📍 Job Overview

Job Title: DevOps Engineer
Company: Safaricom
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Job Type: On-site
Category: DevOps Engineer
Date Posted: June 19, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

The DevOps Engineer role at Safaricom involves setting up and maintaining cloud-native Open-Source solutions for the Digital Experience observability platform. This role requires a strong background in DevOps processes, automation, and scripting, as well as experience with machine learning and AIOps for proactive monitoring and root cause analysis.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

🔧 Platform Setup & Maintenance

Design, setup, and implement cloud-native solutions for DevOps platforms and processes using open-source tools.
Configure and manage data sources, and implement solutions to improve observability and monitoring for tools/platforms and services.

🛠️ Automation & Scripting

Write automation scripts using Bash, Java, Python, Groovy, Ruby, and other relevant languages to automate systems health visualization and orchestrate solutions.
Develop and maintain CI/CD pipelines using tools like Jenkins, GitLab CI, or Tekton.

🔒 Security & Quality Scans

Setup, monitor, support, integrate, and automate security and quality scans for infrastructure and service deployments.

📊 Monitoring & Observability

Configure and manage monitoring tools like Dynatrace, Splunk, Grafana, Prometheus, and OpenTelemetry for proactive monitoring and RCA.
Implement ML models and algorithms for pro-active monitoring and RCA for production errors.

🛠️ Infrastructure Provisioning & Deployment

Participate in the analysis and document requirements for development of new or improved infrastructure deployment automation.
Build and integrate tools to reduce occurrences of errors and improve deployment cycles, deploy updates and fixes, and implement integrations requested by the software engineering team.

🛠️ Cloud & Database Management

Manage public cloud platforms, with a focus on AWS, and demonstrate experience with deployment and operations on AWS.
Configure and manage databases, both RDBMS and NoSQL, and implement solutions to improve observability and monitoring.

🛠️ Team Collaboration & Project Management

Maintain team and project management tools such as Jira, Confluence, and Mural.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth software development and deployment processes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

🎓 Education

BSc or MS in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.

🎓 Experience

2+ years of experience in managing Linux-based infrastructure.
2+ years of experience as a DevOps Engineer or similar software engineering role.
2+ years' experience in DevOps processes and tools (Docker, Kubernetes, Vagrant, Chef/Puppet, Ansible, Jenkins, Dynatrace, Splunk, Git, GitOps, Redis, OpenShift, Terraform, Hashicorp vault, FluxCD).

🎓 Required Skills

Strong knowledge of scripting languages like Bash, Python, Groovy, Go, and others.
Working knowledge of programming languages such as Java or Python.
Working knowledge of databases, both RDBMS and NoSQL.
Experience with continuous integration tools like Jenkins, GitLab CI, or Tekton.
Experience with infrastructure as code tools like Terraform or CloudFormation.
Experience with IT across designing, engineering, and development of IT toolsets in the infrastructure monitoring, analytics, and AIOps solutions (Dynatrace, Splunk, Kibana).
Strong understanding and experience with machine learning (ML) algorithms for various AIOps use cases such as classification, clustering, and anomaly detection.
Good knowledge of shell scripting using Bash, Python, Groovy, or Go.
Experience with public cloud platforms, deployment, and operations with a focus on AWS (professional certifications are an added advantage).
Team spirit, team player, excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, time management, learning mentality, and communication skills.
Demonstrable experience with continuous delivery methods such as GitOps.
Experience and knowledge of agile methodologies.

🎓 Preferred Skills

Certifications in relevant DevOps tools and platforms.
Experience with cloud-native applications and tools like Crossplane, Liqo, or OpenTelemetry.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

📋 Portfolio Essentials

A well-structured portfolio showcasing your DevOps projects, with a focus on cloud-native solutions, automation, and monitoring.
Live demos of your projects, highlighting the user interface, functionality, and performance.
Case studies demonstrating your problem-solving skills, technical implementation, and user experience design.

