, publish, deploy)
- Support and guide API Gateway and IDP application teams
- Manage Kubernetes cluster architecture, control plane, and resource optimization
- Implement AWS cloud security best practices (IAM, Security Groups, KMS)
- Configure and manage service mesh technologies (Istio/Envoy)
- Perform root cause analysis and production troubleshooting
- Ensure high availability, resiliency, and scalability of distributed systems
- Participate in on-call rotation for critical production escalations
Required:
- 6+ years of experience in Systems Administration and/or Software Engineering (AWS environment)
- 4+ years of experience with:
- Infrastructure as Code (Terraform preferred)
- CI/CD pipeline development (GitLab preferred)
- Kubernetes ecosystem (cluster architecture, troubleshooting, resource management)
- Strong hands-on experience with:
- Kubernetes, Docker, Helm, Helmfile
- AWS (IaaS, Security Groups, IAM Roles, KMS)
- Linux systems & virtualization
- Bash, Shell scripting, Python
- Experience with microservices architecture
- Knowledge of networking fundamentals (DNS, routing)
- Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills
- Excellent communication skills (English)
Preferred :
- Java application development knowledge
- Experience supporting API Gateway and Identity Platform teams
- Experience in telecommunications environments
- Knowledge of Istio/Envoy service mesh