Hey everyone! I'm currently trying to leave a failing startup after spending 3.5 years in DevOps and around 7 years in Sysadmin/DBA roles. I've been the main individual contributor on my team and also have some leadership responsibilities. Now I'm on the lookout for a new position, preferably as a Senior DevOps Engineer, SRE, or in Cloud Platform roles. I'm aiming for a salary of at least $170k, but I'm open to negotiating down to $150k if necessary. I'm also seeking a fully remote position. One thing to note is that my Kubernetes experience is mainly limited to EKS. Am I being unrealistic with my expectations? I haven't had much luck with job applications so far. Below is a snapshot of my resume to give you an idea of my skills and experiences.
5 Answers
Just a thought—your resume might need some polishing. If you're targeting that $170k salary, it’s vital to convey your value well. For remote positions, salaries can vary, so if you're flexible with roles, think about targeting industries like fintech or the financial sector where the pay can be higher. Also, consider whether you're looking for another managerial position or if you'd prefer an individual contributor role; it can impact how you market yourself. Maybe tweak your job title to reflect 'Tech Lead' or 'DevOps Team Lead' instead of just 'Manager' on your resume for a broader appeal.
Your compensation request is aligned with what you’d expect for a senior DevOps role. Don't sell yourself short!
Your salary expectations of 150-170k definitely seem reasonable, especially given your experience. I've been working remotely for about 13 years now and noticed that while salaries for remote positions dipped post-COVID, there are still many jobs out there, though they’re harder to come by now. I'm observing that many recruiters are offering around 150-175k for senior remote roles. Keep applying!
It doesn’t seem unreasonable at all, but just know that remote job options have diminished quite a bit recently. Staying persistent in your search is key!
I wouldn't worry too much about your kube experience just being with EKS; in my opinion, it’s not a deal-breaker. Kubernetes' core functionalities are pretty much the same across major providers. If you’re already comfortable with EKS, transitioning to GKE or AKS shouldn’t be an issue for you.
I like the idea of 'DevOps Team Lead'! It sounds impactful without losing your management experience.