If you don't mind learning a new language (golang and it's not particularly a difficult language), then you should consider joining our Kubernetes SIG Instrumentation meetings (https://groups.google.com/g/kubernetes-sig-instrumentation). We're particularly well suited for people who want to get their feet wet, and despite our focus being instrumentation in Kubernetes, the kind of work that we do varies a bit, we've written hand-rolled parsers for promql, CLI tools, static analysis tools which analyze metrics across the kubernetes codebase, etc. That google group should have a calendar link on top, if you subscribe, you'll be auto-invited to our meetings :) Hope to see you there!