Senior Platform Engineer
📍 Job Overview
- Job Title: Senior Platform Engineer
- Company: Sky
- Location: Prague, Czech Republic
- Job Type: Hybrid (FULL_TIME)
- Category: DevOps Engineer, Platform Engineer, Senior Role
- Date Posted: 2025-06-16
🚀 Role Summary
- Key Responsibilities: Develop and maintain a global streaming platform used by millions, focusing on Kubernetes networking, observability, and traffic management.
- Key Technologies: Kubernetes, Golang, Helm, Kustomize, Cilium, Hubble, Contour, Envoy, Istio.
- Team Context: Collaborate with international teams based in Prague, Lisbon, and London.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role involves working on a high-traffic, global streaming platform, requiring strong problem-solving skills, team collaboration, and a focus on reliability and performance.
💻 Primary Responsibilities
🌐 Platform Development & Maintenance
- Platform Enhancement: Design, develop, and deploy new features on the platform, enhancing its reliability and scalability.
- Bug Identification & Resolution: Identify and fix bugs to ensure current features run smoothly.
- Kubernetes Intensive Work: Work extensively with Kubernetes, utilizing tools like Helm and Kustomize.
- Documentation: Document features, runbooks, and troubleshooting guides for internal use and external reference.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong focus on platform reliability, with responsibilities including bug identification, feature development, and extensive Kubernetes work.
🛠 Technical Skills Application
- Golang Development: Write and review code in Golang, contributing to the platform's development and maintenance.
- Networking & Traffic Management: Apply fundamental knowledge of the networking stack and Kubernetes networking model to manage traffic and ensure optimal performance.
- Collaboration & Communication: Work closely with international teams, communicating effectively to drive platform development and improvement.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role emphasizes the application of technical skills, including Golang development, networking, and effective team collaboration.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education: A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field, with a strong focus on software development principles.
Experience: Proven experience (5-10 years) in platform engineering, DevOps, or a related role, with a solid background in software development and Kubernetes.
Required Skills:
- Kubernetes: Proficient in Kubernetes, with a certification (CKA, CKAD, CKS) or equivalent experience.
- Golang: Comfortable writing and reading Golang code, preferably as your primary programming language.
- Networking: Fundamental knowledge of the networking stack, the Kubernetes Networking model, and Unix/Kubernetes-specific tools for debugging or inspecting the network.
- English: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Preferred Skills:
- Cilium, Hubble, Contour, Envoy, Istio: Experience with these technologies is a plus but not required.
- Independence & Ownership: A strong sense of independence and ownership, with the ability to take responsibility for your learning and development.
- Growth Mindset: A growth mindset, with a desire to learn and improve continuously.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong technical skill set, with a focus on Kubernetes, Golang, and networking. A growth mindset and excellent communication skills are also crucial for success in this role.
📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- Platform Development Projects: Showcase projects demonstrating your ability to develop and maintain high-traffic platforms, with a focus on Kubernetes and networking.
- Code Quality: Display your proficiency in Golang, with clean, well-commented, and efficient code.
- Documentation: Include examples of technical documentation, runbooks, and troubleshooting guides for platform features.
Technical Documentation:
- Code Quality & Documentation Standards: Demonstrate your adherence to code quality and documentation standards, ensuring your projects are well-commented, version-controlled, and tested.
- Version Control & Deployment Processes: Showcase your understanding of version control systems, deployment processes, and server configuration management.
- Testing Methodologies: Highlight your experience with various testing methodologies, performance metrics, and optimization techniques.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong portfolio demonstrating your ability to develop and maintain high-traffic platforms, with a focus on Kubernetes, networking, and code quality.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The salary range for this role in Prague, Czech Republic, is approximately 120,000 - 180,000 CZK per year, depending on experience and qualifications. This estimate is based on market research and regional salary standards for senior platform engineering roles.
Benefits:
- Performance Bonuses: Annual bonuses based on individual performance.
- Hybrid Work: A mix of office and home working, offering flexibility and work-life balance.
- Holiday & Leave: 25 days of holidays, 5 days of on-demand leave, 2 days of paid community volunteering leave, and 1 day of paid leave for moving house.
- Wellbeing Allowance: 18,000 CZK per year to invest in personal wellbeing.
- Fitness Perks: Fully covered Multisport card or a 950 CZK monthly contribution to a Benefit Card.
- Meal Allowance: 225 CZK per day to keep you fueled.
- Premium Life Insurance: Enjoy peace of mind with a premium life insurance scheme.
- Fun Perks: Free tickets to Universal Theme Parks.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a competitive salary range and an extensive benefits package, focusing on work-life balance, personal wellbeing, and employee recognition.
🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry: Sky Czech Republic operates within the technology sector, focusing on streaming services and platform development.
