diff --git a/.github/workflows/README.md b/.github/workflows/README.md
index f907f3407..0d9368258 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/README.md
+++ b/.github/workflows/README.md
@@ -49,3 +49,34 @@ ssh pulse-relay "curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/rcourtman/Pulse/ma
 - ✅ Validates install script works on real server
 - ✅ Removes manual step from release process
 - ✅ Free to run (public repos get unlimited GitHub Actions minutes)
+
+## Helm CI
+
+**File**: `helm-ci.yml`
+
+Runs `helm lint --strict` and renders the chart with common configuration combinations on every pull request that touches Helm content (and on pushes to `main`). This prevents regressions before they land.
+
+- Triggered by PRs/pushes touching `deploy/helm/**`, docs, or the workflow itself
+- Uses Helm v3.15.2
+- Renders both the default deployment and an agent-enabled configuration to catch template issues
+
+## Publish Helm Chart
+
+**File**: `publish-helm-chart.yml`
+
+Packages the Helm chart and pushes it to the GitHub Container Registry (OCI) whenever a GitHub Release is published. Also makes the packaged `.tgz` available as both an Actions artifact and a release asset. The same behaviour can be triggered locally via `./scripts/package-helm-chart.sh <version> [--push]`.
+
+- Triggered automatically on `release: published`, or manually via workflow dispatch (requires `chart_version` input)
+- Chart and app versions mirror the Pulse release tag (e.g., `v4.24.0` → `4.24.0`)
+- Publishes to `oci://ghcr.io/<owner>/pulse-chart`
+- Requires no additional secrets—uses the built-in `GITHUB_TOKEN` with `packages: write` permission
+
+## Helm Integration (Kind)
+
+**File**: `helm-integration.yml`
+
+Creates a disposable Kind cluster, installs the chart, waits for the hub deployment to report ready, and performs a `/health` smoke check from inside the cluster.
+
+- Triggered alongside the lint workflow for PRs/pushes touching Helm content
+- Disables persistence to keep the Kind cluster lightweight
+- Provides early detection of runtime issues (missing secrets, invalid probes, etc.)
diff --git a/.github/workflows/helm-ci.yml b/.github/workflows/helm-ci.yml
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..533857202
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/workflows/helm-ci.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,48 @@
+name: Helm CI
+
+on:
+  push:
+    branches: [main]
+    paths:
+      - "deploy/helm/**"
+      - ".github/workflows/helm-ci.yml"
+      - "docs/KUBERNETES.md"
+      - "README.md"
+  pull_request:
+    paths:
+      - "deploy/helm/**"
+      - ".github/workflows/helm-ci.yml"
+      - "docs/KUBERNETES.md"
+      - "README.md"
+  workflow_dispatch: {}
+
+jobs:
+  lint:
+    name: Lint and Render Chart
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    steps:
+      - name: Checkout repository
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+
+      - name: Set up Helm
+        uses: azure/setup-helm@v4
+        with:
+          version: v3.15.2
+
+      - name: Helm lint (strict)
+        run: helm lint deploy/helm/pulse --strict
+
+      - name: Render default manifests
+        run: helm template pulse deploy/helm/pulse > /tmp/pulse-rendered.yaml
+
+      - name: Render agent-enabled manifests
+        run: |
+          helm template pulse deploy/helm/pulse \
+            --set agent.enabled=true \
+            --set agent.kind=Deployment \
+            --set agent.secretEnv.create=true \
+            --set agent.secretEnv.data.PULSE_TOKEN=dummy-token \
+            --set server.secretEnv.create=true \
+            --set server.secretEnv.data.API_TOKENS=dummy-token \
+            --set persistence.enabled=false \
+            > /tmp/pulse-agent-rendered.yaml
diff --git a/.github/workflows/helm-integration.yml b/.github/workflows/helm-integration.yml
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..d80079742
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/workflows/helm-integration.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,58 @@
+name: Helm Integration
+
+on:
+  push:
+    branches: [main]
+    paths:
+      - "deploy/helm/**"
+      - ".github/workflows/helm-*.yml"
+      - "docs/KUBERNETES.md"
+      - "README.md"
+  pull_request:
+    paths:
+      - "deploy/helm/**"
+      - ".github/workflows/helm-*.yml"
+      - "docs/KUBERNETES.md"
+      - "README.md"
+  workflow_dispatch: {}
+
+jobs:
+  kind-smoke-test:
+    name: Deploy to Kind and Smoke Test
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    timeout-minutes: 15
+    steps:
+      - name: Checkout repository
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+
+      - name: Set up Helm
+        uses: azure/setup-helm@v4
+        with:
+          version: v3.15.2
+
+      - name: Create Kind cluster
+        uses: helm/kind-action@v1.8.0
+        with:
+          wait: 120s
+
+      - name: Install Pulse chart
+        run: |
+          helm upgrade --install pulse ./deploy/helm/pulse \
+            --namespace pulse \
+            --create-namespace \
+            --set persistence.enabled=false \
