Senior Cloud Native Engineer at KPN

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Cloud Native Engineer
Company: KPN
Location: Amersfoort, Utrecht, Netherlands
Job Type: Hybrid (2 days on-site, 3 days remote)
Category: DevOps Engineer, System Administrator
Date Posted: 2025-07-24
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: On-site with hybrid option

🚀 Role Summary

Lead and contribute to the design and development of robust, scalable infrastructure components using modern tech stacks.
Collaborate with internal engineering teams and clients to drive innovation and improve cloud native infrastructure.
Provide technical guidance and coaching to engineers within Agile/Scrum teams.
Contribute to technical roadmaps and best practices while working with Kubernetes, Terraform, and other relevant tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in Linux systems engineering, containerization, and cloud infrastructure. The candidate should be comfortable working in a hybrid environment and have experience leading teams in an Agile/Scrum setting.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Infrastructure Design & Development: Design and develop scalable, secure, and efficient infrastructure components using Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) principles and tools such as Terraform.
Cloud Native Infrastructure Management: Manage and maintain cloud native infrastructure components, including compute, storage, and network services, using Kubernetes and other relevant tools.
CI/CD Pipeline Management: Optimize and manage CI/CD pipelines using tools like GitHub Actions or GitLab Pipelines to ensure efficient and reliable deployment processes.
Troubleshooting & Optimization: Troubleshoot and optimize Linux systems and Kubernetes clusters to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
Team Leadership & Coaching: Lead and coach engineers within Agile/Scrum teams, contributing to technical roadmaps and best practices.
Automation Tooling Development: Contribute to the development and expansion of automation tooling using frameworks like Terraform Plugin Framework or Operator SDK.

📝 Enhancement Note: The candidate should have a strong problem-solving mindset and be able to work independently or in collaboration with other engineers to design and develop system components based on architectural requirements.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT, or a related field. Relevant certifications (e.g., Certified Kubernetes Administrator, HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate) are a plus.

Experience: 5-10 years of experience in Linux systems engineering, with a focus on cloud native infrastructure and containerization. Proven experience in managing and optimizing Kubernetes clusters is required.

Required Skills:

Senior-level Linux systems engineering and troubleshooting
Deep knowledge of containerization and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes, Podman)
Expertise in Terraform: writing, managing, and optimizing complex modules
Experience with configuration management tools like Ansible or Puppet
Familiarity with CI/CD workflows and tools (GitHub/GitLab)
Experience working in Agile/Scrum teams
Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive attitude

Preferred Skills:

Experience with programming in Golang or Rust
Experience with extending automation tooling via Terraform Plugin Framework or Operator SDK
Knowledge of cloud environments and hybrid-cloud concepts
Familiarity with Azure Local and Azure SDK

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

A well-structured portfolio showcasing your experience in Linux systems engineering, cloud native infrastructure, and containerization.
Case studies demonstrating your ability to design, develop, and optimize scalable infrastructure components using tools like Terraform and Kubernetes.
Examples of your problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot and optimize Linux systems and Kubernetes clusters.

Technical Documentation:

Detailed documentation of your projects, including code quality, version control, deployment processes, and server configuration.
Performance metrics, testing methodologies, and optimization techniques used in your projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The candidate's portfolio should highlight their experience in designing and developing robust, scalable infrastructure components using modern tech stacks. It should also demonstrate their ability to lead and coach engineers within Agile/Scrum teams.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this role is €5,742 - €8,865 per month, depending on work experience, based on market research for senior-level DevOps engineers in the Netherlands.

Benefits:

13th month salary and annual salary increase
€1,500 annual inzetbaarheidsbudget for training, coaching, and courses
Flexible vrije dagen and work-life balance options
Home office setup and mobile phone/laptop
50% discount on KPN products and services
Good travel expense reimbursement and bicycle allowance
Excellent pension plan

Working Hours: The standard working week is 40 hours, with flexible arrangements available.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range and benefits package are competitive for senior-level DevOps engineers in the Netherlands, with a focus on work-life balance and professional development opportunities.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: KPN is a leading telecommunications and IT services provider in the Netherlands, operating in a competitive and dynamic market.

Company Size: KPN has a large employee base, providing ample opportunities for collaboration and growth within the organization.

Founded: KPN was founded in 1906 and has a rich history in the telecommunications industry, with a strong focus on innovation and technology.

Team Structure:

The Tech Hub Private Cloud team consists of multiple Agile/Scrum teams, each focusing on specific aspects of cloud native infrastructure and services.
The team works closely with internal clients and stakeholders to drive innovation and improve cloud services.
The team structure is flat, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Development Methodology:

The team follows Agile/Scrum methodologies, with regular sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and retrospectives.
Code reviews, testing, and quality assurance practices are integral to the development process.
CI/CD pipelines and automated deployment strategies are used to ensure efficient and reliable deployment processes.