📋 Technical Documentation

Code quality, commenting, and documentation standards, with a focus on readability and maintainability.
Version control, deployment processes, and server configuration documentation.
Testing methodologies, performance metrics, and optimization techniques, with a focus on continuous improvement.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

💰 Salary Range

The estimated salary range for this role in Nairobi, Kenya, is KES 2,500,000 - 3,500,000 per year, based on industry standards and regional adjustments.

🏥 Benefits

Comprehensive medical and dental coverage for employees and dependents.
Retirement benefits, including a defined contribution pension scheme.
Employee discounts on Safaricom products and services.
Learning and development opportunities, including training, workshops, and conference attendance.
Performance-based bonuses and rewards.
A dynamic and inclusive work environment with opportunities for career growth and professional development.

🕒 Working Hours

Full-time position with standard working hours from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM EAT, with a 1-hour lunch break.
Occasional overtime may be required to meet project deadlines or resolve critical issues.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Telecommunications, with a focus on digital experience, data analytics, and emerging technologies.
Company Size: Large enterprise with a significant presence in the East African market.
Founded: 1993, with a rich history of innovation and growth in the telecommunications industry.

🏢 Team Structure

The DevOps team is part of the broader IT department, working closely with software engineering, quality assurance, and project management teams.
The team consists of DevOps engineers, DevSecOps leads, and other technical specialists, collaborating to ensure smooth software development and deployment processes.

🏢 Development Methodology

Agile methodologies, including Scrum and Kanban, are used to manage software development projects and ensure continuous improvement.
The team follows best practices for code review, testing, and quality assurance, with a focus on automation and collaboration.
CI/CD pipelines are implemented to automate deployment processes and ensure consistent, reliable, and secure software releases.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

📈 Web Technology Career Level

This role is at the mid-level (2-5 years) experience level, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the DevOps team and the broader IT organization.

📈 Reporting Structure

The DevOps Engineer reports directly to the DevSecOps Lead, who is responsible for guiding and supporting the team's technical and career development.

📈 Technical Impact

The DevOps Engineer plays a critical role in maintaining and improving the Digital Experience observability platform, ensuring high availability, performance, and user satisfaction.
This role also contributes to the development and deployment of new or improved infrastructure deployment automation, enhancing the overall software development lifecycle.

🌐 Work Environment

🏢 Office Type

On-site office environment, with opportunities for remote work or hybrid arrangements for some roles.

🏢 Office Location(s)

The primary office location is in Nairobi, Kenya, with additional offices and remote work arrangements available for some roles.

🏢 Workspace Context

A collaborative workspace with dedicated areas for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and training workshops.
Access to the latest tools, technologies, and resources to support individual and team productivity.
A dynamic and inclusive work environment that encourages creativity, innovation, and continuous learning.

🕒 Work Schedule

Standard working hours from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM EAT, with a 1-hour lunch break.
Occasional overtime may be required to meet project deadlines or resolve critical issues.
Flexible working arrangements, including remote work or hybrid schedules, may be available for some roles.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

📄 Interview Process

Online Application: Submit your application through the Safaricom recruitment portal, attaching your resume and any relevant portfolio links.
Phone Screen: A brief phone or video call to discuss your qualifications, experience, and career goals.
Technical Assessment: A hands-on technical assessment, focusing on your DevOps skills, scripting, automation, and problem-solving abilities.
On-site Interview: A face-to-face interview with the hiring manager and other team members to discuss your technical skills, cultural fit, and long-term career aspirations.
Final Decision: A decision will be made, and the successful candidate will be contacted to proceed with the onboarding process.

📄 Portfolio Review Tips

Tailor your portfolio to showcase your DevOps projects, with a focus on cloud-native solutions, automation, and monitoring.
Include live demos and case studies, highlighting your problem-solving skills, technical implementation, and user experience design.
Emphasize your portfolio's readability, maintainability, and code quality, with clear documentation and commenting.

📄 Technical Challenge Preparation

Brush up on your scripting, automation, and problem-solving skills, with a focus on cloud-native solutions and monitoring tools.
Familiarize yourself with the latest trends and best practices in DevOps, machine learning, and AIOps.
Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions, focusing on your problem-solving skills, teamwork, and adaptability.

