Overview
Are you passionate about containerized applications and cloud-native software development? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you! At Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) Node Lifecycle team, we manage Kubernetes nodes, so AKS customers don't have to. The ensures that nodes support the latest Kubernetes and Azure features and are up to date from a security and compliance perspective. As a Software Engineer on the Azure Kubernetes Service Infrastructure team, you will be responsible for enabling AKS users to access various operating system distributions, ensuring swift support for the latest upstream Kubernetes versions, and integrating the newest advancements in container runtime and Kubernetes node features for our customers. Additionally, you will enable access to cutting-edge AI hardware through AKS, allowing customers to build their own training labs. This is a unique opportunity to accelerate your career, develop deep Kubernetes expertise, and shape the future AI on AKS at Microsoft. Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Responsibilities
- Create, manage, and optimize OS images for AKS nodes using tools like Packer. - Manage and maintain CI/CD pipelines for building, testing, and publishing VHD images. - Manage and support complex GPU and Network drivers, including installation, configuration, and troubleshooting for various GPU types on AKS. - Optimize performance and troubleshoot issues in the node provisioning process. - Implement security measures and ensure compliance with security standards and best practices. - Collaborate with other teams and document processes and configurations. - Monitor system health, respond to incidents, perform root cause analysis, and ensure system reliability.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications: - Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, or related technical discipline with proven experience coding in languages including, but not limited to, Golang, C++, C# or Python - OR equivalent experience. - 1+ year(s) of experience with at least two of the following areas: - Working in Linux or similar Unix-like server environments - Working on Windows server environments - Using container technologies, Kubernetes, or other cloud-native platforms - Managing services through Microsoft Azure or other cloud infrastructure platforms. Other Requirements: - Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings:  - Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter. Preferred Qualifications: - Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science - OR related technical field AND 1+ year(s) technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, Golang, C++, C# or Python - OR Master's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field with proven experience coding in languages including, but not limited to, Golang, C++, C# or Python - OR equivalent experience. - 1+ year(s) of experience with Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) tools and processes, such as Azure DevOps, GitHub, or GitLab. - 1+ year(s) of experience collaborating on, building, and maintaining medium to large-scale software programs actively developed by multiple engineers. Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via the Accommodation request form. Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work. #azurecorejobs

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.