Senior Systems Software Engineer, Kubernetes Node Lifecycle - DGX Cloud

About the role

The DGX Cloud division at NVIDIA offers leading accelerated computing solutions for challenging AI workloads globally. We are seeking a Senior Systems Software Engineer with expertise in Kubernetes node engineering, OS image packaging, and cloud infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Direct the building and refinement of CAPI providers for NVIDIA Kubernetes Engine (NKE).
• Maintain steady, consistent, and scalable node provisioning across DGX Cloud and NCP environments.
• Develop and maintain bring-your-own-node workflows for integrating different NVIDIA hardware into NKE clusters.
• Coordinate OS image generation, packaging, deployment, and update processes for NKE nodes.
• Ensure images are fine-tuned for NVIDIA GPU workloads and meet enterprise- and cloud-grade security and compliance criteria.
• Develop and sustain node image hardening pipelines, incorporating CIS benchmarks, automated CVE remediation, and promotion gates connected to security posture.
• Develop and maintain automated test suites for node images, verifying accuracy across Kubernetes versions and NVIDIA hardware configurations.
• Handle nodepool lifecycle at scale, including provisioning, upgrades, drain and cordon workflows, and seamless node replacement across very large clusters with diverse NVIDIA hardware.
• Examine, resolve, and determine underlying causes of node-layer faults in production NKE clusters, and optimize the node layer in real-world high-scale scenarios.
• Partner with upstream communities to establish node provisioning and lifecycle standards in accordance with NKE requirements.
• Communicate progress and findings at internal and external gatherings such as KubeCon and GTC.

Requirements

• 8 years of experience with a background in systems software, cloud infrastructure, or Kubernetes node engineering.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Computer Engineering, Computer Science) or equivalent experience.
• Deep expertise in Cluster API (CAPI), including provider development and full machine lifecycle from provisioning to deletion.
• Extensive experience with OS image build pipelines, node image packaging, and delivery systems for Kubernetes nodes.
• Practical experience with bring-your-own-node models and integrating diverse hardware into live Kubernetes environments, including large-scale nodepool lifecycle management and upgrades.
• Strong understanding of kubelet configuration, node bootstrap, and the Kubernetes node registration lifecycle.
• Experience with node image security, including vulnerability scanning, patch automation, and compliance gating as part of image build pipelines.
• Proficiency in Golang and/or Python, and hands-on experience with at least one major public cloud provider (GCP, AWS, Azure, OCI or equivalent).

Qualifications

• Direct experience building or maintaining node image pipelines for a hyperscaler Kubernetes distribution (GKE, EKS, AKS, OKE or equivalent).
• Experience with supply chain security and hardening for node images, including image signing, provenance attestation, SBOM generation, CIS benchmark consistency, and automated CVE remediation.
• Experience with automated node provisioning and optimal sizing at scale (for example Karpenter, GKE NAP or similar) and how these interact with GPU workload scheduling.
• Strong operational experience working with immutable OS image distributions (such as Flatcar, Bottlerocket, Azure Linux) and debugging node-layer failures in large Kubernetes clusters.
• Proven background of upstream contributions to Cluster API, Kubernetes or related CNCF projects, combined with excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

Benefits

NVIDIA offers competitive compensation, including a base salary range of 184,000 USD - 287,500 USD for Level 4, and 224,000 USD - 356,500 USD for Level 5, along with equity and benefits.

Pay

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions.

Schedule

This posting is for an existing vacancy. Applications will be accepted until June 14, 2026.