Senior DevOps Engineer (Azure & Kubernetes) with Python Backend Skills - Freelance (m/f/d)

Intro We are looking for an experienced and highly motivated Senior DevOps Engineer to join our technology team either as a freelancer or a full-time employee. This role primarily focuses on DevOps with an emphasis on Kubernetes, offering the unique opportunity to own, optimize, and evolve our cloud infrastructure and deployment processes while also contributing to backend Python development. Tasks DevOps (Primary Focus) Design, build, and maintain CI/CD pipelines (GitHub Actions) to streamline and automate Kubernetes deployments. Own the automation, management, and optimization of cloud infrastructure and services on Azure, specifically leveraging Kubernetes (AKS), ensuring efficient scalability and reliability. Provide expert guidance to development teams on Kubernetes and cloud-native best practices. Implement and manage comprehensive monitoring, logging, and alerting systems tailored for Kubernetes clusters to maintain application and infrastructure stability. Develop and enforce robust security and compliance practices across Kubernetes-based cloud environments. Troubleshoot complex technical challenges related to Azure Kubernetes infrastructure and cloud deployments. Backend Python (Secondary Skill) Contribute to backend development tasks including REST-API creation, backend logic enhancement, and Python-based microservices. Support integration of backend systems with cloud-based DevOps processes. Conduct testing and debugging to ensure robust functionality and responsiveness of backend components. Requirements Technical Skills Bachelor\’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field. 5+ years of extensive experience in DevOps engineering, particularly with Kubernetes in one of the big Cloud Service Providers (Azure, AWS or GCP). Expert-level proficiency in Kubernetes (AKS), container registries (ACR), and CI/CD pipelines (GitHub Actions). Extensive hands-on experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools such as Terraform and Helm. Strong skills in containerization technologies (Docker) and orchestration systems (Kubernetes). Proficient scripting skills, particularly in Python. Experience with backend Python frameworks such as Flask, FastAPI, or similar. Solid understanding of cloud security, compliance frameworks, and identity management practices. Familiarity with advanced monitoring and visualization tools (Prometheus, Grafana, Azure Monitor). Preferred Qualifications (Plus) Familiarity with Microsoft Defender for Cloud (Azure Defender for Cloud). Previous involvement in successful ISO 27001 certification processes. Experience with Microsoft Sentinel. Personal Skills Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities. Proactive, independent working style with the ability to manage projects and responsibilities autonomously. Fluent in English (both written and spoken). Benefits Flexible working arrangements tailored to your preferences (freelance or full-time). Opportunity to have significant ownership over our infrastructure, Kubernetes deployments, and DevOps strategy. Contribute to backend development projects, enhancing your skillset in Python and microservices. Become part of a collaborative and driven startup environment with flat hierarchies and quick decision-making processes.