📍 Job Overview

• Job Title: Principal DevOps Engineer - Build & Deployment
• Company: IFS
• Location: Colombo, Western, Sri Lanka
• Job Type: Full-time
• Category: DevOps Engineer
• Date Posted: July 7, 2025
• Experience Level: 10+ years
• Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the build and deployment team, acting as the "spider in the web" to facilitate whole-solution building and promote modern CI/CD pipelines.
• Automate delivery of various test environments and drive the maintenance and expansion of existing automations.
• Promote DevOps practices and mindset across the R&D organization, engaging with stakeholders and mentoring junior members.
• Contribute to market research and competitive analysis activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a seasoned DevOps engineer with a strong background in automation, CI/CD, and cloud infrastructure to drive efficiency and promote DevOps practices throughout the organization.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

• Automation & Infrastructure: Design, architect, and code fit-for-purpose automation solutions using tools like GitLab, Bitbucket, GitHub Actions, Jenkins, ArgoCD, Terraform, Ansible, Docker, and cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, GCP).
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with requirement owners and relevant stakeholders to understand needs and drive automation initiatives.
• Mentoring & Knowledge Sharing: Guide and train colleagues, providing direction through mentoring and coaching junior members.
• Change Management: Be a recognized change agent for widespread adoption of DevOps practices and mindset.
• Market Research & Analysis: Contribute to activities related to market research and competitive analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role involves a mix of technical hands-on work, stakeholder engagement, and change management, requiring a well-rounded DevOps engineer with strong communication skills and a strategic mindset.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A university degree, or equivalent professional qualifications, in software/system engineering is essential.

Experience: Over 10 years of experience in enterprise-level DevOps, with a strong focus on automation, CI/CD, and cloud infrastructure.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in CI/CD, container orchestration, infrastructure as code, containerization, scripting, and cloud-based infrastructure.
• Strong knowledge of security considerations in cloud-based environments and automation.
• Experience supporting and building large enterprise cloud-systems at scale.
• Operational/SRE experience supporting large-scale enterprise systems.
• Full-stack experience across databases, application/web tier, networking, proxies, and firewalls.
• Monitoring & observability expertise in cloud, infrastructure, application, and database monitoring.
• Linux/Unix/Windows knowledge and experience.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, GCP) and related services.
• Familiarity with quality assurance, testing, automation, and test data management.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to engage with both technical and non-technical teams.
• A natural desire to discover and learn new technologies and processes.
• Self-driven and team-oriented mindset.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong track record of automation projects, highlighting your expertise in CI/CD, container orchestration, and infrastructure as code.
• Showcase your ability to engage with stakeholders and drive automation initiatives that improve efficiency and promote DevOps practices.
• Include examples of your mentoring and coaching efforts, demonstrating your ability to develop junior members' skills.

Technical Documentation:

• Provide clear and concise documentation for your automation projects, explaining the architecture, configuration, and deployment processes.
• Include testing methodologies, performance metrics, and optimization techniques used in your projects.
• Demonstrate your understanding of security considerations in cloud-based environments and automation.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this is a senior-level role, expect to provide comprehensive documentation and demonstrate a deep understanding of the underlying technologies and processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this role in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is approximately LKR 3,000,000 - 4,500,000 per annum, based on experience and qualifications. This estimate is derived from regional market research and industry standards for senior DevOps roles.

Benefits:

• Flexible and hybrid work opportunities to support diverse needs and lifestyles.
• A sense of community, driving innovation, strengthening connections, and nurturing belonging.
• Competitive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks.

Working Hours: The role requires a standard full-time workweek of 40 hours, with flexibility for project deadlines and maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate and should be verified with the hiring organization. Benefits may vary based on the candidate's location and employment status.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: IFS operates in the enterprise software industry, focusing on AI-driven solutions for various sectors, including manufacturing, engineering, construction, energy, utilities, and oil & gas.

Company Size: IFS is a billion-dollar revenue company with over 7,000 employees across all continents, providing a large and diverse work environment.

Founded: IFS was founded in 1983 and has since grown into a global leader in enterprise software solutions, with a strong focus on AI technology and customer-centric innovation.

Team Structure:

• The build and deployment team is a centralized function within the R&D organization, acting as the "spider in the web" to facilitate whole-solution building.
• The team works closely with various stakeholders, including development teams, product managers, and IT operations, to promote modern CI/CD pipelines and automating delivery of test environments.
• The team also has a responsibility to help promote DevOps practices throughout the R&D organization.

Development Methodology:

• IFS follows Agile methodologies, with a focus on iterative development, continuous integration, and continuous delivery.
• The company emphasizes collaboration, cross-functional teams, and customer-centric innovation.
• IFS uses modern CI/CD tools and practices, such as GitLab, Bitbucket, GitHub Actions, Jenkins, ArgoCD, Terraform, and Ansible, to drive automation and efficiency.

Company Website: IFS Website

📝 Enhancement Note: IFS is a global leader in enterprise software solutions, with a strong focus on AI technology and customer-centric innovation. The company values flexibility, innovation, and collaboration, providing a dynamic work environment for its employees.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

DevOps Career Level: This role is at the senior level, requiring a seasoned DevOps engineer with a strong background in automation, CI/CD, and cloud infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience and be ready to take on a leadership role in driving DevOps practices and initiatives.