+            --set server.secretEnv.create=true \
+            --set server.secretEnv.data.API_TOKENS=dummy-token \
+            --wait \
+            --timeout 5m
+
+      - name: Verify deployment is available
+        run: kubectl -n pulse wait --for=condition=available deployment/pulse --timeout=120s
+
+      - name: Hit health endpoint from inside the cluster
+        run: |
+          kubectl -n pulse run smoke-test \
+            --rm \
+            --image=curlimages/curl:8.3.0 \
+            --restart=Never \
+            -- curl -fsS http://pulse:7655/health
diff --git a/.github/workflows/publish-helm-chart.yml b/.github/workflows/publish-helm-chart.yml
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..7add732ed
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/workflows/publish-helm-chart.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,92 @@
+name: Publish Helm Chart
+
+on:
+  release:
+    types: [published]
+  workflow_dispatch:
+    inputs:
+      chart_version:
+        description: "Chart version (required when running manually, use format 4.24.0)"
+        required: true
+      app_version:
+        description: "Application version to embed (defaults to chart version)"
+        required: false
+
+jobs:
+  publish:
+    name: Package and Push Helm Chart
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    permissions:
+      contents: read
+      packages: write
+    steps:
+      - name: Checkout repository
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+
+      - name: Set up Helm
+        uses: azure/setup-helm@v4
+        with:
+          version: v3.15.2
+
+      - name: Determine chart version
+        id: versions
+        run: |
+          if [ "${{ github.event_name }}" = "workflow_dispatch" ]; then
+            CHART_VERSION="${{ inputs.chart_version }}"
+            if [ -z "$CHART_VERSION" ]; then
+              echo "::error::chart_version input is required when running manually"
+              exit 1
+            fi
+            APP_VERSION="${{ inputs.app_version }}"
+            if [ -z "$APP_VERSION" ]; then
+              APP_VERSION="$CHART_VERSION"
+            fi
+            RELEASE_TAG="$CHART_VERSION"
+          else
+            RELEASE_TAG="${{ github.event.release.tag_name }}"
+            if [ -z "$RELEASE_TAG" ]; then
+              echo "::error::Release tag is empty"
+              exit 1
+            fi
+            CHART_VERSION="${RELEASE_TAG#v}"
+            APP_VERSION="$CHART_VERSION"
+          fi
+
+          echo "chart_version=$CHART_VERSION" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
+          echo "app_version=$APP_VERSION" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
+          echo "release_tag=$RELEASE_TAG" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
+
+      - name: Helm lint (strict)
+        run: helm lint deploy/helm/pulse --strict
+
+      - name: Package chart
+        run: |
+          mkdir -p dist
+          helm package deploy/helm/pulse \
+            --version "${{ steps.versions.outputs.chart_version }}" \
+            --app-version "${{ steps.versions.outputs.app_version }}" \
+            --destination dist
+
+      - name: Upload packaged chart artifact
+        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4
+        with:
+          name: pulse-chart-${{ steps.versions.outputs.chart_version }}
+          path: dist/pulse-${{ steps.versions.outputs.chart_version }}.tgz
+
+      - name: Authenticate with GHCR
+        run: |
+          echo "${{ github.token }}" | helm registry login ghcr.io --username "${{ github.actor }}" --password-stdin
+
+      - name: Push chart to GHCR
+        run: |
+          helm push dist/pulse-${{ steps.versions.outputs.chart_version }}.tgz \
+            oci://ghcr.io/${{ github.repository_owner }}/pulse-chart
+
+      - name: Attach chart to release
+        if: github.event_name == 'release'
+        env:
+          GITHUB_TOKEN: ${{ github.token }}
+        run: |
+          gh release upload "${{ steps.versions.outputs.release_tag }}" \
+            dist/pulse-${{ steps.versions.outputs.chart_version }}.tgz \
+            --clobber
diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
index b51fb3eb9..6457d0ae5 100644
--- a/.gitignore
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 # Binaries
 /bin/
-pulse
+/pulse
 
 # Logs
 *.log
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index b95e8e0e8..b1dacc6c4 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -84,6 +84,14 @@ docker run -d -p 7655:7655 -v pulse_data:/data rcourtman/pulse:latest
 
 # Testing: Install from main branch source (for testing latest fixes)
 curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/rcourtman/Pulse/main/install.sh | bash -s -- --main
+
+# Alternative: Kubernetes (Helm)
+helm registry login ghcr.io
+helm install pulse oci://ghcr.io/rcourtman/pulse-chart \
+  --version $(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/rcourtman/Pulse/main/VERSION) \
+  --namespace pulse \
+  --create-namespace
+# Replace the VERSION lookup with a specific release if you need to pin. For local development, see docs/KUBERNETES.md.
