Lead Software Engineer (Kubernetes)

About the role

As a Lead Software Engineer in our Foundational Infrastructure Group, you will help re-architect the platform on public clouds to allow for frequent, predictable, and high-impact changes. You will ensure that our world-class infrastructure is always available, responsive, and capable of meeting the diverse needs of a dynamic and high-powered development team. You will work as part of an agile and global team to transform our architecture to a modern services architecture that makes it easy for feature teams to leverage microservices and containerization technologies.

This role is based at our HQ in McLean, VA. Employees hired for this position are expected to be in the office 5 days a week to foster collaboration and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Coach junior engineers and drive projects to impact
• Review architecture and designs from team members, identify problems, and suggest better practices
• Conduct code reviews focusing on elegance, performance, maintainability, and security
• Automate aspects of the development lifecycle to achieve continuous delivery
• Identify dependencies between multiple teams, communicate blockers, and escalate as needed
• Lead response for severe issues, minimize customer pain, weigh trade-offs, and communicate clearly about problems and solutions

Requirements

• Expertise in working with AWS or other cloud infrastructures like Azure or Google Cloud, and using Infrastructure-as-Code tools
• Expertise in the Kubernetes ecosystem (e.g., Cilium, Istio, Knative, Keda)
• Familiarity with DevOps, Release Engineering, and CI/CD trends
• Familiarity with infrastructure as code (e.g., Terraform)
• Familiarity with networking and information security in the cloud (e.g., VPN, compliance)
• Focus on keeping automated infrastructure up-to-date as dependent technologies evolve and scale
• Excellent spoken and written communication with both technical and non-technical people

Qualifications

• At least 7 years of experience designing, building, and architecting software in an enterprise software or SaaS/PaaS environment
• Fluency in at least one programming language, such as Python, Golang, or Java
• At least 5 years of experience working in the Kubernetes ecosystem
• Bachelor’s in Computer Science or Engineering, or equivalent experience

Tools and Resources

• Cutting-edge technologies like Kubernetes, Docker, GitLab, Prometheus, etc., to design and build new infrastructure features
• Engineering IndieTime: dedicated time to build whatever you want with whomever you want
• Annual hackathons to inspire innovation and creativity
• Autonomous work environment within an agile team

Training and Development

• Department-specific training during onboarding
• Dedicated mentorship and the First-Friend program for new hires
• Leadership program for new and aspiring managers
• Specialized department training through Appian University
• Skills-based training and tuition reimbursement for advancing education

Community

• Inclusivity through 8 employee-led affinity groups
• Social, educational, and outreach activities to connect with colleagues and larger initiatives

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with free mental health support
• Life and disability insurance
• Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Flexible time off and paid parental leave
• Wellness dollars and flexible spending accounts
• Health savings account contributions
• Employee referral bonus program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Family-forming benefits

Pay

Base Salary Range: $150,000 USD - $300,000 USD. Actual compensation will depend on relevant work experience, qualifications, internal peer equity, and market conditions. A discretionary bonus may be awarded in recognition of individual and company performance.