Company Website: https://www.kpn.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: KPN's culture emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, with a strong focus on driving technological advancements in the telecommunications industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: This role is at the senior level, with a focus on designing, developing, and managing complex cloud native infrastructure components. The candidate will have significant technical influence on the company's cloud services and user experience.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Cloud Native Engineer will report directly to the team lead or manager and work closely with other engineers, architects, and stakeholders within the organization.

Technical Impact: The candidate will have a significant impact on the design, development, and optimization of KPN's cloud native infrastructure, contributing to the company's overall technological advancements and user experience.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Growth: The candidate will have the opportunity to deepen their expertise in cloud native infrastructure, containerization, and relevant tools and technologies.
Leadership Growth: As the role involves leading and coaching engineers within Agile/Scrum teams, the candidate will have the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and advance to more senior roles within the organization.
Architecture & Design Growth: The candidate will have the chance to contribute to the development of technical roadmaps and best practices, further expanding their knowledge of cloud architecture and design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth opportunities for senior-level DevOps engineers looking to expand their technical expertise, leadership skills, and architectural knowledge in a dynamic and innovative environment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: KPN's offices are modern, collaborative workspaces designed to facilitate cross-functional team interactions and knowledge sharing.

Office Location(s): The primary office for this role is in Amersfoort, with additional offices located throughout the Netherlands. Remote work is also an option for up to three days per week.

Workspace Context:

The workspace is equipped with multiple monitors, testing devices, and relevant development tools to support the candidate's work on cloud native infrastructure components.
The work environment encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing, with regular team meetings, workshops, and training sessions.
The team works closely with internal clients and stakeholders, ensuring that cloud services meet their needs and expectations.

Work Schedule: The standard working week is 40 hours, with flexible arrangements available. The hybrid work arrangement allows for two days on-site and three days remote, with the option to work from home on specific days of the week.

📝 Enhancement Note: KPN's work environment fosters collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, providing a supportive and engaging workspace for senior-level DevOps engineers.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Technical Assessment: A hands-on technical assessment focusing on the candidate's knowledge of Linux systems, containerization, and cloud native infrastructure. The assessment may include tasks such as designing and implementing infrastructure components, optimizing CI/CD pipelines, or troubleshooting Kubernetes clusters.
Architecture Discussion: A discussion focused on the candidate's understanding of cloud architecture principles, system design, and scalability. The candidate may be asked to present their approach to designing and developing robust, scalable infrastructure components.
Team Fit Assessment: An assessment of the candidate's cultural fit within the team, focusing on their ability to work collaboratively, communicate effectively, and contribute to a positive work environment.
Final Evaluation: A final evaluation of the candidate's technical skills, cultural fit, and potential for growth within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight your experience in designing, developing, and optimizing cloud native infrastructure components using relevant tools and technologies.
Showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot and optimize Linux systems and Kubernetes clusters.
Demonstrate your leadership skills and experience working with Agile/Scrum teams, contributing to technical roadmaps and best practices.
Include examples of your work that showcase your understanding of cloud architecture principles, system design, and scalability.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your knowledge of Linux systems, containerization, and cloud native infrastructure, with a focus on tools and technologies relevant to the role.
Practice designing and implementing infrastructure components, optimizing CI/CD pipelines, and troubleshooting Kubernetes clusters.
Prepare for architecture discussions by reviewing cloud architecture principles, system design patterns, and scalability best practices.

ATS Keywords: Linux, Systems Engineering, Troubleshooting, Containerization, Kubernetes, Terraform, Ansible, Puppet, CI/CD, Agile, Scrum, Cloud Native Infrastructure, Infrastructure-as-Code, Hybrid Cloud, Azure, Golang, Rust, Leadership, Architecture, Design, Problem Solving, Optimization, Performance, Scalability

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills, cultural fit, and potential for growth within the organization. The portfolio review and technical challenge preparation tips are tailored to help senior-level DevOps engineers demonstrate their expertise and potential in the role.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies: N/A (This role focuses on backend and infrastructure technologies)

Backend & Server Technologies:

Compute: Kubernetes (OCP, AKS), Docker, Podman
Storage: Terraform, Azure Local, Azure SDK
Networking: N/A (This role focuses on compute and storage infrastructure)

Development & DevOps Tools:

Infrastructure-as-Code: Terraform, Ansible, Puppet
CI/CD: GitHub Actions, GitLab Pipelines
Monitoring & Logging: Prometheus, Vector, Loki
Kubernetes Tools: Kubebuilder, kube-rs

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is focused on backend and infrastructure technologies, with an emphasis on cloud native infrastructure components and tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Innovation: KPN values innovation and encourages its engineers to explore new technologies, tools, and methodologies to drive technological advancements in the telecommunications industry.
Collaboration: KPN fosters a collaborative work environment, with a strong emphasis on knowledge sharing, teamwork, and cross-functional collaboration.
Quality: KPN is committed to delivering high-quality, reliable, and secure cloud services to its clients, with a focus on continuous improvement and optimization.
Customer Focus: KPN prioritizes the needs and expectations of its clients, ensuring that its cloud services meet their requirements and exceed their expectations.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: The team works closely with internal clients, stakeholders, and other teams within the organization to drive innovation and improve cloud services.
Code Review Culture: The team follows best practices for code reviews, ensuring that code quality, performance, and security are maintained throughout the development process.
Knowledge Sharing: The team encourages knowledge sharing and continuous learning, with regular workshops, training sessions, and brown bag lunches.

📝 Enhancement Note: KPN's team culture emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and customer focus, with a strong emphasis on knowledge sharing, continuous learning, and high-quality standards.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Scalability: Design and develop scalable, efficient, and reliable cloud native infrastructure components that can support the growing demands of KPN's clients and services.
Performance Optimization: Optimize Linux systems, Kubernetes clusters, and CI/CD pipelines to ensure optimal performance and resource utilization.
Security & Compliance: Ensure that cloud native infrastructure components meet KPN's security standards and comply with relevant regulations and industry best practices.
Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies, tools, and methodologies in the cloud native infrastructure space, and evaluate their potential for integration into KPN's technology stack.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: Deepen your expertise in cloud native infrastructure, containerization, and relevant tools and technologies through training, workshops, and hands-on projects.
Architecture & Design: Contribute to the development of technical roadmaps and best practices, expanding your knowledge of cloud architecture and design principles.
Leadership & Mentoring: Lead and coach engineers within Agile/Scrum teams, developing your leadership skills and contributing to the growth and success of your team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant technical challenges and learning opportunities for senior-level DevOps engineers looking to expand their expertise, leadership skills, and architectural knowledge in a dynamic and innovative environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Linux Systems & Troubleshooting: Describe your experience with Linux systems engineering and troubleshooting, and provide examples of complex issues you've resolved in the past.
Containerization & Kubernetes: Explain your approach to containerization and Kubernetes, and discuss your experience with managing and optimizing Kubernetes clusters.
Terraform & Infrastructure-as-Code: Describe your experience with Terraform and other Infrastructure-as-Code tools, and provide examples of complex infrastructure components you've designed and implemented.
CI/CD & Automation: Discuss your experience with CI/CD workflows and automation tools, and explain how you've optimized deployment processes and improved efficiency in your previous roles.

Company & Culture Questions:

KPN's Cloud Native Infrastructure: Research KPN's cloud native infrastructure and discuss your understanding of the company's technology stack, cloud environments, and hybrid-cloud concepts.
Agile/Scrum Methodologies: Describe your experience working with Agile/Scrum methodologies, and explain how you've contributed to sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and retrospectives in your previous roles.
Team Dynamics & Collaboration: Discuss your experience working in collaborative, cross-functional teams, and explain how you've contributed to knowledge sharing, teamwork, and high-quality standards in your previous roles.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Demonstration of Technical Expertise: Showcase your experience in designing, developing, and optimizing cloud native infrastructure components using relevant tools and technologies.
Problem-Solving Skills: Highlight your ability to troubleshoot and optimize Linux systems, Kubernetes clusters, and CI/CD pipelines, with a focus on real-world examples and case studies.
Leadership & Coaching: Demonstrate your leadership skills and experience working with Agile/Scrum teams, contributing to technical roadmaps and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation tips for this role are designed to help senior-level DevOps engineers demonstrate their technical expertise, cultural fit, and potential for growth within the organization.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Cloud Native Engineer position at KPN:

Customize Your Portfolio: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your experience in designing, developing, and optimizing cloud native infrastructure components using relevant tools and technologies.
Optimize Your Resume: Highlight your technical skills, experience, and achievements in cloud native infrastructure, containerization, and relevant tools and technologies.
Prepare for Technical Assessment: Brush up on your knowledge of Linux systems, containerization, and cloud native infrastructure, with a focus on tools and technologies relevant to the role.
Research KPN: Familiarize yourself with KPN's technology stack, cloud environments, and hybrid-cloud concepts, as well as the company's culture, values, and team dynamics.

⚠️ 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.

Senior Cloud Native Engineer