 ```
 
 **Proxmox users**: The installer detects PVE hosts and automatically creates an optimized LXC container. Choose Quick mode for one-minute setup.
diff --git a/deploy/helm/pulse/Chart.yaml b/deploy/helm/pulse/Chart.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..e905dde05
--- /dev/null
+++ b/deploy/helm/pulse/Chart.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,17 @@
+apiVersion: v2
+name: pulse
+description: Helm chart for deploying the Pulse hub and optional Docker monitoring agent.
+type: application
+version: 0.1.0
+appVersion: "4.24.0"
+icon: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/rcourtman/Pulse/main/docs/images/pulse-logo.svg
+keywords:
+  - monitoring
+  - proxmox
+  - observability
+home: https://github.com/rcourtman/Pulse
+sources:
+  - https://github.com/rcourtman/Pulse
+maintainers:
+  - name: Pulse Maintainers
+    email: pulse@rcourtman.dev
diff --git a/deploy/helm/pulse/README.md b/deploy/helm/pulse/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..a3cf08f18
--- /dev/null
+++ b/deploy/helm/pulse/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,41 @@
+# Pulse Helm Chart
+
+This chart deploys the Pulse hub (web UI + API) and, optionally, the Docker monitoring agent.
+
+## Installing from GHCR
+
+```bash
+helm registry login ghcr.io
+helm install pulse oci://ghcr.io/rcourtman/pulse-chart \
+  --version $(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/rcourtman/Pulse/main/VERSION) \
+  --namespace pulse \
+  --create-namespace
+```
+
+Replace the inline `curl` command if you need to pin to a specific release. The chart version tracks the Pulse release version (e.g., Pulse `v4.24.0` → chart `4.24.0`).
+
+## Common Values
+
+| Key | Description | Default |
+| --- | --- | --- |
+| `persistence.enabled` | Persist /data using a PVC. Disable for ephemeral testing. | `true` |
+| `ingress.enabled` | Create an Ingress resource. Configure hosts/TLS via `ingress.hosts` and `ingress.tls`. | `false` |
+| `server.secretEnv` | Manage sensitive env vars (API tokens, auth secrets). Enable `create` or point at an existing secret. | `{}` |
+| `agent.enabled` | Deploy the Docker agent as a DaemonSet or Deployment. Requires access to the Docker socket by default. | `false` |
+
+See `values.yaml` for the full list of overridable settings.
+
+## Local Development
+
+Install from the working copy when testing chart changes:
+
+```bash
+helm upgrade --install pulse ./deploy/helm/pulse \
+  --namespace pulse \
+  --create-namespace \
+  --set persistence.enabled=false \
+  --set server.secretEnv.create=true \
+  --set server.secretEnv.data.API_TOKENS=dummy-token
+```
+
+For more deployment details (ingress, agent, persistence options), refer to `docs/KUBERNETES.md`.
diff --git a/deploy/helm/pulse/templates/NOTES.txt b/deploy/helm/pulse/templates/NOTES.txt
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..7235c3c74
--- /dev/null
+++ b/deploy/helm/pulse/templates/NOTES.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+1. Pulse hub URL: http://{{ include "pulse.fullname" . }}:{{ .Values.service.port }}
+   (Adjust if using ingress or LoadBalancer.)
+2. Create an API token from the Pulse UI under Settings → Security for the Docker agent.
+3. Deploy the optional agent by enabling `agent.enabled` and providing your server URL and token.
diff --git a/deploy/helm/pulse/templates/_helpers.tpl b/deploy/helm/pulse/templates/_helpers.tpl
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..24e4b31dc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/deploy/helm/pulse/templates/_helpers.tpl
@@ -0,0 +1,97 @@
+{{/*
+Expand the name of the chart.
+*/}}
+{{- define "pulse.name" -}}
+{{- default .Chart.Name .Values.nameOverride | trunc 63 | trimSuffix "-" -}}
+{{- end -}}
+
+{{/*
+Create a default fully qualified app name.