Company Size: As a significant tech hub within Sky, the Prague office houses a substantial team of engineers, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
Founded: Sky Czech Republic was established in 2018, with a strong focus on growth and expansion in the global streaming market.
Team Structure:
- Platform Engineering: The platform engineering team in Prague is part of a larger department spanning Prague, Lisbon, and London, with a focus on Kubernetes networking, observability, and traffic management.
- Collaboration: The team works closely with frontend development, backend development, and data science teams, fostering a cross-functional and collaborative culture.
Development Methodology:
- Agile/Scrum: The team follows Agile methodologies, with regular sprint planning and continuous improvement.
- Code Review & Testing: Emphasis is placed on code review, testing, and quality assurance practices to ensure high standards and reliable performance.
- Deployment Strategies: The team employs CI/CD pipelines and automated deployment strategies to streamline the development process and ensure efficient delivery.
Company Website: Sky Czech Republic
📝 Enhancement Note: Sky Czech Republic offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment, with a strong focus on innovation, growth, and cross-functional teamwork.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Web Technology Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, requiring a strong technical background and proven experience in platform engineering, DevOps, or a related field.
Reporting Structure: The senior platform engineer will report directly to the team lead, working closely with other senior engineers and contributing to the team's technical direction.
Technical Impact: This role has a significant impact on the global streaming platform, with responsibilities including feature development, bug resolution, and platform maintenance, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
Growth Opportunities:
- Technical Leadership: As a senior member of the team, you will have the opportunity to mentor junior engineers and contribute to the team's technical direction.
- Architecture Decisions: You will play a crucial role in making architecture decisions, driving the platform's evolution and ensuring its scalability.
- Emerging Technologies: Stay at the forefront of emerging technologies in the platform engineering and DevOps space, continuously learning and adapting to new tools and methodologies.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth opportunities, with a focus on technical leadership, architecture decisions, and continuous learning in the platform engineering and DevOps domain.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: Sky Czech Republic's Prague office offers a modern, collaborative workspace, fostering a dynamic and innovative environment.
Office Location(s): The Prague office is centrally located, with easy access to public transportation and nearby amenities.
Workspace Context:
- Collaborative Workspace: The office features open-plan workspaces, encouraging collaboration and team interaction.
- Development Tools: Sky provides state-of-the-art development tools, multiple monitors, and testing devices to support engineers' productivity.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: The office fosters cross-functional collaboration between developers, designers, and stakeholders, ensuring a user-centered and innovative approach to platform development.
Work Schedule: The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility, with a mix of office and home working. Working hours are typically 40 hours per week, with some flexibility for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines.
📝 Enhancement Note: Sky Czech Republic offers a modern, collaborative workspace, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional teamwork and user-centered design.
📄 Application & Technical Interview Process
Interview Process:
- Technical Preparation: Brush up on your Kubernetes, Golang, and networking skills, focusing on platform engineering and DevOps concepts.
- Coding Challenge: Prepare for a coding challenge, focusing on platform engineering and DevOps tasks, such as Kubernetes networking, observability, and traffic management.
- System Design: Familiarize yourself with system design principles, focusing on scalable and reliable platform architecture.
- Behavioral & Cultural Fit: Research Sky's company culture and values, preparing for behavioral and cultural fit assessments.
- Final Evaluation: Demonstrate your technical impact, problem-solving skills, and alignment with Sky's company culture and values.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Platform Development Projects: Highlight your experience in developing and maintaining high-traffic platforms, with a focus on Kubernetes and networking.
- Code Quality & Documentation: Showcase your proficiency in Golang, with clean, well-commented, and efficient code, along with comprehensive documentation.
- Live Demo: Prepare a live demo of your platform development projects, showcasing their functionality, performance, and reliability.
- User Experience: Demonstrate your understanding of user experience principles, ensuring your platform caters to the needs of end-users.
Technical Challenge Preparation:
- Technical Questions: Brush up on your knowledge of Kubernetes, Golang, networking, and platform engineering concepts, focusing on platform development and maintenance.
- Time Management: Practice time management techniques to ensure you can complete technical challenges within the given time frame.
- Communication: Hone your communication skills to clearly articulate your technical concepts and solutions during the interview.
📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role emphasizes technical preparation, with a focus on Kubernetes, Golang, networking, and platform engineering concepts. A strong portfolio and effective communication skills are crucial for success in the interview process.
🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure
Frontend Technologies: Not applicable for this role.
Backend & Server Technologies:
- Kubernetes: Proficient in Kubernetes, with a strong focus on networking, observability, and traffic management.
- Golang: Comfortable writing and reading Golang code, with a solid understanding of the language's features and best practices.
- Networking Tools: Familiar with various networking tools and protocols, with a strong focus on the Kubernetes Networking model and Unix/Kubernetes-specific tools for debugging or inspecting the network.
Development & DevOps Tools:
- Helm & Kustomize: Experienced in using Helm and Kustomize for Kubernetes package management and customization.
