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Engineering Tech Lead (vNode)

vCluster LabsUnited StatesEngineering
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Salary
$138K - $220K USD
Job type
Full-time
Work mode
Remote
Posted
27 May 2026
Status
Open · checked 7d ago

About this role

Role Overview

The Engineering Tech Lead (vNode) position at vCluster Labs involves driving technical execution for the vNode runtime, shaping how Kubernetes operators achieve tenant isolation without the virtual machine tax. This remote engineering role suits an experienced systems programmer with deep container runtime expertise looking to guide architecture and mentor engineers in a fast-growing startup.

Key Responsibilities

Drive technical execution and architecture for vNode, establishing how the runtime wraps containerd, integrates with the kubelet, and provides safe isolation primitives.
Lead work intersecting containerd, Kata Containers, gVisor, runc, and the Linux kernel to connect Pod specifications with constrained user namespaces and tight seccomp profiles.
Manage the kubelet integration surface by overseeing CRI, kubelet device plugins, cgroups v2, eviction, and node lifecycle interactions.
Raise the technical bar by running design reviews, setting testing patterns for isolation guarantees, and mentoring team members.
Act as Customer Zero by running vNode internally against vCluster Platform tenant clusters prior to production deployment.
Represent vNode externally through upstream contributions to projects like containerd, runc, and Kubernetes SIG-Node, writing technical posts, and attending KubeCon events.

Requirements

Extensive production experience working directly with containerd rather than just consuming it through Docker or Kubernetes.
Strong familiarity with Kubernetes node-level operations, including the kubelet, CRI layer, node-resident agents, cgroups v2, OCI hooks, and the PLEG.
Proficiency in Go systems programming for developing syscalls, managing file descriptors, handling process lifecycles, and writing systems-level code.
Practical fluency in Linux isolation technologies such as user namespaces, seccomp-bpf, capabilities, and Landlock.
Proven tech lead abilities to set technical direction through design documentation and prototyping.

Nice to Have

Historical record of upstream contributions to projects like containerd, runc, Kata, gVisor, or Kubernetes SIG-Node.
Domain expertise in tenant isolation, building or operating infrastructure addressing threat models involving hostile workloads on shared hosts.
A public technical voice featuring talks, public posts, or RFCs discussing container isolation.

Skills and Tools

Kubernetes
Docker
Go Systems Programming
Linux User Namespaces
Containerd
Cgroups v2
Seccomp-bpf

Salary and Benefits

Competitive compensation package that includes salary ranging between $138,000 and $220,000 USD per year, alongside equity.
Premium insurance coverage including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, with specific plans varying by country.
Flexible working schedule centered around results rather than tracking hours.
Workplace flexibility with a remote-first work environment.

About the Company

vCluster Labs is a venture-backed startup and the developer of vCluster, an open-source technology for Kubernetes tenant isolation with over 11,000 GitHub stars and millions of tenant clusters created. The company has raised more than $28 million from top-tier investors like Khosla Ventures and maintains a global, remote-first team. vCluster Labs provides infrastructure platforms that help AI Cloud providers and factories turn raw GPUs into sellable cluster products quickly.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please submit your application directly on the official vCluster Labs careers page.

Skills and tech stack

KubernetesDocker

Questions candidates ask

What is the salary range for the Engineering Tech Lead position?

The annual salary ranges from $138,000 to $220,000 USD, and the compensation package also includes equity.

Is this a remote position?

Yes, vCluster Labs operates with a remote-first culture, though the company headquarters are located in San Francisco.

What core technical skills are required for this role?

Candidates must have deep production container runtime experience with containerd, Kubernetes node-level depth, Go systems programming capabilities, and fluency in Linux isolation technologies like user namespaces and seccomp-bpf.

What benefits does vCluster Labs offer?

Benefits include a competitive salary with equity, premium health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans, a flexible working schedule, and workplace flexibility.

How can I apply for this job?

Interested candidates should apply directly on the official company careers page.

Ready to apply?

The application is on the official vCluster Labs careers page.

Apply on company site