+*/}}
+{{- define "pulse.fullname" -}}
+{{- if .Values.fullnameOverride -}}
+{{- .Values.fullnameOverride | trunc 63 | trimSuffix "-" -}}
+{{- else -}}
+{{- $name := default .Chart.Name .Values.nameOverride -}}
+{{- if contains $name .Release.Name -}}
+{{- .Release.Name | trunc 63 | trimSuffix "-" -}}
+{{- else -}}
+{{- printf "%s-%s" .Release.Name $name | trunc 63 | trimSuffix "-" -}}
+{{- end -}}
+{{- end -}}
+{{- end -}}
+
+{{/*
+Create chart label.
+*/}}
+{{- define "pulse.chart" -}}
+{{- printf "%s-%s" .Chart.Name .Chart.Version | replace "+" "_" | trunc 63 | trimSuffix "-" -}}
+{{- end -}}
+
+{{/*
+Common labels.
+*/}}
+{{- define "pulse.labels" -}}
+helm.sh/chart: {{ include "pulse.chart" . }}
+{{ include "pulse.selectorLabels" . }}
+{{- if .Chart.AppVersion }}
+app.kubernetes.io/version: {{ .Chart.AppVersion | quote }}
+{{- end }}
+app.kubernetes.io/managed-by: {{ .Release.Service }}
+{{- end -}}
+
+{{/*
+Selector labels.
+*/}}
+{{- define "pulse.selectorLabels" -}}
+app.kubernetes.io/name: {{ include "pulse.name" . }}
+app.kubernetes.io/instance: {{ .Release.Name }}
+{{- end -}}
+
+{{/*
+Return the name of the service account to use.
+*/}}
+{{- define "pulse.serviceAccountName" -}}
+{{- if .Values.serviceAccount.create -}}
+{{- default (printf "%s-sa" (include "pulse.fullname" .)) .Values.serviceAccount.name -}}
+{{- else -}}
+{{- default "default" .Values.serviceAccount.name -}}
+{{- end -}}
+{{- end -}}
+
+{{/*
+Return the server secret name (Pulse hub env vars).
+*/}}
+{{- define "pulse.serverSecretName" -}}
+{{- $secret := .Values.server.secretEnv -}}
+{{- if $secret.name -}}
+{{- $secret.name -}}
+{{- else -}}
+{{- printf "%s-server-env" (include "pulse.fullname" .) -}}
+{{- end -}}
+{{- end -}}
+
+{{/*
+Return the agent secret name.
+*/}}
+{{- define "pulse.agentSecretName" -}}
+{{- $secret := .Values.agent.secretEnv -}}
+{{- if $secret.name -}}
+{{- $secret.name -}}
+{{- else -}}
+{{- printf "%s-agent-env" (include "pulse.fullname" .) -}}
+{{- end -}}
+{{- end -}}
+
+{{/*
+Return the agent service account name.
+*/}}
+{{- define "pulse.agentServiceAccountName" -}}
+{{- if .Values.agent.serviceAccount.create -}}
+{{- default (printf "%s-agent" (include "pulse.fullname" .)) .Values.agent.serviceAccount.name -}}
+{{- else if .Values.agent.serviceAccount.name -}}
+{{- .Values.agent.serviceAccount.name -}}
+{{- else -}}
+{{- include "pulse.serviceAccountName" . -}}
+{{- end -}}
+{{- end -}}
diff --git a/deploy/helm/pulse/templates/agent-secret.yaml b/deploy/helm/pulse/templates/agent-secret.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..fdadfc363
--- /dev/null
+++ b/deploy/helm/pulse/templates/agent-secret.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+{{- $secret := .Values.agent.secretEnv }}
+{{- if and .Values.agent.enabled $secret.create (gt (len $secret.data) 0) }}
+apiVersion: v1
+kind: Secret
+metadata:
+  name: {{ include "pulse.agentSecretName" . }}
+  labels:
+    {{- include "pulse.labels" . | nindent 4 }}
+type: Opaque
+data:
+  {{- range $key, $value := $secret.data }}
+  {{ $key }}: {{ $value | toString | b64enc }}
+  {{- end }}
+{{- end }}
diff --git a/deploy/helm/pulse/templates/agent-serviceaccount.yaml b/deploy/helm/pulse/templates/agent-serviceaccount.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..253378a9e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/deploy/helm/pulse/templates/agent-serviceaccount.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,12 @@
+{{- if and .Values.agent.enabled .Values.agent.serviceAccount.create }}
+apiVersion: v1
+kind: ServiceAccount
+metadata:
+  name: {{ default (printf "%s-agent" (include "pulse.fullname" .)) .Values.agent.serviceAccount.name }}
+  labels:
+    {{- include "pulse.labels" . | nindent 4 }}
+  {{- with .Values.agent.serviceAccount.annotations }}
+  annotations:
+    {{- toYaml . | nindent 4 }}
+  {{- end }}
+{{- end }}
diff --git a/deploy/helm/pulse/templates/agent.yaml b/deploy/helm/pulse/templates/agent.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..9954449a5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/deploy/helm/pulse/templates/agent.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,125 @@
