Systems Engineer - Kubernetes - job 1 of 3

As a Systems Engineer - Kubernetes at Visa, you will be responsible for supporting critical applications through Infrastructure Operations and Production Support of container technologies, specifically Kubernetes. Your duties will include deploying and configuring containerized applications, ensuring the security of Kubernetes clusters, performing root cause analysis, engaging in automation activities, and collaborating with various teams to deliver seamless infrastructure support across Visa's business lines.

To apply for the Systems Engineer - Kubernetes position at Visa, you should have a Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field, along with a minimum of four years of directly related experience. Preferred qualifications include at least three years of hands-on experience with On-Prem container infrastructure (like Mirantis Kubernetes-MKE or OpenShift Kubernetes) and proficiency in scripting languages such as Shell, Python, Ansible, Terraform, and YAML packages.

Essential skills for a Systems Engineer - Kubernetes at Visa include strong technical analytical and troubleshooting capabilities, proficiency in scripting and automation, knowledge of production support processes, and a deep understanding of networking concepts. You should also be familiar with configuration management tools, monitoring and logging tools, and microservices-based application traffic routing, such as Istio ServiceMesh.

The Systems Engineer - Kubernetes position at Visa involves working shifts from Sunday to Thursday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM local time. This is a hybrid position, and the specific requirement for days in the office will be confirmed by your hiring manager, allowing for flexibility while ensuring reliable support for our infrastructure.

At Visa, we are dedicated to the continuous professional development of our Systems Engineers - Kubernetes. Through collaborative team environments, mentorship opportunities, and access to the latest technologies, you can enhance your skills. Visa also promotes a culture of knowledge sharing, where team members encourage one another to grow and succeed in their careers.

When answering this question, focus on detailing your hands-on experience with Kubernetes, including how you've deployed, managed, and secured Kubernetes clusters. Highlight specific projects or challenges you've faced, emphasizing what you learned and how it applies directly to the Systems Engineer role at Visa.

Discuss the automation tools you've used, such as Ansible, Terraform, or CI/CD pipelines, and provide concrete examples of how you've implemented these tools to streamline processes or improve efficiency in your previous positions, particularly in relation to Kubernetes environments.

Share a scenario in which you had to manage a critical incident, explaining the steps you took for incident response, communication with stakeholders, and follow-up resolution. Emphasize your analytical and troubleshooting skills that align with the responsibilities of a Systems Engineer - Kubernetes at Visa.

Outline the best practices you follow to maintain a secure Kubernetes environment, such as implementing role-based access control (RBAC), using network policies, and employing security scanning tools. Discuss any experience you have with hardening Kubernetes clusters and performing vulnerability assessments.

Explain your methodology for diagnosing performance issues in Kubernetes, including tools you use for monitoring metrics, logs, and events. Share any concrete examples where your troubleshooting skills led to a positive outcome.

Discuss your approach to continuous learning, such as following industry blogs, attending webinars, participating in community forums, or contributing to open-source projects related to container orchestration and Kubernetes.

Structure your answer to explain the significance of CI/CD pipelines specifically in Kubernetes, emphasizing how they facilitate continuous integration and delivery of applications to Kubernetes clusters, and mention tools you’ve used that support this workflow, such as ArgoCD or Jenkins.

Identify potential challenges like network latency, service discovery, or managing inter-service communication. Discuss strategies that you would implement to mitigate these challenges and ensure smooth operations of microservices.

Highlight the scripting languages you are proficient in and elaborate on how you have used them to automate tasks, manage configurations, or streamline operations within Kubernetes environments, showing their value in your role.

Discuss the various monitoring tools you’ve worked with, such as Prometheus or Grafana, and describe how you set up dashboards and alerts to proactively monitor the health and performance of applications running in Kubernetes.