- CI/CD Pipelines: Familiar with CI/CD pipelines, with a focus on automated deployment and efficient delivery.
- Monitoring Tools: Proficient in using monitoring tools to track web performance, ensure reliability, and identify potential issues.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong focus on Kubernetes, Golang, and networking, with a solid understanding of the tools and technologies used in platform engineering and DevOps.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Web Development Values:
- User-Centered Design: Prioritize user experience and accessibility, ensuring the platform caters to the needs of end-users.
- Performance Optimization: Focus on optimizing platform performance, with a strong emphasis on scalability, reliability, and efficiency.
- Code Quality & Collaboration: Emphasize code quality, with a focus on collaboration, peer review, and continuous improvement.
- Innovation & Emerging Technologies: Stay at the forefront of emerging technologies, continuously learning and adapting to new tools and methodologies.
Collaboration Style:
- Cross-Functional Integration: Work closely with frontend development, backend development, and data science teams, fostering a collaborative and user-centered approach to platform development.
- Code Review Culture: Encourage a culture of code review, with a focus on peer programming, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning.
- Mentoring & Technical Leadership: Foster a culture of mentoring and technical leadership, with senior engineers guiding and supporting the growth of junior team members.
📝 Enhancement Note: Sky Czech Republic emphasizes a user-centered, collaborative, and innovative culture, with a strong focus on performance optimization, code quality, and continuous learning.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Technical Challenges:
- Platform Scalability: Address the challenges of scaling a global streaming platform, with a focus on performance optimization, reliability, and efficiency.
- Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies in the platform engineering and DevOps space, continuously learning and adapting to new tools and methodologies.
- User Experience: Ensure the platform caters to the needs of end-users, with a focus on accessibility, responsiveness, and intuitive design.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Technical Leadership: Develop your technical leadership skills, mentoring junior engineers and contributing to the team's technical direction.
- Architecture Decisions: Play a crucial role in making architecture decisions, driving the platform's evolution and ensuring its scalability.
- Emerging Technologies: Stay at the forefront of emerging technologies in the platform engineering and DevOps domain, continuously learning and adapting to new tools and methodologies.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant technical challenges and growth opportunities, with a focus on platform scalability, emerging technologies, and technical leadership.
💡 Interview Preparation
Technical Questions:
- Kubernetes Networking: Demonstrate your understanding of Kubernetes networking, with a focus on observability, traffic management, and service mesh technologies.
- Golang: Showcase your proficiency in Golang, with a strong focus on code quality, performance optimization, and best practices.
- System Design: Articulate your approach to system design, with a focus on scalability, reliability, and efficiency.
- Networking Fundamentals: Demonstrate your understanding of networking fundamentals, with a focus on the OSI model, TCP/IP, and routing protocols.
Company & Culture Questions:
- Company Culture: Research Sky's company culture and values, preparing for behavioral and cultural fit assessments.
- Platform Development: Articulate your approach to platform development, with a focus on user experience, performance optimization, and scalability.
- Team Collaboration: Demonstrate your ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team, with a focus on collaboration, communication, and knowledge sharing.
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Platform Development Projects: Highlight your experience in developing and maintaining high-traffic platforms, with a focus on Kubernetes, networking, and code quality.
- Code Quality & Documentation: Showcase your proficiency in Golang, with clean, well-commented, and efficient code, along with comprehensive documentation.
- Live Demo: Prepare a live demo of your platform development projects, showcasing their functionality, performance, and reliability.
- User Experience: Demonstrate your understanding of user experience principles, ensuring your platform caters to the needs of end-users.
📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation process for this role emphasizes technical preparation, with a focus on Kubernetes, Golang, networking, and platform engineering concepts. A strong portfolio and effective communication skills are crucial for success in the interview process.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this Senior Platform Engineer position at Sky Czech Republic:
- Customize Your Portfolio: Highlight your platform development projects, with a focus on Kubernetes, networking, and code quality, ensuring your portfolio showcases your technical skills and achievements.
- Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to emphasize your platform engineering, DevOps, and web infrastructure experience, with a focus on Kubernetes, Golang, and networking.
- Prepare for Technical Challenges: Brush up on your technical skills, focusing on Kubernetes, Golang, networking, and platform engineering concepts, and practice solving technical challenges within the given time frame.
- Research Sky's Company Culture: Familiarize yourself with Sky's company culture and values, preparing for behavioral and cultural fit assessments, and demonstrating your alignment with the company's mission and goals.
- Apply: Submit your application through the application link, following the instructions provided, and ensuring you have completed all the required steps to optimize your chances of success.
⚠️ 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.
Application Requirements
You should have a good background in software development principles and be comfortable writing and reading Golang code. A fundamental knowledge of the networking stack and Kubernetes networking model is essential, along with good communication skills in English.