We are seeking an experienced Azure Kubernetes Engineer to design, implement, maintain, and optimise cloud-native infrastructure within Microsoft Azure environments. The successful candidate will play a key role in deploying and supporting containerised applications, Kubernetes clusters, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud automation solutions while ensuring security, scalability, and reliability across enterprise platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, deploy, and manage Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) environments.
• Build and maintain highly available, scalable, and secure Kubernetes clusters.
• Implement Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using Terraform, Bicep, or ARM templates.
• Develop and maintain CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps and GitHub Actions.
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimise Kubernetes workloads and cluster performance.
• Configure networking, ingress controllers, load balancing, and service meshes.
• Implement container security best practices and vulnerability management processes.
• Manage Azure Container Registry (ACR) and container image life cycle management.
• Automate operational tasks using PowerShell, Bash, Python, or similar Scripting languages.
• Support application teams with containerisation and cloud migration initiatives.
• Collaborate with DevOps, Platform Engineering, Security, and Development teams.
• Ensure compliance with cloud governance, security, and operational standards.
• Provide incident support, root cause analysis, and continuous service improvement.

Required Skills & Experience

• Strong hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure cloud services.
• Extensive experience managing Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS).
• Deep understanding of Kubernetes architecture, networking, and administration.
• Experience with Docker and containerisation technologies.
• Strong Infrastructure as Code experience using Terraform, Bicep, or ARM templates.
• Experience with Azure DevOps and/or GitHub Actions.
• Knowledge of Kubernetes security, RBAC, policies, secrets management, and compliance.
• Experience with monitoring and observability tools such as Azure Monitor, Prometheus, Grafana, and Log Analytics.
• Strong Scripting skills using PowerShell, Bash, Python, or similar.
• Experience managing Linux-based environments.
• Understanding of cloud networking concepts including VNets, NSGs, Private Endpoints, Load Balancers, and Application Gateway.
• Experience supporting production cloud environments and resolving complex incidents.

Preferred Qualifications

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate.
• Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert.
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert.
• Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA).
• Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD).
• Experience with GitOps tools such as ArgoCD or Flux.
• Experience with service mesh technologies such as Istio or Linkerd.
• Knowledge of FinOps and cloud cost optimisation practices.

Key Technologies

Cloud & Infrastructure

• Microsoft Azure
• Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)
• Azure Virtual Networks
• Azure Load Balancer
• Azure Application Gateway
• Azure Container Registry (ACR)

DevOps & Automation

• Azure DevOps
• GitHub Actions
• Terraform
• Bicep
• ARM Templates
• Git

Containers & Kubernetes

• Kubernetes
• Docker
• Helm
• ArgoCD
• Flux

Monitoring & Security

• Azure Monitor
• Prometheus
• Grafana
• Log Analytics
• Microsoft Defender for Cloud
• Azure Policy

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to work on large-scale cloud transformation and modernisation projects.
• Exposure to cutting-edge cloud-native and Kubernetes technologies.
• Collaborative engineering culture focused on automation and innovation.
• Hybrid working arrangement based in Manchester, with flexibility for remote working.

Ideal Candidate

• Proven experience in a Platform Engineering, Cloud Engineering, DevOps, or Kubernetes Engineering role.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively within agile and cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Passion for cloud-native technologies, automation, and continuous improvement.