Lead Software Engineer
AlignityXAbout the role
Lead Software Engineer (K8)
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are partnering with a leading enterprise software company to place a Lead Software Engineer to join their Foundational Infrastructure Group. In this role, you will help re-architect a high-scale platform on public clouds to enable frequent, predictable, and high-impact changes. You will ensure that world-class infrastructure is always available, responsive, and capable of meeting the needs of a dynamic, global development team.
You will work as part of an agile team to transform existing architecture into a modern services architecture, making it easy for feature teams to leverage microservices and containerization technologies.
This position is based on-site in McLean, VA (5 days per week). Our client is committed to a culture of in-person collaboration as a key driver of innovation and team excellence.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO SUCCEED
Expertise with AWS or other cloud platforms (Azure, Google Cloud) and Infrastructure-as-Code tools
Expertise working in the Kubernetes ecosystem (e.g. Cilium, Istio, Knative, Keda)
Experience coaching junior engineers and driving projects to measurable impact
Ability to review architectures and designs, identify problems, and recommend better practices
Experience conducting code reviews with a focus on performance, maintainability, and security
Familiarity with DevOps, Release Engineering, and CI/CD practices
Familiarity with infrastructure as code tools such as Terraform
Knowledge of networking and information security in the cloud (VPN, compliance, etc.)
A passion for keeping automated infrastructure current as technologies evolve and scale
Drive to automate every aspect of the development lifecycle in pursuit of continuous delivery
Excellent written and verbal communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Ability to identify cross-team dependencies, communicate blockers, and escalate as needed
Experience leading response to critical incidents, weighing trade-offs, and communicating clearly with stakeholders
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
7+ years of experience designing, building, and architecting software in an enterprise, SaaS, or PaaS environment
Fluency in at least one programming language such as Python, Golang, or Java
5+ years of hands-on experience working in the Kubernetes ecosystem
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Engineering, or equivalent experience
TOOLS & ENVIRONMENT
Cutting-edge technologies including Kubernetes, Docker, GitLab, and Prometheus
An engineering culture that values innovation, autonomy, and continuous learning
Dedicated time for personal projects and annual hackathons to fuel creative thinking
A large engineering org with an agile business group model that fosters community and ownership
BENEFITS
Our client offers a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:
Medical, dental, and vision health coverage
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with free mental health support
Life and disability insurance
Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)
Retirement / pension plan
Wellness stipend
Tuition reimbursement
Family-forming benefits
The details
BASE SALARY: $190k - $210k
LOCATION: McLean, VA
IN-OFFICE: 5 days/week
Responsibilities
- Re-architect a high-scale platform on public clouds
- Transform existing architecture into a modern services architecture
- Coach junior engineers and drive projects to measurable impact
- Review architectures and designs, identify problems, and recommend better practices
- Conduct code reviews with a focus on performance, maintainability, and security
- Automate every aspect of the development lifecycle
Qualifications
- 7+ years of experience designing, building, and architecting software
- Fluency in at least one programming language such as Python, Golang, or Java
- 5+ years of hands-on experience working in the Kubernetes ecosystem
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Engineering, or equivalent experience
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision health coverage
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with free mental health support
- Life and disability insurance
- Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)
- Retirement / pension plan
- Wellness stipend
- Tuition reimbursement
- Family-forming benefits
Skills mentioned
About AlignityX
For organizations navigating executive hiring during growth, transformation, or transition, AlignityX is the search partner that was built from the inside out. Our founders spent 20+ years leading talent acquisition at Fortune 500 companies like Hilton, General Mills, Microsoft, and Mondelez. We sat in the seat our clients sit in. We managed the searches, hired the agencies, and saw firsthand where the industry falls short. AlignityX exists because we knew executive search could be done better, with more depth, more honesty, and more care for the people on both sides of the table. We align leadership with culture and strategy before a single outreach call is made. We find the x factor that separates "qualified" from "right." And we stay involved through the first 90 days of integration because the relationship does not end when the offer is signed. The AlignityX Promise We will be honest with you, even when it is uncomfortable. We will treat your candidates the way we would want to be treated. We will do the alignment work before we start the search and stay involved long after the offer is signed. We will move with urgency without sacrificing depth. And if we are not the right firm for this engagement, we will tell you that too. We earn the relationship. Every time.