Network Systems Engineer

Overview

Kurnl builds and operates open-access fibre infrastructure for multi-family buildings. Our platform supports multiple Internet Service Providers (ISPs) on shared network infrastructure while enabling resident choice and a more flexible long-term connectivity model for property owners.

Our operational environment combines carrier connectivity, Linux-based network services, automation, observability, and infrastructure-as-software practices to support a growing fibre platform.

We’re looking for a Network Systems Engineer with strong Linux systems experience to help operate and evolve this environment. You’ll improve systems, automate repetitive operational work, and take long-term ownership of reliability, visibility, and operational stability across the platform.

This is not a traditional enterprise networking role. While networking fundamentals are important, much of the work happens in Linux, containers, automation, monitoring, and infrastructure operations, with networking as a core discipline.

What You’ll Do

Operate Linux-Based Network & Platform Infrastructure

• Administer Linux (Debian-based) systems as primary network and service hosts
• Run network services directly on Linux (VPN, DNS/DHCP, reverse proxies, ingress)
• Deploy and manage containerized services using Docker and Docker Compose
• Support virtualization platforms running VMs and containe

Networking & Connectivity

• Operate VPN infrastructure (e.g. WireGuard-based systems)
• Maintain routing, switching, VLANs, and managed switching environments
• Operate DNS and DHCP services
• Support automated TLS certificate management
• Configure and operate router infrastructure, including dynamic routing protocols

Observability & Reliability

• Maintain monitoring, metrics, and alerting across systems
• Diagnose and resolve issues across network, Linux, routing, container, and application layers using monitoring and observability tooling
• Participate in incident response and root-cause analysis

Automation & Infrastructure as Code

• Automate provisioning and configuration using Ansible
• Support CI/CD and infrastructure automation workflows
• Maintain accurate infrastructure and network inventory

Cross-Team Collaboration

• Support backend and platform services that depend on the network
• Work closely with engineering and operations teams
• Contribute to deployment standards, documentation, and operational practices
• Help evolve infrastructure practices as Kurnl scales

Routing & Carrier Connectivity

• Support rollout of BGP-based upstream connectivity
• Help maintain routing policy, redundancy, and failover systems
• Work with routing daemons and external carrier connectivity
• Support IRR/ARIN registry management and routing visibility

What Success Looks Like

• Linux systems are stable, observable, and well understood
• Network services are reliable and recover quickly from failure
• Automation reduces manual effort and operational risk
• Monitoring and visibility improve operational confidence
• Infrastructure scales without unnecessary operational complexity
• Systems become simpler, more maintainable, and easier to operate over time

What We’re Looking For

Required

• Strong Linux system administration experience
• Solid networking fundamentals (routing, DNS, VPNs, SNMP)
• Experience running network services directly on Linux systems
• Hands-on experience with containers (Docker / Docker Compose)
• Ability to troubleshoot across networking, OS, and application layers
• Basic understanding of routing protocols (e.g. BGP concepts and peering fundamentals)
• Comfort working in a highly technical, hands-on operational environment
• Strong problem-solving and systems-thinking mindset

Nice to Have

• Experience with Proxmox or similar virtualization platforms
• Experience with WireGuard or modern VPN technologies
• Experience with Nginx, reverse proxies, or ingress systems
• Experience with monitoring platforms such as CheckMK, Prometheus, or Grafana
• Experience with Ansible or infrastructure automation tooling
• ISP, telecom, hosting, or service-provider infrastructure experience
• Familiarity with BGP, routing daemons (FRR/Bird), and carrier connectivity
• Exposure to BFD, IRR/ARIN databases, or routing policy management

How We Work

• Linux-first, automation-driven infrastructure
• Small team with meaningful ownership and visibility
• Opportunity to help shape operational standards and infrastructure practices early
• Production infrastructure with real-world operational impact
• Preference for practical engineering over unnecessary complexity

This role offers the opportunity to work across networking, Linux infrastructure, automation, observability, and service-provider systems in a growing fibre platform environment.

If this role excites you but you don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply.

Compensation

• Expected base salary range: $100,000–$120,000 CAD, depending on experience, technical depth, and alignment with the role.

How to Apply

Apply via LinkedIn with your resume. Shortlisted candidates will be asked about:

• A Linux-based system or network you’ve operated in production
• How you approach reliability and observability
• Why a Linux-first network infrastructure role appeals to you