🛠️ Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

🛠️ Frontend Technologies

Not applicable for this role, as it is focused on backend and infrastructure development.

🛠️ Backend & Server Technologies

Docker, Kubernetes, Vagrant, Chef/Puppet, Ansible, Jenkins, Dynatrace, Splunk, Git, GitOps, Redis, OpenShift, Terraform, Hashicorp vault, FluxCD.

🛠️ Development & DevOps Tools

Jenkins, GitLab CI, Tekton, Terraform, CloudFormation, AWS Cloud Platform, Bash, Python, Groovy, Go, Git, GitOps, Redis, OpenShift, Grafana, Prometheus, OpenTelemetry, Dynatrace, Splunk, Kibana.

👥 Team Culture & Values

👥 Web Development Values

User-Centric Focus: A deep understanding of user needs and a commitment to delivering exceptional user experiences.
Continuous Improvement: A culture of continuous learning, innovation, and improvement, with a focus on staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and best practices.
Collaboration & Communication: A strong emphasis on teamwork, clear communication, and active listening to ensure effective collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Agile & Adaptable: A flexible and adaptable approach to software development, with a focus on iterative improvement and rapid response to changing requirements and market demands.

👥 Collaboration Style

Cross-Functional Integration: Close collaboration with software engineering, quality assurance, and project management teams to ensure smooth software development and deployment processes.
Code Review Culture: A strong emphasis on code review, with a focus on knowledge sharing, mentoring, and continuous learning.
Peer Programming & Pairing: Regular peer programming and pairing sessions to encourage knowledge sharing, skill development, and collective code ownership.

🌱 Challenges & Growth Opportunities

🌱 Technical Challenges

Staying up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in DevOps, machine learning, and AIOps.
Designing and implementing scalable, secure, and high-performing cloud-native solutions.
Developing and maintaining complex CI/CD pipelines and automation scripts.
Troubleshooting and resolving technical issues in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

🌱 Learning & Development Opportunities

Continuous learning and skill development in emerging technologies, tools, and best practices.
Opportunities for mentoring and knowledge sharing with experienced team members and industry experts.
Participation in training workshops, conferences, and online learning platforms to enhance technical and soft skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

💡 Technical Questions

DevOps Fundamentals: Questions focusing on your understanding of DevOps processes, automation, and scripting, with a focus on cloud-native solutions and monitoring tools.
Scripting & Automation: Questions assessing your proficiency in scripting languages, automation tools, and CI/CD pipelines.
Problem-Solving: Scenario-based questions that evaluate your ability to diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve technical issues in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

💡 Company & Culture Questions

Company Culture: Questions designed to assess your understanding of Safaricom's culture, values, and mission, with a focus on your cultural fit and alignment with the company's goals.
Team Dynamics: Questions that explore your ability to work collaboratively, communicate effectively, and contribute to a positive and inclusive team environment.

💡 Portfolio Presentation Strategy

Tailor your portfolio presentation to showcase your DevOps projects, with a focus on cloud-native solutions, automation, and monitoring.
Include live demos and case studies, highlighting your problem-solving skills, technical implementation, and user experience design.
Emphasize your portfolio's readability, maintainability, and code quality, with clear documentation and commenting.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this DevOps Engineer position at Safaricom:

Update Your Candidate Profile: Ensure your candidate profile on the Safaricom recruitment portal is up-to-date, highlighting your relevant skills, experience, and qualifications.
Submit Your Application: Click on the "Apply" button and follow the prompts to submit your application.
Attach Your Resume: Upload your resume, ensuring it is well-structured, up-to-date, and tailored to the DevOps Engineer role.
Prepare for Technical Assessment: Brush up on your scripting, automation, and problem-solving skills, with a focus on cloud-native solutions and monitoring tools.
Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with Safaricom's mission, values, and culture, and be prepared to discuss your alignment with the company's goals and objectives.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.