+{{- if .Values.agent.enabled }}
+{{- $kind := default "DaemonSet" .Values.agent.kind | lower }}
+{{- $isDaemon := eq $kind "daemonset" }}
+{{- $workloadName := printf "%s-agent" (include "pulse.fullname" .) }}
+apiVersion: apps/v1
+kind: {{ if $isDaemon }}DaemonSet{{ else }}Deployment{{ end }}
+metadata:
+  name: {{ $workloadName }}
+  labels:
+    {{- include "pulse.labels" . | nindent 4 }}
+    app.kubernetes.io/component: agent
+spec:
+  {{- if not $isDaemon }}
+  replicas: {{ .Values.agent.replicaCount }}
+  {{- end }}
+  selector:
+    matchLabels:
+      {{- include "pulse.selectorLabels" . | nindent 6 }}
+      app.kubernetes.io/component: agent
+  {{- if $isDaemon }}
+  updateStrategy:
+    type: RollingUpdate
+  {{- end }}
+  template:
+    metadata:
+      labels:
+        {{- include "pulse.selectorLabels" . | nindent 8 }}
+        app.kubernetes.io/component: agent
+        {{- with .Values.agent.podLabels }}
+        {{- toYaml . | nindent 8 }}
+        {{- end }}
+      {{- if .Values.agent.podAnnotations }}
+      annotations:
+        {{- toYaml .Values.agent.podAnnotations | nindent 8 }}
+      {{- end }}
+    spec:
+      serviceAccountName: {{ include "pulse.agentServiceAccountName" . }}
+      {{- $podSecurityContext := .Values.agent.podSecurityContext }}
+      {{- if $podSecurityContext }}
+      securityContext:
+        {{- toYaml $podSecurityContext | nindent 8 }}
+      {{- end }}
+      containers:
+        - name: pulse-docker-agent
+          image: "{{ .Values.agent.image.repository }}:{{ default .Chart.AppVersion .Values.agent.image.tag }}"
+          imagePullPolicy: {{ .Values.agent.image.pullPolicy }}
+          {{- if .Values.agent.args }}
+          args:
+            {{- toYaml .Values.agent.args | nindent 12 }}
+          {{- end }}
+          {{- $csec := .Values.agent.securityContext }}
+          {{- if $csec }}
+          securityContext:
+            {{- toYaml $csec | nindent 12 }}
+          {{- end }}
+          {{- $envList := list }}
+          {{- range .Values.agent.env }}
+          {{- $envList = append $envList . }}
+          {{- end }}
+          {{- range .Values.agent.extraEnv }}
+          {{- $envList = append $envList . }}
+          {{- end }}
+          {{- $secret := .Values.agent.secretEnv }}
+          {{- $secretKeys := list }}
+          {{- if $secret.keys }}
+          {{- $secretKeys = $secret.keys }}
+          {{- else if $secret.data }}
+          {{- $secretKeys = keys $secret.data }}
+          {{- end }}
+          {{- $root := . }}
+          {{- range $key := $secretKeys }}
+          {{- $envList = append $envList (dict "name" $key "valueFrom" (dict "secretKeyRef" (dict "name" (include "pulse.agentSecretName" $root) "key" $key))) }}
+          {{- end }}
+          {{- if $envList }}
+          env:
+            {{- toYaml $envList | nindent 12 }}
+          {{- end }}
+          {{- $envFrom := concat .Values.agent.envFrom .Values.agent.extraEnvFrom }}
+          {{- if $envFrom }}
+          envFrom:
+            {{- range $envFrom }}
+            {{- toYaml . | nindent 12 }}
+            {{- end }}
+          {{- end }}
+          {{- if or .Values.agent.dockerSocket.enabled .Values.agent.extraVolumeMounts }}
+          volumeMounts:
+            {{- if .Values.agent.dockerSocket.enabled }}
+            - name: docker-socket
+              mountPath: {{ .Values.agent.dockerSocket.path }}
+            {{- end }}
+            {{- with .Values.agent.extraVolumeMounts }}
+            {{- toYaml . | nindent 12 }}
+            {{- end }}
+          {{- end }}
+          {{- with .Values.agent.resources }}
+          resources:
+            {{- toYaml . | nindent 12 }}
+          {{- end }}
+      {{- if or .Values.agent.dockerSocket.enabled .Values.agent.extraVolumes }}
+      volumes:
+        {{- if .Values.agent.dockerSocket.enabled }}
+        - name: docker-socket
+          hostPath:
+            path: {{ .Values.agent.dockerSocket.path }}
+            {{- with .Values.agent.dockerSocket.hostPathType }}
+            type: {{ . }}
