Job Title: Contract Deployment Engineer
Duration: 12-Month Initial Contract (Outside IR35)
Location: Remote (UK-based), with occasional national and international travel required
Client: IT Consulting Firm
Job Description
We are seeking a skilled Deployment Engineer with expertise in Kubernetes, Linux systems, networking, and cloud infrastructure to join our clients team on an initial 12-month contract, with potential for extension. This role is outside IR35 and primarily remote, but it will require some national and international travel to support deployment and project activities.
Key Responsibilities:

• Design, configure, and maintain Kubernetes clusters, including controllers, schedulers, kubelets, deployments, and stateful sets.
  
• Utilize Kubernetes tools (kubectl, k9s) for resource navigation and ensure extensibility through Custom Resources, CNI, and CSI.
  
• Manage and troubleshoot IAM roles, policies, and permissions.
  
• Configure and troubleshoot switching, VLANs, IP addressing, and routing protocols.
  
• Analyze network traffic and logs using tools like tcpdump, dig, and netstat.
  
• Set up Linux networking interfaces, routes, and OOB interfaces (serial consoles).
  
• Deploy and manage Service Mesh solutions and understand Envoy Proxy functionality.
  
• Handle SSL certificate management, including creation, renewal, and troubleshooting using openssl CLI.
  
• Maintain deep knowledge of Linux, including OS management, boot processes, system administration (systemd, journalctl), and containerization.
  
• Write and troubleshoot Bash or Python scripts for automation and process optimization.
  
• Work with ILO, OOB interfaces, and physical cabling as needed for hardware support.
  
• Configure Active Directory, ADFS, DSC, GPOs, and manage Windows-related dependencies.
  
• Perform network device configuration on Cisco switches and ensure efficient use of overlays like VxLANs and VRFs.
  
• Manage routing protocols including OSPF, LLDP, and BGP.
  Required Skills and Experience:
  
• Proven experience with Kubernetes architecture and extensibility.
  
• Strong understanding of Linux administration and networking tools.
  
• Proficiency in scripting languages such as Bash or Python.
  
• Hands-on experience with SSL/TLS protocols, certificates, and related security practices.
  
• Experience with containerized environments, namespaces, and system resource management.
  
• Knowledge of Cisco switch configuration, VxLANs, and routing protocols.
  
• Familiarity with service mesh concepts and Envoy Proxy functionality.
  
• Strong troubleshooting skills for both software and hardware systems, including OOB and ILO interfaces.
  
• Understanding of Active Directory, ADFS, Hyper-V, and related technologies.
  Preferred Qualifications:
  
• Certifications in Kubernetes, Linux, or network management (e.g., CKAD, CCNA, RHCE).
  
• Previous experience in deployments requiring international travel.
  
• Familiarity with DevOps tools and workflows.
  Additional Details:
  
• Contract Type: Outside IR35
  
• Client: IT Consulting Firm
  
• Location: Remote, but travel to client sites nationally and internationally will be required as part of the role.
  
• Duration: 12 months initial term, with possibility of extension.
  If you are a proactive engineer with strong expertise in Kubernetes, networking, and Linux systems and are looking for an exciting contract opportunity, we encourage you to apply