Reporting Structure: The Principal DevOps Engineer will report directly to the Head of R&D and work closely with various stakeholders, including development teams, product managers, and IT operations.

Technical Impact: This role has a significant impact on the organization's ability to deliver high-quality software products efficiently and effectively. The Principal DevOps Engineer will drive automation initiatives, promote DevOps practices, and mentor junior members, contributing to the company's overall success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Leadership: As a senior member of the team, there are opportunities to grow into a technical leadership role, driving strategy and roadmaps for DevOps initiatives across the organization.
• Architecture & Design: The role offers opportunities to engage in architecture and design discussions, influencing the overall technical direction of the company's products.
• Mentoring & Coaching: The Principal DevOps Engineer will have the opportunity to mentor and coach junior members, helping them develop their skills and advance their careers.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth opportunities for a senior DevOps engineer looking to make a strategic impact on the organization and advance their career in a leadership capacity.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: IFS offers a hybrid work environment, combining on-site collaboration with remote work flexibility to support diverse needs and lifestyles.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Colombo, Sri Lanka, with the option to work remotely for part of the week.

Workspace Context:

• Collaboration: The hybrid work environment encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing among team members and across departments.
• Tools & Equipment: IFS provides modern development tools, multiple monitors, and testing devices to support productivity and efficiency.
• Cross-functional Interaction: The role involves working closely with various stakeholders, including development teams, product managers, and IT operations, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Work Schedule: The role requires a standard full-time workweek of 40 hours, with flexibility for project deadlines and maintenance windows. The hybrid work arrangement allows for a balance between on-site collaboration and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: IFS' hybrid work environment offers a balance between on-site collaboration and remote work flexibility, fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that supports diverse needs and lifestyles.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A brief phone or video call to assess communication skills, cultural fit, and basic technical knowledge.
2. Technical Deep Dive: A comprehensive technical interview focused on automation, CI/CD, cloud infrastructure, and security considerations. Expect to discuss your experience with relevant tools and platforms, as well as your approach to problem-solving and architecture.
3. Stakeholder Engagement: A discussion with relevant stakeholders to assess your ability to engage with both technical and non-technical teams, as well as your understanding of the organization's needs and priorities.
4. Final Evaluation: A final interview with the hiring manager or a panel of senior leaders to assess your fit for the role and the organization's long-term goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight your automation projects, demonstrating your expertise in CI/CD, container orchestration, and infrastructure as code.
• Showcase your ability to engage with stakeholders and drive automation initiatives that improve efficiency and promote DevOps practices.
• Include examples of your mentoring and coaching efforts, demonstrating your ability to develop junior members' skills.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

• Brush up on your knowledge of modern CI/CD tools and practices, such as GitLab, Bitbucket, GitHub Actions, Jenkins, ArgoCD, Terraform, and Ansible.
• Familiarize yourself with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, GCP) and related services, as well as security considerations in cloud-based environments and automation.
• Prepare for architecture and design discussions, demonstrating your ability to think strategically about the organization's technical direction.

ATS Keywords: (Organized by category)

• Programming Languages: Bash, PowerShell, Python, GoLang
• Web Frameworks: N/A (DevOps role)
• Server Technologies: Linux, Unix, Windows, Azure, AWS, GCP
• Databases: N/A (DevOps role)
• Tools: GitLab, Bitbucket, GitHub Actions, Jenkins, ArgoCD, Terraform, Ansible, Docker, Grafana
• Methodologies: Agile, Scrum, CI/CD, DevOps, Infrastructure as Code
• Soft Skills: Communication, Teamwork, Leadership, Mentoring, Coaching
• Industry Terms: Automation, Orchestration, Infrastructure, Cloud, Security, CI/CD, DevOps, Agile, Scrum

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is comprehensive and technical, focusing on the candidate's expertise in automation, CI/CD, cloud infrastructure, and security considerations. Expect to demonstrate your ability to engage with stakeholders and drive DevOps initiatives throughout the organization.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies: N/A (DevOps role)

Backend & Server Technologies:

• CI/CD Tools: GitLab, Bitbucket, GitHub Actions, Jenkins, ArgoCD
• Container Orchestration: Kubernetes (K8s), Helm
• Infrastructure as Code: Terraform, Ansible
• Containerization: Docker
• Scripting: Bash, PowerShell, Python, GoLang
• Cloud Platforms: Azure, AWS, GCP

Development & DevOps Tools:

• Version Control: Git (GitLab, Bitbucket, GitHub)
• CI/CD Pipelines: GitLab CI/CD, Jenkins, ArgoCD
• Infrastructure Automation: Terraform, Ansible
• Container Orchestration: Kubernetes (K8s), Helm
• Monitoring & Observability: Grafana

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in modern CI/CD tools, container orchestration, infrastructure as code, and cloud infrastructure. Familiarize yourself with the specific tools and platforms used by IFS, as well as their underlying technologies and best practices.