+            {{- end }}
+        {{- end }}
+        {{- with .Values.agent.extraVolumes }}
+        {{- toYaml . | nindent 8 }}
+        {{- end }}
+      {{- end }}
+      {{- with .Values.agent.nodeSelector }}
+      nodeSelector:
+        {{- toYaml . | nindent 8 }}
+      {{- end }}
+      {{- with .Values.agent.affinity }}
+      affinity:
+        {{- toYaml . | nindent 8 }}
+      {{- end }}
+      {{- with .Values.agent.tolerations }}
+      tolerations:
+        {{- toYaml . | nindent 8 }}
+      {{- end }}
+{{- end }}
diff --git a/deploy/helm/pulse/templates/deployment.yaml b/deploy/helm/pulse/templates/deployment.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..7e2d2abfe
--- /dev/null
+++ b/deploy/helm/pulse/templates/deployment.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,135 @@
+apiVersion: apps/v1
+kind: Deployment
+metadata:
+  name: {{ include "pulse.fullname" . }}
+  labels:
+    {{- include "pulse.labels" . | nindent 4 }}
+spec:
+  replicas: {{ .Values.replicaCount }}
+  selector:
+    matchLabels:
+      {{- include "pulse.selectorLabels" . | nindent 6 }}
+  template:
+    metadata:
+      labels:
+        {{- include "pulse.selectorLabels" . | nindent 8 }}
+        {{- with .Values.server.podLabels }}
+        {{- toYaml . | nindent 8 }}
+        {{- end }}
+      {{- $podAnnotations := merge (dict) .Values.podAnnotations .Values.server.podAnnotations }}
+      {{- if $podAnnotations }}
+      annotations:
+        {{- toYaml $podAnnotations | nindent 8 }}
+      {{- end }}
+    spec:
+      serviceAccountName: {{ include "pulse.serviceAccountName" . }}
+      {{- $podSecurityContext := merge (dict) .Values.podSecurityContext .Values.server.podSecurityContext }}
+      {{- if $podSecurityContext }}
+      securityContext:
+        {{- toYaml $podSecurityContext | nindent 8 }}
+      {{- end }}
+      {{- with .Values.imagePullSecrets }}
+      imagePullSecrets:
+        {{- toYaml . | nindent 8 }}
+      {{- end }}
+      containers:
+        - name: pulse
+          image: "{{ .Values.image.repository }}:{{ default .Chart.AppVersion .Values.image.tag }}"
+          imagePullPolicy: {{ .Values.image.pullPolicy }}
+          ports:
+            - name: http
+              containerPort: 7655
+          {{- $containerSecurityContext := merge (dict) .Values.securityContext .Values.server.securityContext }}
+          {{- if $containerSecurityContext }}
+          securityContext:
+            {{- toYaml $containerSecurityContext | nindent 12 }}
+          {{- end }}
+          {{- $envList := list }}
+          {{- range .Values.server.env }}
+          {{- $envList = append $envList . }}
+          {{- end }}
+          {{- range .Values.server.extraEnv }}
+          {{- $envList = append $envList . }}
+          {{- end }}
+          {{- $secret := .Values.server.secretEnv }}
+          {{- $secretKeys := list }}
+          {{- if $secret.keys }}
+          {{- $secretKeys = $secret.keys }}
+          {{- else if $secret.data }}
+          {{- $secretKeys = keys $secret.data }}
+          {{- end }}
+          {{- $root := . }}
+          {{- range $key := $secretKeys }}
+          {{- $envList = append $envList (dict "name" $key "valueFrom" (dict "secretKeyRef" (dict "name" (include "pulse.serverSecretName" $root) "key" $key))) }}
+          {{- end }}
+          {{- if $envList }}
+          env:
+            {{- toYaml $envList | nindent 12 }}
+          {{- end }}
+          {{- $envFrom := concat .Values.server.envFrom .Values.server.extraEnvFrom }}
+          {{- if $envFrom }}
+          envFrom:
+            {{- range $envFrom }}
+            {{- toYaml . | nindent 12 }}
+            {{- end }}
+          {{- end }}
+          volumeMounts:
+            - name: data
+              mountPath: /data
+            {{- with .Values.server.extraVolumeMounts }}
+            {{- toYaml . | nindent 12 }}
+            {{- end }}
+          {{- with .Values.server.livenessProbe }}
+          {{- if .enabled }}
+          livenessProbe:
+            httpGet:
+              path: {{ .path }}
+              port: http
