Principal Engineer, Kubernetes Storage (Trident)

Job Summary

Own the Kubernetes story for the world's #1 storage OS.

Trident was the first open-source, out-of-tree dynamic storage provisioner for Kubernetes. We shipped it before CSI was a spec. Today it's how thousands of teams run stateful workloads on NetApp, and it runs in production at some of the largest Kubernetes estates on the planet.

We're looking for the person who decides where it goes next.

What you'll actually do

You'll set the architecture for persistent storage and data protection on Kubernetes at NetApp. That means real decisions with real consequences: how volumes behave under failure, what the snapshot and recovery story looks like across clouds, where we invest upstream and where we don't.

This is a hands-on principal role. You'll be in the Go code, in design reviews, and on calls with customers who are running something hard and need it to work. You'll partner with product management on the roadmap instead of receiving it. And when we take a position in the CSI community or on a conference stage, you're the one taking it.

Why this team

ONTAP manages hundreds of exabytes for more than 30,000 customers. Trident is the bridge between that and the cloud-native world, and the bridge is still being built. There is a lot of surface area here for someone who wants their architectural decisions to show up in other people's production clusters.

We build in the open, we argue about designs, and we ship. If you want ownership over a problem that matters to a large number of engineers, this is it.

Job Requirements

Specifically:

• Lead architecture for Trident and the Kubernetes data services around it
• Design and ship production Go, not just diagrams
• Guide engineers through complex, cross-team technical work
• Work directly with customers on escalations, requirements, and validation
• Raise the bar on testing, debugging, and performance
• Run PoCs and R&D on where Kubernetes storage is heading
• Represent NetApp upstream and in the open-source community

What we need

• 10+ years building software, or equivalent demonstrated impact
• Strong production Go
• Deep Kubernetes knowledge: architecture, APIs, controllers and operators, and how storage actually gets consumed
• Real experience with persistent storage in Kubernetes (CSI, volume lifecycle, or comparable)
• Solid fundamentals in distributed systems, data structures, and systems design
• Hands-on with at least one major cloud (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
• The ability to explain a design clearly to engineers, to PM, and to a frustrated customer
• Comfort working in an Agile team

What helps

• You've built or maintained a CSI driver or Kubernetes storage controller in production
• Open-source contributions in Kubernetes, CSI, or CNCF projects
• Python for tooling, test, and automation
• Data protection on Kubernetes: snapshots, clones, backup, DR
• Experience with ONTAP or other enterprise and cloud-native storage platforms
• A track record leading technical work across teams

Education

Bachelor's degree in technical area of study: engineering disciplines

Master's degree in technical field such as engineering, software development, preferred with less additional experience stated above

The target salary range for this position is $227,800-338,000. The salary offered will be determined by the candidate's location, qualifications, experience, and education and may be outside of this range. Final compensation packages are competitive and in line with industry standards, reflecting a variety of factors, and include a comprehensive benefits package. This may cover Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Retirement or Pension Plans, Paid Time Off (PTO), various Leave options, Performance-Based Incentives, employee stock purchase plan, and/or restricted stocks (RSU’s), with all offerings subject to regional variations and governed by local laws, regulations, and company policies. Benefits may vary by country and region, and further details will be provided as part of the recruitment process.