(Senior) Compute Platform Engineer - OpenStack, KVM, QEMU, libvirt - STACKIT (m/f/d)

Schwarz Digits; Berlin; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Schwarz Digits looks for a seasoned OpenStack engineer to maintain and upgrade our virtualization stack in a production environment.

You will operate the KVM/QEMU/libvirt layer, ensure stability and performance, and collaborate with the Bare Metal Team on kernel and OS image changes to support large-scale workloads. Fluent English required; Berlin location on-site.

Qualifications

• Solid experience with OpenStack in production.
• Strong understanding of Linux virtualization (KVM, QEMU, libvirt).
• Hands-on experience operating infrastructure at scale with focus on reliability and automation.
• Comfort working close to the metal: kernel behaviour, hypervisor internals, and low-level debugging.
• Team player with the big picture in mind.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and upgrade OpenStack and surrounding services.
• Operate and evolve the virtualization layer — KVM, QEMU, and libvirt — ensuring stability and performance for all workloads.
• Resolve OpenStack Nova and hypervisor bugs through deep-dive analysis and upstream or internal fixes.
• Collaborate with the Bare Metal Team on hypervisor OS image and kernel changes required for the virtualization layer.

Skills

OpenStack production

Linux virtualization

Infrastructure at scale

Kernel & hypervisor debugging

Team player, English

Job description

Introduction text

Schwarz Digits creates the technological foundation for digital sovereignty in Europe. As the IT and digital division of the Schwarz Group, we develop and manage the IT infrastructures for the retail divisions Lidl and Kaufland, as well as Schwarz Production and PreZero. At the same time, we operate as an independent provider in the external market to support companies across Europe in their digital transformation. We bundle our core services in the areas of Cloud, Cyber Security, Data & AI, Communication, and Workspace.Join us and contribute to digital sovereignty in Europe. With us, you will work at the intersection of agility and security: You will benefit from fast decision-making processes, enjoy genuine creative freedom in your projects, and be able to build upon the stable foundation of the Schwarz Group.

Your Tasks

• Maintain and upgrade OpenStack and surrounding services
• Operate and evolve the virtualization layer — KVM, QEMU, and libvirt — ensuring stability and performance for all workloads
• Resolve OpenStack Nova and hypervisor bugs through deep-dive analysis and upstream or internal fixes
• Collaborate with the Bare Metal Team on hypervisor OS image and kernel changes required for the virtualization layer

Your Profile

• Solid experience with OpenStack in a production environment
• Strong understanding of Linux virtualization — KVM, QEMU, and libvirt
• Hands-on experience operating infrastructure at scale, with a focus on reliability and automation
• Comfort working close to the metal: kernel behaviour, hypervisor internals, and low-level debugging don't intimidate you
• Team player with the big picture in mind
• Fluent in written and spoken English