Platform/Infrastructure Engineer

X-Team; United States; Remote; USD 83,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

X-Team is seeking an exceptional Platform/Infrastructure Engineer (Staff level) to join a highly autonomous client team as a contractor. You’ll lead the architectural evolution of internal deployment tooling for game development and publishing platforms, operating with ownership and high standards.

The role emphasizes Python (Golang a plus), AWS, Docker/Kubernetes, Terraform, Kafka migrations, and robust CI/CD with Jenkins and Datadog.

Qualifications

• Strong Python backend development experience.
• Deep cloud and infrastructure experience.
• Proven CI/CD and automation skills.

Responsibilities

• Architect, write, and maintain infrastructure deployment tools.
• Lead Kafka cluster migration and data streaming setup.
• Manage AWS via Terraform and Kubernetes clusters.
• Build CI/CD pipelines and observability tooling.
• Mentor engineers and enforce architecture standards.

Skills

Python

Golang

Cloud infra

CI/CD

Architecture leadership

Tools

Terraform

Docker

Kubernetes

Jenkins

Datadog

Kafka

Job description

The Mission

This is a contractor role via X-Team. We're looking for an exceptional Platform/Infrastructure Engineer to join a highly autonomous, fast-moving client's team supporting infrastructure tooling for game development and publishing platforms. This is above senior level - ideal for someone who thrives in complex, technical environments, can hit the ground running, and lead engineering best practices.

The Infrastructure Tooling team builds internal deployment tools and automation for game development teams and core publishing platform engineers. You will step in as a Staff-level Subject Matter Expert to lead the architectural evolution of internal deployment automation, drive a core Apache Kafka cluster migration, and establish best practices across the platform ecosystem.

This position demands exceptional personal ownership, transparent communication, and fundamental technical mastery. You will operate autonomously, identify infrastructure bottlenecks independently, and build production-grade tooling without relying on unverified AI code generators.

The Role

• Publishing Tooling & Automation: Architect, write, and maintain infrastructure deployment tools and automation scripts in Python or Golang for publishing platform engineers.
• Kafka Cluster Migration: Lead the technical planning, data streaming pipeline setup, and execution for a core Apache Kafka cluster migration.
• Cloud & Container Orchestration: Manage AWS infrastructure using Terraform, maintain Kubernetes clusters, author Helm charts, and optimize Docker container environments.
• CI/CD & Operational Observability: Build, maintain, and troubleshoot Jenkins CI/CD automation pipelines while monitoring platform health via Datadog.
• Technical Leadership & Best Practices: Partner directly with publishing stakeholders, identify platform friction points independently, and mentor team members through code reviews and architecture standards.

The \"Must-Haves\"

• Expertise in Python (Golang is a plus) for backend development.
• Deep knowledge of cloud infrastructure (AWS preferred; GCP or Azure transferable).
• Strong experience with containerization and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Proficient with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform or equivalent).
• Solid understanding and hands-on experience with Kafka (clusters, streaming, migrations).
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and operational tooling (e.g., Datadog, Jenkins).
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.

The \"Bonus\" Skills

• Experience with Machine Learning infrastructure or platforms.
• Background in gaming infrastructure or large-scale platform engineering.
• Experience mentoring engineers or leading technical initiatives.
• Someone above senior level - a true Subject Matter Expert (SME) who can operate autonomously and drive engineering excellence.
• Highly self-motivated and proactive, identifying opportunities for process and tooling improvements.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with multiple stakeholders and a focus on high-impact results.