Principal Software Engineer (Kubernetes)

TL;DR

Principal Software Engineer (Go/Kubernetes): Automating the full lifecycle of Kubernetes clusters using Cluster API (CAPI) and building innovative open source tools for cloud-native platforms with an accent on distributed systems and container orchestration. Focus on driving technical strategy for Rancher, leading complex engineering projects, and contributing to the global open source container ecosystem.

Location: Must be based in the Czech Republic, Portugal, Bulgaria, Italy, or Spain

Company

hirify.global is a global leader in providing innovative, reliable, and secure enterprise open source solutions including Linux, Rancher, and Edge suites for mission-critical cloud-native workloads.

What you will do

• Develop and maintain cloud-native infrastructure provisioning tools using Cluster API.
• Drive technical strategy and policy for the Rancher product suite and related open source projects.
• Lead complex, large-scale technical projects within the Kubernetes and container ecosystem.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with global engineering teams to architect resilient and scalable solutions.
• Mentor engineering team members and foster a collaborative, agile development environment.
• Diagnose and resolve highly complex production-level issues in distributed cloud environments.

Requirements

• Must be based in the Czech Republic, Portugal, Bulgaria, Italy, or Spain
• English: C1 proficiency required
• Significant experience contributing to major open source projects in the container ecosystem.
• Proven track record in technical leadership and influencing organizational strategy.
• Deep expertise in Kubernetes, Cluster API, and cloud-native infrastructure provisioning.
• Strong programming proficiency in Go and experience with Linux-based development environments.
• Master’s degree or PhD in Computer Science or equivalent professional experience.

Nice to have

• Deep familiarity with design and implementation of Cluster API projects.
• Extensive experience in reliability engineering, testing automation, and CI/CD practices.
• Hands-on experience in SRE and large-scale distributed systems debugging.
• Proven leadership experience in Scrum or Kanban agile environments.

Culture & Benefits

• Collaborate within a global, open-source community that values transparency, innovation, and trust.
• Work on industry-leading, high-impact open source technologies used by 60% of Fortune 500 companies.
• Environment focused on agility, entrepreneurship, and continuous professional growth.
• Culture that welcomes diverse backgrounds, talents, and perspectives.
• Support for professional development and building a lasting industry legacy.