Principal Engineer, Kubernetes Storage (Trident)

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.

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

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.

At NetApp, we embrace a hybrid working environment designed to strengthen connection, collaboration, and culture for all employees. This means that most roles will have some level of in-office and/or in-person expectations, which will be shared during the recruitment process.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

NetApp is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and to compliance with all federal, state and local laws that prohibit employment discrimination based on age, race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability or genetic information, pregnancy, protected veteran status, and any other protected classification.

Why You'll Thrive at NetApp

At NetApp, you won't wait for the perfect moment—you'll make it. The early planning, the extra thought, the bold idea that turns good into great: That's how our people operate and how we continue to push the boundaries of data infrastructure.

NetApp is the trusted partner for organizations transforming data into opportunity. As the only enterprise-grade storage service natively embedded in Google Cloud, AWS, and Microsoft Azure, we empower customers to run everything from traditional workloads to enterprise AI with unmatched performance, resilience, and security.

Our culture

We celebrate mold breakers, bold thinkers, and problem solvers. We reward initiative, impact, and ownership. We provide flexibility so you can balance professional ambition with your personal life. Here, differences are not just welcomed—they drive everything we do.

If you're ready to innovate, rise to the challenge, and own every moment - make your next move your best one. Apply now.

Submitting an Application

To ensure a streamlined and fair hiring process for all candidates, our team only reviews applications submitted through our company website. This practice allows us to track, assess, and respond to applicants efficiently. Emailing our employees, recruiters, or Human Resources personnel directly will not influence your application.

AI Disclosure

For select roles, some stages of our hiring process may use artificial intelligence tools to help evaluate applications and candidate selection. These tools support—rather than replace—human decision-making.