Kubernetes (K3s) Developer / Engineer at Ford Motor Company in Chennai

About Ford

Ford Motor Company is a global automotive leader with over 120 years of innovation, shaping the future of mobility. From pioneering the assembly line to leading in electric vehicles and autonomous driving, Ford invests heavily in cutting-edge technology. In India, Ford's Chennai hub is a powerhouse for software-defined vehicles, cloud infrastructure, and digital transformation. Join a team that's redefining transportation with sustainable, connected solutions. As a Kubernetes (K3s) Developer at Ford, you'll contribute to mission-critical systems powering millions of vehicles worldwide.

Role Overview

Ford is seeking a skilled Kubernetes (K3s) Developer / Engineer to join our Chennai engineering team. This full-time role focuses on designing, developing, and optimizing lightweight Kubernetes distributions (K3s) for edge computing in automotive applications. You'll work on high-performance clusters that support real-time data processing, IoT integrations, and scalable microservices architectures. Ideal for engineers passionate about cloud-native technologies in the automotive sector, this position offers exposure to Ford's global projects and direct impact on next-gen vehicle software.

Key Technologies

Master K3s for embedded environments, Docker containerization, Helm for package management, and Traefik ingress controllers. Integrate with Ford's automotive stack including vehicle-to-cloud communication and AI/ML workloads.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deploy containerized applications on K3s clusters optimized for automotive edge computing.
• Design scalable microservices architectures using Kubernetes best practices tailored to low-resource environments.
• Implement automated CI/CD pipelines with GitOps principles for continuous delivery in production systems.
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize K3s clusters for performance, reliability, and security in vehicle telematics.
• Collaborate with DevOps, data scientists, and automotive engineers to integrate K3s with Ford's software-defined vehicle platforms.
• Contribute to open-source K3s enhancements and Ford's internal tooling for lightweight Kubernetes deployments.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or equivalent engineering discipline.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience with Kubernetes, with specific expertise in K3s lightweight distributions.
• Proficiency in container technologies (Docker, containerd) and orchestration tools (Helm, Kustomize).
• Strong programming skills in Go, Python, or Java for developing Kubernetes operators and custom controllers.
• Experience with CI/CD tools like Jenkins, GitLab CI, or ArgoCD; familiarity with automotive protocols (CAN, SOME/IP) is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work in agile, cross-functional teams.

Preferred Skills

Knowledge of edge computing, embedded systems, AWS/GCP for hybrid clouds, and security practices like mTLS and RBAC in Kubernetes.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive salary estimated at ₹65,000 - ₹95,000 per year, with performance-based bonuses and incentives.
• Comprehensive health insurance covering family, including dental and vision care.
• Generous paid time off, parental leave, and flexible hybrid work model in Chennai.
• Professional growth through Ford's leadership development programs, certifications (CKA/CKAD), and tuition reimbursement.
• Employee perks including stock options, gym memberships, electric vehicle purchase discounts, and innovation rewards.

Career Growth

At Ford, your career accelerates like our EVs. Start as a K3s Developer and advance to Senior Engineer, Tech Lead, or Architect roles. Access global rotations, mentorship from Ford's CTO office, and involvement in high-impact projects like BlueCruise and FNV (Ford Next Vehicle). Chennai's state-of-the-art facility offers exposure to AI, cybersecurity, and software-defined everything. 80% of our technical leaders began in roles like this—your path to VP Engineering starts here.

Why Join Us

Be part of Ford's transformation into a tech company that happens to build cars. Work on technologies that power 4 million+ vehicles annually, contribute to sustainable mobility, and innovate at the intersection of automotive and cloud. Chennai offers a vibrant tech ecosystem, world-class infrastructure, and unbeatable work-life balance. Ford India emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and employee well-being, with initiatives like Women in Tech and Green Commute programs. Join 8,000+ passionate engineers driving the future.

Role FAQs

What is the experience level required?

3+ years in Kubernetes/K3s development; mid-level role with growth potential.

Is relocation assistance provided?

Yes, for exceptional candidates outside Chennai, including housing support.

What is the work environment like?

Hybrid model: 3 days in-office at our modern Chennai campus, 2 days remote. Agile teams with daily standups.

Does Ford sponsor visas?

This role is for India-based candidates; no sponsorship required.

How do I apply?

Submit your resume via Ford's careers portal. Shortlisted candidates contacted within 1 week.

Ford Motor Company is an equal opportunity employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration.