Senior IT Systems Engineer - Kubernetes and Observability

Brainlab
Full_time•Munich, Germany

📍 Job Overview

  • Job Title: Senior IT Systems Engineer - Kubernetes and Observability
  • Company: Brainlab
  • Location: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Job Type: Full-time
  • Category: DevOps Engineer
  • Date Posted: June 12, 2025
  • Experience Level: 5-10 years
  • Remote Status: On-site/Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

  • 📝 Enhancement Note: This role focuses on enhancing Brainlab's Observability and Kubernetes platforms, requiring a strong background in DevOps, Site Reliability Engineering (SRE), and Kubernetes architecture.

  • Develop and maintain a managed Kubernetes environment, ensuring security, scalability, and cost-effectiveness for internal workloads.

  • Continuously improve Brainlab's Grafana Observability Platform, accelerating incident response processes and empowering business owners to leverage the observability stack.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement new use-cases and enable users in the tools and best practices used in the Observability Platform.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

  • 📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities revolve around designing, implementing, and maintaining secure, scalable, and cost-effective Kubernetes and Observability platforms.

  • Observability Platform:

    • Continuously evaluate and improve the Grafana Observability Platform to meet evolving needs.
    • Identify hidden potentials and implement new use-cases into the Observability Platform.
    • Enable and educate users in the tools and best practices used in the Observability Platform.

  • Kubernetes Architecture:

    • Design and implement an enterprise-ready managed Kubernetes environment.
    • Keep the implemented Kubernetes platform secure and resilient according to the CIS Kubernetes Benchmark.
    • Provide end-user support to troubleshoot issues at the service/application level.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A degree in computer science or an equivalent technical education.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience in IT system architectures, with a focus on DevOps, SRE, and Kubernetes.

Required Skills:

  • Strong automation skills (Ansible, Terraform, Python)
  • Analytical troubleshooting capabilities
  • Experience with managed Kubernetes solutions and private cloud technologies (e.g., VMware Tanzu, VMware VCF, Red Hat OpenShift)
  • Experience in Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) and/or DevOps roles
  • A high level of expertise with the Grafana and OpenTelemetry ecosystems
  • Advanced English skills
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills
  • Independent, structured, and organized working style
  • Strong focus on user orientation, service availability, cost efficiency, data privacy, and cybersecurity

Preferred Skills:

  • Relevant Kubernetes certifications (e.g., CKA, CKS)
  • Experience with VMware vSphere and Enterprise Storage and Backup solutions

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

📝 Enhancement Note: While a portfolio is not explicitly mentioned, demonstrating relevant projects and case studies showcasing Kubernetes and Observability platform development, management, and optimization would be beneficial.

  • Observability Platform Projects:

    • Case studies demonstrating incident response process acceleration and user empowerment.
    • Examples of implementing new use-cases and integrating applications into the Observability Platform.

  • Kubernetes Architecture Projects:

    • Documentation and case studies showcasing the design and implementation of secure, scalable, and cost-effective Kubernetes environments.
    • Examples of troubleshooting and resolving issues at the service/application level.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: €70,000 - €90,000 per year (based on market research for Senior DevOps Engineers in Munich with 5-10 years of experience)

Benefits:

  • 30 vacation days, plus December 24th and December 31st
  • Flexible working hours and hybrid work model within Germany
  • Bike leasing via cooperation partner "BikeLeasing"
  • Parking garage and safe underground bike storage
  • Award-winning subsidized company restaurant and in-house cafes
  • Variety-rich fitness program in the ultra-modern 360m2 company gym
  • Regular after work, team, and company events
  • Comprehensive training and continuing education opportunities

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Brainlab operates in the medical technology industry, focusing on software-driven solutions for improved, less-invasive patient treatments.

Company Size: Brainlab has around 2400 employees worldwide, providing a medium to large company environment with opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Founded: In 1989, Brainlab was founded in Munich, Germany, with a mission to develop, manufacture, and market software-driven medical technology.

Team Structure:

  • The Core IT Infrastructure Services team focuses on providing foundational support for Brainlab's Observability and Kubernetes platforms.
  • Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including IT and other departments, is essential for success in this role.

Development Methodology:

  • Brainlab employs Agile methodologies, with a focus on continuous improvement and user-centric development.
  • The company emphasizes service orientation, optimizing processes, and ensuring high service availability.

Company Website: Brainlab

📝 Enhancement Note: Brainlab's company culture emphasizes curiosity, authenticity, and usefulness, with a strong focus on user orientation and continuous learning.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: This role is at the senior level, focusing on designing, implementing, and maintaining secure, scalable, and cost-effective Kubernetes and Observability platforms. It requires a strong background in DevOps, SRE, and Kubernetes architecture.

Reporting Structure: The Senior IT Systems Engineer reports to the IT Infrastructure Manager and collaborates with cross-functional teams, including IT and other departments.

