Kubernetes Engineer Jobs

Specialists in orchestrating containerised applications at scale. Kubernetes Engineers ensure that applications run smoothly and efficiently in cloud environments.

Open roles
2
Hiring companies
2

Kubernetes Engineers are the backbone of modern cloud infrastructure, focusing on the orchestration and management of containerised applications. They work with tools like Kubernetes (K8s) to automate the deployment, scaling, and management of application containers. These roles are in high demand across a range of industries, from tech scaleups to large enterprises, as organisations increasingly adopt cloud-native architectures to enhance agility and efficiency.

What the role does

Inside the role of a Kubernetes Engineer

A typical week for a Kubernetes Engineer is a mix of hands-on technical work and strategic planning, with a focus on maintaining and improving the reliability and performance of cloud environments.

  1. 01
    Design and implement Kubernetes clusters.
  2. 02
    Troubleshoot and resolve issues in production environments.
  3. 03
    Automate deployment and scaling processes.
  4. 04
    Collaborate with development teams to ensure smooth integration.
  5. 05
    Monitor and optimise cluster performance.
  6. 06
    Stay updated with the latest Kubernetes features and best practices.
Career ladder

From Junior to Principal

A typical UK progression for kubernetes engineers. Years are guidance — strong people move faster, and many senior folks sidestep into research, product or management.

  1. Level 1

    Junior Kubernetes Engineer

    0–2 yrs

    Assist in the setup and maintenance of Kubernetes clusters, with a focus on learning and supporting more senior engineers.

  2. Level 2

    Kubernetes Engineer

    2–5 yrs

    Own the day-to-day operations of Kubernetes clusters, including deployment, scaling, and troubleshooting, while contributing to the overall architecture.

  3. Level 3

    Senior Kubernetes Engineer

    5–8 yrs

    Lead the design and implementation of complex Kubernetes solutions, mentor junior engineers, and drive strategic initiatives.

  4. Level 4

    Principal Kubernetes Engineer

    8+ yrs

    Provide technical leadership, define long-term cloud strategies, and influence organisational cloud adoption and best practices.

Pathway

How to become a Kubernetes Engineer

There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.

  1. 1

    Learn Kubernetes Basics

    Start by understanding the fundamentals of Kubernetes, including its architecture, key components, and basic operations.

  2. 2

    Gain Practical Experience

    Work on real-world projects to set up and manage Kubernetes clusters, and gain hands-on experience with deployment and scaling.

  3. 3

    Specialise in Advanced Topics

    Dive deeper into advanced Kubernetes topics such as custom resource definitions, Helm charts, and cluster security.

  4. 4

    Lead Projects and Teams

    Take on leadership roles, managing Kubernetes projects and mentoring junior engineers to ensure high standards and best practices.

  5. 5

    Influence Cloud Strategy

    Contribute to the overall cloud strategy of your organisation, driving innovation and best practices in cloud-native development.

Live jobs

2 live roles

Data Engineer (Spark/ Kubernetes) (Financial Services)

Your new companyWorking for a renowned financial services organisationYour new roleWe are seeking a Data Engineer to support the replacement of a legacy ETL tool with a modern Apache Spark based data platform. This is a hands‑on engineering role focused...

Hays Technology City of London, United Kingdom

DevOps Engineer, AWS, Kubernetes, Docker

DevOps Engineer (AWS, Kubernetes, Docker)Ready to build, scale and shape cloud infrastructure in a fast-growing tech environment?Our client is looking for a DevOps Engineer to join one of their fastest-growing areas within vehicle telematics. You’ll play a key role in...

OCC Group Crewe, Cheshire, United Kingdom
Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

The locations with the most live listings for this role today.

FAQs

Common questions

  • Essential skills include a strong understanding of Kubernetes, containerisation technologies like Docker, and cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP. Proficiency in scripting languages like Python or Bash is also important.

  • Responsibilities include designing and implementing Kubernetes clusters, automating deployment and scaling processes, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with development teams to ensure smooth integration.

  • Advance by gaining practical experience, specialising in advanced Kubernetes topics, leading projects, and influencing cloud strategy. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest trends are key.

  • Salaries for Kubernetes Engineers can vary based on experience and location. For more detailed salary information, please refer to the salary section on this page.

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