+            initialDelaySeconds: {{ .initialDelaySeconds }}
+            periodSeconds: {{ .periodSeconds }}
+            timeoutSeconds: {{ .timeoutSeconds }}
+            failureThreshold: {{ .failureThreshold }}
+          {{- end }}
+          {{- end }}
+          {{- with .Values.server.readinessProbe }}
+          {{- if .enabled }}
+          readinessProbe:
+            httpGet:
+              path: {{ .path }}
+              port: http
+            initialDelaySeconds: {{ .initialDelaySeconds }}
+            periodSeconds: {{ .periodSeconds }}
+            timeoutSeconds: {{ .timeoutSeconds }}
+            failureThreshold: {{ .failureThreshold }}
+          {{- end }}
+          {{- end }}
+          {{- with .Values.server.resources }}
+          resources:
+            {{- toYaml . | nindent 12 }}
+          {{- end }}
+      volumes:
+        - name: data
+          {{- if and .Values.persistence.enabled (not .Values.persistence.existingClaim) }}
+          persistentVolumeClaim:
+            claimName: {{ include "pulse.fullname" . }}
+          {{- else if and .Values.persistence.enabled .Values.persistence.existingClaim }}
+          persistentVolumeClaim:
+            claimName: {{ .Values.persistence.existingClaim }}
+          {{- else }}
+          emptyDir: {}
+          {{- end }}
+        {{- with .Values.server.extraVolumes }}
+        {{- toYaml . | nindent 8 }}
+        {{- end }}
+      {{- with .Values.server.nodeSelector }}
+      nodeSelector:
+        {{- toYaml . | nindent 8 }}
+      {{- end }}
+      {{- with .Values.server.affinity }}
+      affinity:
+        {{- toYaml . | nindent 8 }}
+      {{- end }}
+      {{- with .Values.server.tolerations }}
+      tolerations:
+        {{- toYaml . | nindent 8 }}
+      {{- end }}
diff --git a/deploy/helm/pulse/templates/ingress.yaml b/deploy/helm/pulse/templates/ingress.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..29fe95d75
--- /dev/null
+++ b/deploy/helm/pulse/templates/ingress.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+{{- if .Values.ingress.enabled }}
+apiVersion: networking.k8s.io/v1
+kind: Ingress
+metadata:
+  name: {{ include "pulse.fullname" . }}
+  labels:
+    {{- include "pulse.labels" . | nindent 4 }}
+  {{- with .Values.ingress.annotations }}
+  annotations:
+    {{- toYaml . | nindent 4 }}
+  {{- end }}
+spec:
+  {{- if .Values.ingress.className }}
+  ingressClassName: {{ .Values.ingress.className }}
+  {{- end }}
+  rules:
+    {{- range .Values.ingress.hosts }}
+    - host: {{ .host }}
+      http:
+        paths:
+          {{- range .paths }}
+          - path: {{ .path }}
+            pathType: {{ .pathType }}
+            backend:
+              service:
+                name: {{ include "pulse.fullname" $ }}
+                port:
+                  number: {{ $.Values.service.port }}
+          {{- end }}
+    {{- end }}
+  {{- if .Values.ingress.tls }}
+  tls:
+    {{- toYaml .Values.ingress.tls | nindent 4 }}
+  {{- end }}
+{{- end }}
diff --git a/deploy/helm/pulse/templates/pvc.yaml b/deploy/helm/pulse/templates/pvc.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..289ecce99
--- /dev/null
+++ b/deploy/helm/pulse/templates/pvc.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
+{{- if and .Values.persistence.enabled (not .Values.persistence.existingClaim) }}
+apiVersion: v1
+kind: PersistentVolumeClaim
+metadata:
+  name: {{ include "pulse.fullname" . }}
+  labels:
+    {{- include "pulse.labels" . | nindent 4 }}
+  {{- with .Values.persistence.annotations }}
+  annotations:
+    {{- toYaml . | nindent 4 }}
+  {{- end }}
+spec:
+  accessModes:
+    {{- toYaml .Values.persistence.accessModes | nindent 4 }}
+  resources:
+    requests:
+      storage: {{ .Values.persistence.size }}
+  {{- with .Values.persistence.storageClass }}
+  storageClassName: {{ . }}
+  {{- end }}
+{{- end }}
diff --git a/deploy/helm/pulse/templates/server-secret.yaml b/deploy/helm/pulse/templates/server-secret.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..fa06059b0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/deploy/helm/pulse/templates/server-secret.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+{{- $secret := .Values.server.secretEnv }}
