> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2852600-principal-engineer-kubernetes-storage-trident](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2852600-principal-engineer-kubernetes-storage-trident). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Principal Engineer, Kubernetes Storage (Trident)

- **Company:** NetApp, Inc.
- **Location:** San Jose, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $227,800.0 - $338,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Cloud Engineering, Data as a Services, Data Structures, Software Debugging, Distributed Systems, Python (Programming Language), NetApp Applications, Data ONTAP (Server Appliance), Open Source Technology, Software Construction, Software Engineering, Kubernetes, Free and Open-Source Software, Trident
- **Published:** September 11, 2026
- **Apply:** https://jobs.netapp.com/talentcommunity/apply/1413054300/?locale=en_US

## About the Role

* 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

Education

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

## Description

* 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


## Related Videos

- [Understanding Kubernetes in a visual way](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100085-understanding-kubernetes-in-a-visual-way)
- [It's all about the Data](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/425-it-s-all-about-the-data)
- [Developer Tools for Microsoft Azure](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/450-developer-tools-for-microsoft-azure)
- [Building a Cloud Platform Where Everything is Just Another Kubernetes Resource](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100137-building-a-cloud-platform-where-everything-is-just-another-kubernetes-resource)
- [How I saved 200K/yr in direct costs writing 0 code lines in K8s](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1055-how-i-saved-200k-yr-in-direct-costs-writing-0-code-lines-in-k8s)
- [Develop enterprise-ready applications for Microsoft Teams with Azure resources on modern web technologies](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/187-develop-enterprise-ready-applications-for-microsoft-teams-with-azure-resources-on-modern-web-technologies)

## Related Articles

- [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again)
- [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers)
- [Learning Kubernetes made easy with KubeCampus](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/348-learning-kubernetes-made-easy-with-kubecampus)
- [Best US AI Conferences for CTOs in 2026: Build vs. Buy, Vendor Evaluation, and Peer Intelligence](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/736-best-us-ai-conferences-for-ctos-in-2026-build-vs-buy-vendor-evaluation-and-peer-intelligence)
- [Dev Digest 120 - Apple and peers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/455-dev-digest-120-apple-and-peers)
- [Why Attend a Developer Event in 2026?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/688-why-attend-a-developer-event-in-2026)