Principal Software Engineer - OpenShift & Kubernetes

About the Job Red Hat Engineering is looking for a Principal Software Engineer to join us to continue making OpenShift the premier Kubernetes platform. This role requires a technical authority who leads the design of systems that involve multiple components and coordinates across teams, setting a technical direction that anticipates future customer needs and establishes the standard for software quality. This role is responsible for ensuring the integrity and long-term quality of our software, ensuring it empowers our customers to deliver on their goals. The ideal candidate is willing to or is already participating in one or more of the Kubernetes SIGs and contributing code to one or more of the Kubernetes repositories. You'll work as part of a fast-paced, highly experienced, and exciting engineering team distributed across the globe and you’ll participate in a vibrant open source culture. You’ll be working with top Kubernetes contributors on a daily basis. You'll help promote quality and innovation in the Red Hat OpenShift Engineering team. Note: This role may come into contact with confidential or sensitive customer information requiring special treatment in accordance with Red Hat policies and applicable privacy laws. What you will do Technical Impact: Leads the design and development of software solutions for features that cross multiple subsystems or components. Internal and External Collaboration: Acts as a key representative and leader within the community, advocating for internal or external customer needs, while aligning products with the community direction. Mentor and Develop Engineering Talent: Across teams, coaches and mentors senior engineers. Own and Deliver Business Impact: Owns and delivers technical initiatives with visible business impact, enabling the entire team to deliver value to the end user. Agentic AI based SDLC and and Utilize AI Tools: Evaluates and introduces new AI-driven methodologies that resolve complex issues and improve Engineering efficiency. SDLC: Leads the definition and implementation of the SDLC for complex multi-component systems, ensuring that the process scales effectively and aligns with the needs of multiple collaborating teams. What you will have Extensive Open Source experience and active participation in community-driven development. 7+ years of experience developing software in a Linux environment using a language like Go, Ruby, Python, Java, C, or C++. Bachelor's degree in computer science, or equivalent. Solid experience designing, building, and debugging distributed systems. Thorough understanding of container concepts and container runtimes. Familiarity with Kubernetes, both as a user and as a developer. Experience with Agentic AI based Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and advanced use of AI-based tools. Familiarity with modern toolchains and CI/CD pipelines. Experience with distributed version control systems, specifically Git and GitHub workflows. Excellent interpersonal, cross-team collaboration, and ability to work with distributed teams. The following is considered a plus Understanding Kubernetes architecture and internals Experience with development for public cloud services (AWS, GCE, Azure) Previous contributions to open source projects or being an open source maintainer #LI-EK1 The salary range for this position is $151,510.00 - $249,950.00. Actual offer will be based on your qualifications. Pay Transparency Red Hat determines compensation based on several factors including but not limited to job location, experience, applicable skills and training, external market value, and internal pay equity. Annual salary is one component of Red Hat’s compensation package. This position may also be eligible for bonus, commission, and/or equity. For positions with Remote-US locations, the actual salary range for the position may differ based on location but will be commensurate with job duties and relevant work experience. About Red Hat Red Hat is the world’s leading provider of enterprise open source software solutions, using a community-powered approach to deliver high-performing Linux, cloud, container, and Kubernetes technologies. Spread across 40+ countries, our associates work flexibly across work environments, from in-office, to office-flex, to fully remote, depending on the requirements of their role. Red Hatters are encouraged to bring their best ideas, no matter their title or tenure. We're a leader in open source because of our open and inclusive environment. We hire creative, passionate people ready to contribute their ideas, help solve complex problems, and make an impact. Benefits ● Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage ● Flexible Spending Account - healthcare and dependent care ● Health Savings Account - high deductible medical plan ● Retirement 401(k) with employer match ● Paid time off and holidays ● Paid parental leave plans for all new parents ● Leave benefits including disability, paid family medical leave, and paid military leave ● Additional benefits including employee stock purchase plan, family planning reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, transportation expense account, employee assistance program, and more! Note: These benefits are only applicable to full time, permanent associates at Red Hat located in the United States. Inclusion at Red Hat Red Hat’s culture is built on the open source principles of transparency, collaboration, and inclusion, where the best ideas can come from anywhere and anyone. When this is realized, it empowers people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences to come together to share ideas, challenge the status quo, and drive innovation. Our aspiration is that everyone experiences this culture with equal opportunity and access, and that all voices are not only heard but also celebrated. We hope you will join our celebration, and we welcome and encourage applicants from all the beautiful dimensions that compose our global village. Equal Opportunity Policy (EEO) Red Hat is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer. We review applications for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, veteran status, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Red Hat does not seek or accept unsolicited resumes or CVs from recruitment agencies. We are not responsible for, and will not pay, any fees, commissions, or any other payment related to unsolicited resumes or CVs except as required in a written contract between Red Hat and the recruitment agency or party requesting payment of a fee. Red Hat supports individuals with disabilities and provides reasonable accommodations to job applicants. If you need assistance completing our online job application, email View email address on click.appcast.io. General inquiries, such as those regarding the status of a job application, will not receive a reply. We’re the world’s leading provider of enterprise open source solutions—including Linux, cloud, container, and Kubernetes. We deliver hardened solutions that make it easier for enterprises to work across platforms and environments, from the core datacenter to the network edge. At Red Hat, our commitment to open source extends beyond technology into virtually everything we do. We collaborate and share ideas, create inclusive communities, and welcome diverse perspectives from all Red Hatters, no matter their role. It’s what makes us who we are. Some of the most knowledgeable and passionate people in the technology industry work here. Whether we’re building software, championing our products, or training new associates, we’re collaborating openly to make a difference in the world of open source and beyond.