Kubernetes Architect

At Summit, we build and operate the infrastructure behind some of the most critical applications in regulated industries. The work is complex, expectations are high, and the environments we support require precision and thoughtful execution. We specialize in enterprise-class Application Hosting, Managed Services, and Cloud Solutions, with deep expertise in compliance, security, and performance. Our focus is simple: make the complex manageable and deliver technology that works - reliably, securely, and at scale. As Summit’s Kubernetes Architect, you will own the architectural direction of our shared Kubernetes platform and related container infrastructure. This role is responsible for designing scalable, secure, and resilient Kubernetes environments that support Summit’s operational and client-facing needs. You will serve as the technical authority for Kubernetes platform design, guiding standards, tooling, automation strategy, and long-term platform evolution. Working closely with Engineering, Operations, Security, and other cross-functional teams, you will translate business and technical requirements into platform architecture decisions that improve reliability, consistency, and operational efficiency. You will also play a key role in defining best practices, documenting platform standards, and ensuring Kubernetes capabilities align with Summit’s broader infrastructure strategy. What You’ll Do: Define and own the architectural vision, standards, and roadmap for Summit’s Kubernetes platform. Design scalable, resilient, and secure Kubernetes environments to support internal and client-facing workloads. Establish platform patterns, design principles, and governance for container orchestration, workload placement, networking, storage, and cluster lifecycle management. Lead infrastructure automation strategy for Kubernetes and adjacent systems, including infrastructure as code, configuration management, and CI/CD integration. Partner with Engineering, Operations, Security, and other stakeholders to assess requirements and translate them into effective platform solutions. Evaluate current-state Kubernetes environments and identify opportunities to improve performance, reliability, scalability, and maintainability. Provide architectural guidance for Kubernetes-based application deployments, ensuring alignment with platform standards and operational best practices. Influence observability, monitoring, alerting, and incident readiness strategies within Kubernetes environments. Troubleshoot complex platform-level issues and guide root cause analysis for critical Kubernetes and container-related incidents. Drive modernization initiatives related to container platforms, orchestration strategy, and underlying Linux infrastructure. Create and maintain architecture documentation, reference designs, platform standards, and technical guidance for internal teams. Support security and compliance objectives by incorporating platform hardening, access controls, segmentation, and other Kubernetes security best practices into the architectural framework. What You’ll Deliver: A clear architectural roadmap for the Kubernetes platform aligned with Summit’s business and infrastructure priorities. Standardized, scalable Kubernetes design patterns that improve consistency across environments. Secure, resilient platform architectures that reduce operational risk and support long-term growth. Automation and tooling strategies that reduce manual effort and improve deployment reliability. Clear documentation including reference architectures, implementation guidance, standards, and best practices. Architectural recommendations that improve performance, observability, maintainability, and service reliability. Continuous platform improvements across Kubernetes and underlying Linux-based infrastructure. You’ll Thrive in This Role If You: Have deep experience designing and evolving Kubernetes platforms in complex production environments. Bring strong Linux systems knowledge across distributions such as Red Hat, CentOS, and Ubuntu. Are highly skilled in infrastructure automation using tools such as Terraform, Ansible, and CI/CD technologies. Understand Kubernetes architecture at a platform level, including networking, ingress, storage, security, scaling, and cluster operations. Can balance strategic platform design with practical operational realities. Communicate technical concepts clearly and can influence decisions across technical and non-technical stakeholders. Take a thoughtful, standards-driven approach to architecture while remaining flexible and solutions-oriented. Are passionate about platform engineering, automation, reliability, and continuous improvement. Bonus Points: Kubernetes certifications such as CKA, CKAD, or CKS. Linux certifications such as RHCE or LFCS. Experience designing shared platform services in regulated, high-availability, or enterprise environments. Proficiency in scripting or development languages such as Python, Bash, or Go. Familiarity with observability platforms and SRE-aligned practices. Knowledge of networking, security architecture, and policy enforcement within Kubernetes environments. Experience contributing to platform standards, governance models, or internal engineering enablement. Familiarity with Agile methodologies and tools such as Jira. Contributions to open-source projects or active participation in technical communities. How you approach the work matters just as much as what you do. At Summit, our core values show up in how we make decisions, work together, and support our customers. We build the infrastructure that keeps businesses running. We need people who take that seriously, and have fun doing it. Our core values: Empower our people Constant elevation Customer first Focus on outcomes Embrace curiosity Benefits: Summit offers a total rewards package designed to support you at work, at home, and everywhere in between. Here’s a snapshot of what that looks like: Flexible Time Off (yes, really) – take what you need, we trust you to manage it Medical, Dental & Vision – comprehensive coverage with HSA/HRA options 401(k) with 4% match – we invest alongside you Parental Leave – paid time for the moments that matter most Life & Disability Insurance – built-in peace of mind Wellness Support – resources for your mental and physical health Free Colocation & Cloud Access – build and experiment in real environments Work From Anywhere – remote-friendly by design A low-ego, get-it-done culture – come as you are, do great work Compensation: Compensation for this role is based on experience, skills, and location. We aim to make offers that are fair, forward-looking, and aligned to both what you bring and where you’re growing. Internal candidates may see variations based on current role, compensation, and progression at Summit. Same thoughtful approach, just with additional context. Summit is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Summit is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. As part of this commitment, Summit will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please email [email protected].