Overview
We are seeking a full-time Platform Architect at Garmin's U.S. headquarters in the Greater Kansas City area. In this role, you will be responsible for guiding technical direction for Kubernetes- and load-balancing based platform architecture through design, operational improvement, documentation, and scalable implementation practices while partnering with development teams and stakeholders to deliver reliable platform outcomes.
Essential Functions
- Design and improve platform architecture centered around Kubernetes and load-balancing technologies
- Analyze platform performance, limitations, and bottlenecks and recommend improvements
- Evaluate platform growth, project requirements, capacity needs, and operational risks
- Provide cost-effective recommendations that improve platform stability, performance, security, and scalability
- Research and assess new technologies, tools, and best practices for Kubernetes and platform engineering
- Create and maintain platform architecture artifacts and related documentation
- Improve procedures and processes that support platform architecture and delivery
- Gather platform requirements and turn them into sound functional and technical designs
- Contribute to scalable platform architecture and domain-level technical best practices
- Communicate platform and infrastructure concepts clearly with development teams, stakeholders, and internal customers
- Identify project interdependencies and contribute input to broader platform and infrastructure
solutions - Serve as the internal Kubernetes subject matter expert and mentor for cross-functional teams
- Troubleshoot complex platform issues and determine effective next steps from vague requirements
- Contribute to design reviews and project definition activities, including feature analysis and system tradeoffs
- Demonstrate professional maturity and support Garmin's mission, quality standards, image, and culture
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Management Information Systems, Business or related field AND a minimum of 9 years relevant experience that includes including hands-on Kubernetes cluster administration and architecture
- Proven experience designing and operating Kubernetes environments in production at a global scale
- Experience with load-balancing solutions (e.g., NetScaler, F5, GSLB, HAProxy, WAF, etc.)
- Proficiency with PKI, DNS, and certificate management
- Experience designing, documenting, and implementing platform architecture solutions
- Experience contributing to scalable platform architectures, technical design reviews, and complex problem solving
- Experience with Infrastructure as Code (e.g., Terraform, Ansible)
- Proficiency in at least one scripting or programming language (e.g., Python, Go, Bash, etc.)
- Familiarity with Helm and other deployment automation tools
- Proficiency with development toolsets (e.g., Git, Docker, Podman, etc.)
- Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills in a cross-functional or departmental setting
- Ability to collaborate effectively across team
Desired Qualifications
- Outstanding academic performance (cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 3.5)
- Previous experience working in a team environment
- Kubernetes certifications (CKA, CKAD, or CKS) preferred
- Deep understanding of Kubernetes fundamentals, including control plane, networking, RBAC, security, and storage
- Understanding of microservices architectures and container runtime interfaces
- Prior experience building and designing Kubernetes environments using common enterprise platforms and tooling (e.g., RedHat OpenShift, kubeadm, Cluster API, and Rancher)
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey complex infrastructure concepts to software development teams
- Self-motivated and capable of working independently while maintaining strong team collaboration
Garmin International is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran’s status, age or disability.
This position is eligible for Garmin's benefit program. Details can be found here: Garmin Benefits