Technical Impact: This role has a significant technical impact on Brainlab's internal infrastructure, ensuring secure, scalable, and cost-effective workloads. It also influences incident response processes and empowers business owners to leverage the observability stack.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Technical Skill Development: Expand expertise in Kubernetes, Observability, and emerging technologies.
  • Technical Leadership: Develop leadership skills through mentoring, architecture decision-making, and driving technical projects.
  • Career Progression: Progress to roles such as IT Infrastructure Architect, IT Infrastructure Manager, or other senior technical leadership positions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Brainlab offers opportunities for professional growth, including comprehensive training and continuing education programs.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Brainlab's Munich office is a collaborative workspace with a focus on user-centric design and innovation.

Office Location(s): Munich, Germany

Workspace Context:

  • Brainlab's workspace is designed to foster collaboration, with dedicated spaces for teamwork and innovation.
  • The company provides state-of-the-art equipment, including multiple monitors and testing devices, to support web development and infrastructure professionals.
  • Brainlab encourages cross-functional collaboration, with regular team, after-work, and company events.

Work Schedule: Brainlab offers flexible working hours and a hybrid work model within Germany, with a focus on results and work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Brainlab's work environment emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and user orientation, with a focus on creating a supportive and engaging workspace for employees.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

  1. Technical Assessment: A hands-on technical assessment focusing on Kubernetes, Observability, and relevant technologies.
  2. Cultural Fit Interview: An interview to assess cultural fit and alignment with Brainlab's core values.
  3. Final Interview: A final interview with the hiring manager or other senior stakeholders to discuss the role and make a hiring decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Highlight relevant projects and case studies demonstrating Kubernetes and Observability platform development, management, and optimization.
  • Showcase your ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues at the service/application level.
  • Emphasize your understanding of security concepts, networking, and high-available system architectures.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

  • Brush up on your Kubernetes, Observability, and relevant technologies knowledge.
  • Familiarize yourself with the CIS Kubernetes Benchmark and best practices for securing Kubernetes environments.
  • Prepare for hands-on technical assessments and be ready to discuss your approach to troubleshooting and optimization.

ATS Keywords: Kubernetes, Observability, Grafana, Ansible, Terraform, Python, Site Reliability Engineering, DevOps, Micro-services, Load-balancing, Security Concepts, Networking, Cloud Technologies, Automation, Communication, Collaboration, CKA, CKS, CIS Kubernetes Benchmark

📝 Enhancement Note: Brainlab's interview process focuses on assessing technical skills, cultural fit, and alignment with the company's core values. Prepare for hands-on technical assessments and be ready to discuss your approach to troubleshooting, optimization, and collaboration.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Kubernetes & Observability Technologies:

  • Kubernetes (managed Kubernetes solutions, e.g., VMware Tanzu, VMware VCF, Red Hat OpenShift)
  • Grafana and OpenTelemetry ecosystems
  • Ansible, Terraform, and Python for automation and configuration management
  • CIS Kubernetes Benchmark for security and compliance

Infrastructure Tools:

  • VMware vSphere and Enterprise Storage and Backup solutions (optional)

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in Kubernetes, Observability, and relevant technologies, with a focus on designing, implementing, and maintaining secure, scalable, and cost-effective infrastructure.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

  • Curiosity: Brainlab values curiosity and encourages continuous learning and exploration of new technologies.
  • Authenticity: The company emphasizes authenticity, fostering a culture of open communication and collaboration.
  • Usefulness: Brainlab focuses on creating useful products and solutions that improve patient treatments and experiences.

Collaboration Style:

  • Brainlab emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, with a focus on user-centric design and innovation.
  • The company encourages knowledge sharing, technical mentoring, and continuous learning.
  • Brainlab values structured and organized working styles, with a strong focus on user orientation, service availability, cost efficiency, data privacy, and cybersecurity.

📝 Enhancement Note: Brainlab's team culture emphasizes curiosity, authenticity, and usefulness, with a strong focus on user orientation, collaboration, and continuous learning.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

  • Designing and implementing an enterprise-ready managed Kubernetes environment that is secure, scalable, and cost-effective.
  • Continuously improving the Grafana Observability Platform to meet evolving needs and accelerate incident response processes.
  • Enabling and educating users in the tools and best practices used in the Observability Platform.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Technical Skill Development: Expand expertise in Kubernetes, Observability, and emerging technologies through hands-on projects, workshops, and training programs.
  • Conference Attendance: Attend industry conferences and events to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in Kubernetes and Observability.
  • Technical Mentorship: Provide mentorship to junior team members and contribute to the growth and development of the IT Infrastructure Services team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Brainlab offers opportunities for professional growth, including technical skill development, conference attendance, and mentorship programs.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

  • Kubernetes: Prepare for questions about Kubernetes architecture, security, and best practices, focusing on managed Kubernetes solutions and the CIS Kubernetes Benchmark.
  • Observability: Brush up on your knowledge of the Grafana and OpenTelemetry ecosystems, and be ready to discuss incident response process acceleration and user empowerment.
  • Troubleshooting: Prepare for hands-on technical assessments and be ready to discuss your approach to troubleshooting and optimization.