👥 Team Culture & Values

DevOps Values:

• Automation: IFS values automation as a critical component of efficient software delivery and operational excellence.
• Collaboration: IFS fosters a culture of collaboration, encouraging team members to work together to drive innovation and customer success.
• Continuous Improvement: IFS is committed to continuous improvement, constantly seeking ways to enhance its products, processes, and work environment.
• Customer-centric: IFS prioritizes customer needs and feedback, ensuring its products and services meet the highest standards of quality and satisfaction.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The build and deployment team works closely with various stakeholders, including development teams, product managers, and IT operations, to promote modern CI/CD pipelines and automating delivery of test environments.
• Code Review Culture: IFS encourages a culture of code review and peer programming, fostering knowledge sharing and continuous learning.
• Mentoring & Knowledge Sharing: IFS values mentoring and knowledge sharing, with senior team members providing guidance and support to junior members.

📝 Enhancement Note: IFS' DevOps team values automation, collaboration, continuous improvement, and customer-centricity, fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that supports innovation and growth.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

• Automation at Scale: Design, architect, and code automation solutions that can scale to meet the organization's growing needs and demands.
• Cloud Infrastructure Management: Manage and optimize cloud-based infrastructure, ensuring security, performance, and cost-efficiency.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Effectively engage with both technical and non-technical stakeholders to understand their needs and drive automation initiatives that improve efficiency and promote DevOps practices.
• Change Management: Be a recognized change agent for widespread adoption of DevOps practices and mindset, driving organizational transformation and cultural evolution.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Skill Development: Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in automation, CI/CD, cloud infrastructure, and security considerations.
• Leadership & Mentoring: Develop your leadership and mentoring skills, guiding junior members and driving team success.
• Architecture & Design: Engage in architecture and design discussions, influencing the organization's technical direction and contributing to its long-term success.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant technical challenges and growth opportunities for a senior DevOps engineer looking to make a strategic impact on the organization and advance their career in a leadership capacity.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

• Automation & CI/CD: Describe your experience with modern CI/CD tools and practices, such as GitLab, Bitbucket, GitHub Actions, Jenkins, ArgoCD, Terraform, and Ansible. Discuss your approach to automation, including design, architecture, and coding.
• Cloud Infrastructure: Explain your experience with cloud-based infrastructure and related services, such as Azure, AWS, or GCP. Discuss security considerations, performance optimization, and cost-efficiency.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Describe your experience working with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Discuss your approach to understanding their needs and driving automation initiatives that improve efficiency and promote DevOps practices.
• Change Management: Explain your experience driving organizational change and promoting DevOps practices. Discuss your approach to change management, including communication, collaboration, and leadership.

Company & Culture Questions:

• IFS Culture: Research IFS' company culture, values, and mission. Discuss how your personal values and work style align with IFS' culture and how you can contribute to the organization's success.
• Customer-centricity: Explain your understanding of IFS' customer-centric approach and how you would ensure that your automation initiatives and DevOps practices prioritize customer needs and feedback.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Discuss your approach to innovation and continuous improvement, and how you would drive these principles within the build and deployment team and the broader R&D organization.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Automation Projects: Highlight your automation projects, demonstrating your expertise in CI/CD, container orchestration, and infrastructure as code. Showcase your ability to engage with stakeholders and drive automation initiatives that improve efficiency and promote DevOps practices.
• Mentoring & Coaching: Include examples of your mentoring and coaching efforts, demonstrating your ability to develop junior members' skills and drive team success.
• Architecture & Design: Prepare to discuss your approach to architecture and design, demonstrating your ability to think strategically about the organization's technical direction and contribute to its long-term success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is comprehensive and technical, focusing on the candidate's expertise in automation, CI/CD, cloud infrastructure, and security considerations. Expect to demonstrate your ability to engage with stakeholders and drive DevOps initiatives throughout the organization.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Principal DevOps Engineer - Build & Deployment role at IFS:

1. Customize Your Portfolio: Highlight your automation projects, demonstrating your expertise in CI/CD, container orchestration, and infrastructure as code. Showcase your ability to engage with stakeholders and drive automation initiatives that improve efficiency and promote DevOps practices. Include examples of your mentoring and coaching efforts, demonstrating your ability to develop junior members' skills.
2. Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to emphasize your relevant experience and skills in automation, CI/CD, cloud infrastructure, and security considerations. Highlight your leadership and mentoring skills, as well as your ability to engage with stakeholders and drive organizational change.
3. Prepare for Technical Challenges: Brush up on your knowledge of modern CI/CD tools and practices, such as GitLab, Bitbucket, GitHub Actions, Jenkins, ArgoCD, Terraform, and Ansible. Familiarize yourself with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, GCP) and related services, as well as security considerations in cloud-based environments and automation. Prepare for architecture and design discussions, demonstrating your ability to think strategically about the organization's technical direction.
4. Research IFS: Learn about IFS' company culture, values, and mission. Understand the organization's focus on AI technology, enterprise software solutions, and customer-centric innovation. Prepare for company-specific questions and discussions about your fit for the role and the organization's long-term goals.

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