Senior OpenStack Engineer

About Rackspace Technology

Rackspace Technology™ is a premier provider of hybrid cloud and AI solutions, delivering comprehensive design, build, and operational services across all major cloud platforms regardless of the underlying technology or deployment style. We partner with clients at every phase of their cloud journey, aiding application modernization, new product development, and adoption of emerging technologies. Recognized as a top employer by Glassdoor, Newsweek, and Forbes, we pride ourselves on cultivating exceptional talent to deliver an unparalleled Fanatical Experience™ that empowers our clients to achieve superior outcomes and stay competitive.

Role Overview

We are looking for a seasoned engineer with profound expertise in OpenStack to join our Professional Services team. This full-time onsite position based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, centers on supporting and optimizing a critical, production-grade OpenStack private cloud environment as part of a long-term, high-value engagement. The ideal professional will demonstrate strong Linux system administration skills, adeptness in infrastructure automation, and experience working in security-focused, compliance-driven settings. Collaboration with diverse teams will be essential to maintain stability, enhance performance, and drive continuous enhancements of the cloud infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Deploy, manage, and support private cloud infrastructure based on OpenStack, including configuration and upkeep of core services such as Nova, Neutron, Cinder, Keystone, as well as advanced modules like Octavia, Designate, and Masakari.
• Utilize expertise in Canonical OpenStack, Juju, and Lxd containers to manage cloud environments.
• Administer storage solutions, particularly Ceph, to support cloud data requirements.
• Implement and maintain Kubernetes clusters for container orchestration and manage applications hosted on Kubernetes, with familiarity in Charmed Kubernetes.
• Drive integration between OpenStack and Kubernetes platforms to ensure seamless cloud operations.
• Develop automation frameworks and tools for provisioning, monitoring, and scaling cloud infrastructure components.
• Monitor cloud system performance, troubleshoot complex issues related to OpenStack, Kubernetes, SDN OVN networking, CPU and disk usage performance, and use Elastic Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana) for monitoring.
• Enforce security best practices and compliance standards within OpenStack and Kubernetes to manage authentication, authorization, and access controls, with knowledge of CIS benchmarking considered a plus.
• Create and update technical documentation covering system configurations and operational protocols.
• Produce routine reports detailing system performance metrics, capacity, and usage statistics.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate cloud and container solutions effectively and provide technical support to resolve operational challenges.

Mandatory Requirements

• Graduation with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related disciplines, or equivalent experience.
• Proven expertise in Linux system administration paired with scripting abilities in languages such as Python and Bash for automation purposes.
• Extensive hands-on experience with OpenStack deployment, configuration, and operational management.
• Knowledge of software-defined storage technologies, with specific experience in Ceph.
• Understanding of cloud-native principles and technologies.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Previous involvement in customer-facing support roles.
• Relevant certifications like Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA), Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE), or Certified OpenStack Administrator (COA) are required.

Preferred Additional Skills

• Working knowledge of other cloud platforms including VMware, AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform.
• Experience with software-defined networking (SDN) solutions in cloud environments.
• Familiarity with infrastructure as code tools such as Terraform and Ansible for provisioning and configuration management.