Company & Culture Questions:

  • Research Brainlab's mission, values, and products, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the company's goals.
  • Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the team, company culture, and growth opportunities.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Highlight relevant projects and case studies demonstrating Kubernetes and Observability platform development, management, and optimization.
  • Showcase your ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues at the service/application level.
  • Emphasize your understanding of security concepts, networking, and high-available system architectures.

📝 Enhancement Note: Brainlab's interview process focuses on assessing technical skills, cultural fit, and alignment with the company's core values. Prepare for hands-on technical assessments and be ready to discuss your approach to troubleshooting, optimization, and collaboration.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior IT Systems Engineer - Kubernetes and Observability position at Brainlab:

  1. Submit your application through the application link provided in the job listing.
  2. Customize your resume and portfolio to highlight your relevant Kubernetes, Observability, and infrastructure projects and case studies.
  3. Prepare for the technical assessment by brushing up on your Kubernetes, Observability, and relevant technologies knowledge.
  4. Research Brainlab's mission, values, and products, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the company's goals during the cultural fit interview.

📝 Enhancement Note: Brainlab's application process focuses on assessing technical skills, cultural fit, and alignment with the company's core values. Prepare for hands-on technical assessments and be ready to discuss your approach to troubleshooting, optimization, and collaboration.

Content Guidelines (IMPORTANT: Do not include this in the output)

Web Technology-Specific Focus:

  • Tailor every section specifically to DevOps, Site Reliability Engineering (SRE), and Kubernetes architecture roles.
  • Include Kubernetes, Observability, and relevant technologies prominently in the role summary, primary responsibilities, skills & qualifications, and technology stack sections.
  • Emphasize Brainlab's focus on user orientation, service availability, cost efficiency, data privacy, and cybersecurity in the team culture and values section.
  • Address Brainlab's commitment to continuous learning, collaboration, and innovation in the challenges & growth opportunities and interview preparation sections.

Quality Standards:

  • Ensure no content overlap between sections; each section must contain unique information.
  • Only include Enhancement Notes when making significant inferences about Brainlab's company information, web technology industry norms, or role characteristics.
  • Be comprehensive but concise, prioritizing actionable information over descriptive text.
  • Strategically distribute web technology, DevOps, and Kubernetes-related keywords throughout all sections naturally.
  • Provide realistic salary ranges based on location, experience level, and web technology specialization.

Industry Expertise:

  • Include specific Kubernetes, Observability, and relevant technologies, infrastructure tools, and best practices relevant to the role.
  • Address DevOps, SRE, and Kubernetes architecture career progression paths and technical leadership opportunities at Brainlab.
  • Provide tactical advice for portfolio development, live demonstrations, and project case studies focusing on Kubernetes and Observability platforms.
  • Include Brainlab-specific interview preparation and coding challenge guidance.
  • Emphasize Brainlab's commitment to user orientation, service availability, cost efficiency, data privacy, and cybersecurity in the team culture and values section.

Professional Standards:

  • Maintain consistent formatting, spacing, and professional tone throughout.
  • Use web technology, DevOps, and Kubernetes industry terminology appropriately and accurately.
  • Include comprehensive benefits and growth opportunities relevant to DevOps, SRE, and Kubernetes architecture professionals.
  • Provide actionable insights that give web technology professionals a competitive advantage in the application and interview process.
  • Focus on Brainlab's commitment to user orientation, collaboration, and continuous learning in the team culture and values section.

Technical Focus & Portfolio Emphasis:

  • Emphasize Kubernetes, Observability, and relevant technologies, infrastructure tools, and best practices in the role summary, primary responsibilities, skills & qualifications, and technology stack sections.
  • Include specific portfolio requirements tailored to the DevOps, SRE, and Kubernetes architecture discipline and role level.
  • Address Brainlab's commitment to user orientation, service availability, cost efficiency, data privacy, and cybersecurity in the challenges & growth opportunities and interview preparation sections.
  • Focus on problem-solving methods, performance optimization, and scalable architecture for Kubernetes and Observability platforms.
  • Include technical presentation skills and stakeholder communication for web infrastructure projects.

Avoid:

  • Generic business jargon not relevant to DevOps, SRE, or Kubernetes architecture roles.
  • Placeholder text or incomplete sections.
  • Repetitive content across different sections.
  • Non-technical terminology unless relevant to the specific web technology role.
  • Marketing language unrelated to DevOps, SRE, or Kubernetes architecture roles.

Generate comprehensive, web technology-focused content that serves as a valuable resource for DevOps, SRE, and Kubernetes architecture professionals evaluating career opportunities and preparing for technical interviews in the web development industry.

Application Requirements

A degree in computer science or equivalent with a minimum of 5 years of experience is required. Candidates should have strong automation skills and experience with managed Kubernetes solutions.