Principal DevOps Engineer (m/w/d)

Job Description

We are seeking a Principal DevOps Engineer to define and lead infrastructure automation and deployment architecture for Fluence's SmartStack and OS7 platforms. This role will establish scalable, secure, and standardized automation frameworks across lab, factory, and production environments, enabling repeatable global deployments.

The Principal DevOps Engineer will act as the technical authority for infrastructure-as-code, CI/CD integration, and deployment automation, working closely with Product, Networking, Cybersecurity, and Deployment teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and own enterprise automation architecture using Ansible and infrastructure-as-code principles
• Design reusable, modular deployment frameworks for Linux-based platforms (RHEL/Ubuntu)
• Lead CI/CD integration for versioned software releases and automated deployment pipelines
• Standardize secure configuration management and system hardening practices
• Automate provisioning, patching, service deployment, and rollback mechanisms
• Collaborate with Networking and Cybersecurity teams to integrate secure automation (VPN, RBAC, firewall, hardening controls)
• Establish automation standards, governance, and best practices across environments
• Mentor engineers and elevate automation maturity across the organization

Required Qualifications & Experience

• 12-16 years of professional experience in DevOps, Infrastructure Automation, Platform Engineering, or related domains
• Deep expertise in Ansible (roles, collections, vault, dynamic inventory)
• Strong Linux experience (RHEL/Ubuntu)
• Proficiency in Bash and/or Python scripting
• Experience with CI/CD tools (GitLab CI, Jenkins, GitHub Actions, etc.)
• Strong understanding of infrastructure-as-code and configuration management principles
• Proven experience leading automation architecture across multiple teams or enterprise environments

Additional Skills

• Experience in OT / Industrial / Energy systems environments
• Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) - Automation with Ansible
• Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA)
• Familiarity with IEC 62443 or secure system hardening practices
• Experience with network automation and secure deployment models
• Containerization experience (Docker/Podman)
• Experience supporting globally distributed deployments

Our Culture

At Fluence, our culture is the foundation that drives our ambitious growth strategy and fuels our mission to transform the future of energy. Our core cultural pillars empower us to innovate, collaborate, and lead with purpose, ensuring we continue to deliver unparalleled value to our customers and the world.

Unleash Voices

We believe every voice matters. We encourage openness, active listening, and decisive action to create a culture where everyone has the opportunity to contribute to our success. We foster an environment where diverse perspectives are heard and valued, driving innovation and progress.

Customer Fluent

Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We're committed to delivering exceptional value that exceeds expectations by understanding our customers' needs and adapting swiftly to meet them. Our deep focus on customer satisfaction drives us to continuously improve and innovate.

Infinite Impact

We are committed to creating the impossible. We push boundaries to deliver sustainable, game-changing solutions that shape a brighter, more energy-efficient future for all. Our team is passionate about making a lasting impact that will resonate for generations to come.

All In

We are all in for growth. Our teams are relentlessly focused on identifying and seizing opportunities that propel us forward. We embrace an ownership mindset, pushing ourselves and each other to accelerate progress and create lasting success.

Equal Opportunity Employer
At Fluence, we believe great teams are built on a collaborative and connected culture. We're proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome qualified applicants of all backgrounds. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.

Work Authorization
To join our team, you'll need to be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout your employment, without the need for employer sponsorship. Please note that Fluence does not sponsor work visas for this position.