We are seeking an experienced Azure Kubernetes Engineer to design, implement, maintain, and optimise cloud-native infrastructure within Microsoft Azure environments. The successful candidate will play a key role in deploying and supporting containerised applications, Kubernetes clusters, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud automation solutions while ensuring security, scalability, and reliability across enterprise platforms.
Key Responsibilities
* Design, deploy, and manage Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) environments.
* Build and maintain highly available, scalable, and secure Kubernetes clusters.
* Implement Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using Terraform, Bicep, or ARM templates.
* Develop and maintain CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps and GitHub Actions.
* Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimise Kubernetes workloads and cluster performance.
* Configure networking, ingress controllers, load balancing, and service meshes.
* Implement container security best practices and vulnerability management processes.
* Manage Azure Container Registry (ACR) and container image life cycle management.
* Automate operational tasks using PowerShell, Bash, Python, or similar Scripting languages.
* Support application teams with containerisation and cloud migration initiatives.
* Collaborate with DevOps, Platform Engineering, Security, and Development teams.
* Ensure compliance with cloud governance, security, and operational standards.
* Provide incident support, root cause analysis, and continuous service improvement.
Required Skills & Experience
* Strong hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure cloud services.
* Extensive experience managing Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS).
* Deep understanding of Kubernetes architecture, networking, and administration.
* Experience with Docker and containerisation technologies.
* Strong Infrastructure as Code experience using Terraform, Bicep, or ARM templates.
* Experience with Azure DevOps and/or GitHub Actions.
* Knowledge of Kubernetes security, RBAC, policies, secrets management, and compliance.
* Experience with monitoring and observability tools such as Azure Monitor, Prometheus, Grafana, and Log Analytics.
* Strong Scripting skills using PowerShell, Bash, Python, or similar.
* Experience managing Linux-based environments.
* Understanding of cloud networking concepts including VNets, NSGs, Private Endpoints, Load Balancers, and Application Gateway.
* Experience supporting production cloud environments and resolving complex incidents.
Preferred Qualifications
* Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate.
* Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert.
* Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert.
* Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA).
* Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD).
* Experience with GitOps tools such as ArgoCD or Flux.
* Experience with service mesh technologies such as Istio or Linkerd.
* Knowledge of FinOps and cloud cost optimisation practices.
Key Technologies
Cloud & Infrastructure
* Microsoft Azure
* Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)
* Azure Virtual Networks
* Azure Load Balancer
* Azure Application Gateway
* Azure Container Registry (ACR)
DevOps & Automation
* Azure DevOps
* GitHub Actions
* Terraform
* Bicep
* ARM Templates
* Git
Containers & Kubernetes
* Kubernetes
* Docker
* Helm
* ArgoCD
* Flux
Monitoring & Security
* Azure Monitor
* Prometheus
* Grafana
* Log Analytics
* Microsoft Defender for Cloud
* Azure Policy
What's on Offer
* Opportunity to work on large-scale cloud transformation and modernisation projects.
* Exposure to cutting-edge cloud-native and Kubernetes technologies.
* Collaborative engineering culture focused on automation and innovation.
* Hybrid working arrangement based in Manchester, with flexibility for remote working.
Ideal Candidate
* Proven experience in a Platform Engineering, Cloud Engineering, DevOps, or Kubernetes Engineering role.
* Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
* Ability to work effectively within agile and cross-functional teams.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities.
* Passion for cloud-native technologies, automation, and continuous improvement.