Principal Kubernetes Networking Engineer (K3s / Bare Metal) Job Number: 361437 Category: Embedded Sys / Software Eng Description: Job Title: Principal Kubernetes Networking Engineer (K3s / Bare Metal) Pay Rate: $138,000 - $231,000 DoE Location: Beaverton, Oregon Start Date: ASAP Job Type: Direct Hire Schedule: Onsite/Hybrid Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident Summary: This role exists to design, build, and own advanced networking for hybrid, bare-metal Kubernetes (K3s) environments. You will be the person responsible for making complex Kubernetes networking work reliably across real hardware, including multi-NIC systems, VLANs, BGP, IPAM, and multiple CNIs. Responsibilities: * Own the design and implementation of networking for hybrid K3s clusters running on bare metal (x86, ARM, accelerators), supporting multi-interface and multi-network workloads. * Configure, operate, and optimize CNI plugins (Multus, Cilium, Calico) to enable VLAN-backed, SR-IOV, and multi-CNI networking scenarios. * Deploy, configure, and manage bare-metal load balancing using MetalLB with BGP integration. * Design and develop Kubernetes controllers/operators (Go) to manage IP pools, VLANs, DNS, and other networking resources in a GitOps-compatible manner. * Automate provisioning, reconciliation, and lifecycle management of cluster networking across hybrid and multi-environment deployments. * Integrate Kubernetes networking with upstream DNS, DHCP, and IPAM systems; manage IP allocation for nodes, pods, and external interfaces. * Bridge Kubernetes networks with underlay and overlay networks (VLANs, BGP), ensuring secure and controlled consumption of external networks. * Partner with hardware engineering teams on NIC configuration, firmware validation, and network device consistency across platforms. * Implement and enforce network security controls, including encryption, network policies, and multi-CNI isolation. * Integrate and maintain network observability using tools such as Cilium Hubble, Prometheus, and custom metrics; validate performance and reliability. * Collaborate closely with DevOps, SRE, and Hardware Engineering teams to align networking architecture with platform and product requirements. * Produce and maintain clear documentation, including networking architecture, CRDs, operators, runbooks, and provide knowledge transfer on advanced networking topics. Qualifications: * Bachelor"s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent practical experience. * 8-10 years of software/network engineering experience with deep expertise in Kubernetes/K3s networking. * Proven, hands-on experience with Multus, Cilium and/or Calico, and bare-metal load balancing using MetalLB (BGP). * Strong proficiency in Go and Kubernetes controller/operator development (Kubebuilder, controller-runtime, Operator SDK). * Solid experience with IPAM, DNS/DHCP integration, VLAN configuration, and integrating external networks into Kubernetes environments. * Advanced Linux networking knowledge (netlink, iproute2, eBPF). * Excellent troubleshooting skills across pod, node, and external network layers. * Strong understanding of network security, including RBAC, network policies, encryption, and multi-network Kubernetes deployments. * Experience working with C/C++ in systems or networking contexts. If you are interested in this role, please apply via the apply now link provided. Our overriding goal is to provide quality staffing solutions that help people, organizations, and communities succeed. Belcan is a leading provider of qualified personnel to many of the world's most respected enterprises. We offer excellent opportunities for contract, temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct assignments. We are the employer of choice for thousands worldwide. For more information, please visit our website at Belcan.com Belcan is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Location: Hillsboro , OR Minimum Experience (yrs): 15+ Required Education: Bachelor (BA, BS...) Salary: 231,000.00 /hour Benefits: Return to search results Email this job to a friend (emailjobs.asp?jo_num=361437) If you have previously registered with us, pleaseLog in (memberlogin.asp) to apply for this position. *Logged in members may also add jobs to their job cart