+{{- if and $secret.create (gt (len $secret.data) 0) }}
+apiVersion: v1
+kind: Secret
+metadata:
+  name: {{ include "pulse.serverSecretName" . }}
+  labels:
+    {{- include "pulse.labels" . | nindent 4 }}
+type: Opaque
+data:
+  {{- range $key, $value := $secret.data }}
+  {{ $key }}: {{ $value | toString | b64enc }}
+  {{- end }}
+{{- end }}
diff --git a/deploy/helm/pulse/templates/service.yaml b/deploy/helm/pulse/templates/service.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..c3418d618
--- /dev/null
+++ b/deploy/helm/pulse/templates/service.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,30 @@
+apiVersion: v1
+kind: Service
+metadata:
+  name: {{ include "pulse.fullname" . }}
+  labels:
+    {{- include "pulse.labels" . | nindent 4 }}
+  {{- with .Values.service.annotations }}
+  annotations:
+    {{- toYaml . | nindent 4 }}
+  {{- end }}
+spec:
+  type: {{ .Values.service.type }}
+  {{- if and (eq .Values.service.type "LoadBalancer") .Values.service.loadBalancerIP }}
+  loadBalancerIP: {{ .Values.service.loadBalancerIP }}
+  {{- end }}
+  {{- if and (eq .Values.service.type "LoadBalancer") (ne .Values.service.externalTrafficPolicy "") }}
+  externalTrafficPolicy: {{ .Values.service.externalTrafficPolicy }}
+  {{- end }}
+  selector:
+    {{- include "pulse.selectorLabels" . | nindent 4 }}
+  ports:
+    - name: http
+      port: {{ .Values.service.port }}
+      targetPort: http
+      protocol: TCP
+      {{- if eq .Values.service.type "NodePort" }}
+      {{- with .Values.service.nodePort }}
+      nodePort: {{ . }}
+      {{- end }}
+      {{- end }}
diff --git a/deploy/helm/pulse/templates/serviceaccount.yaml b/deploy/helm/pulse/templates/serviceaccount.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..c263fa9fd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/deploy/helm/pulse/templates/serviceaccount.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,12 @@
+{{- if .Values.serviceAccount.create }}
+apiVersion: v1
+kind: ServiceAccount
+metadata:
+  name: {{ include "pulse.serviceAccountName" . }}
+  labels:
+    {{- include "pulse.labels" . | nindent 4 }}
+  {{- with .Values.serviceAccount.annotations }}
+  annotations:
+    {{- toYaml . | nindent 4 }}
+  {{- end }}
+{{- end }}
diff --git a/deploy/helm/pulse/values.yaml b/deploy/helm/pulse/values.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..8a501062f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/deploy/helm/pulse/values.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,137 @@
+# Default values for the Pulse Helm chart.
+# This file can be used as-is for a minimal installation or as a reference when
+# overriding values (for example with `-f custom-values.yaml`).
+
+replicaCount: 1
+
+image:
+  repository: rcourtman/pulse
+  # Overrides the image tag whose default is the chart appVersion.
+  tag: ""
+  pullPolicy: IfNotPresent
+
+imagePullSecrets: []
+nameOverride: ""
+fullnameOverride: ""
+
+serviceAccount:
+  create: true
+  annotations: {}
+  name: ""
+
+podAnnotations: {}
+podLabels: {}
+
+podSecurityContext: {}
+
+securityContext:
+  runAsNonRoot: true
+  runAsUser: 1000
+  runAsGroup: 1000
+  fsGroup: 1000
+
+service:
+  type: ClusterIP
+  port: 7655
+  annotations: {}
+  loadBalancerIP: ""
+  externalTrafficPolicy: Cluster
+
+ingress:
+  enabled: false
+  className: ""
+  annotations: {}
+  hosts:
+    - host: pulse.local
+      paths:
+        - path: /
+          pathType: Prefix
+  tls: []
+
+persistence:
+  enabled: true
+  existingClaim: ""
+  storageClass: ""
+  accessModes:
+    - ReadWriteOnce
+  size: 8Gi
+  annotations: {}
+
+server:
+  env:
+    - name: TZ
+      value: UTC
+  envFrom: []
+  extraEnv: []
+  extraEnvFrom: []
+  secretEnv:
+    create: false
+    name: ""
+    data: {}
+    keys: []
+  podAnnotations: {}
+  podLabels: {}
+  podSecurityContext: {}
+  securityContext: {}
+  extraVolumes: []
+  extraVolumeMounts: []
+  resources: {}
+  nodeSelector: {}
+  tolerations: []
+  affinity: {}
+  livenessProbe:
+    enabled: true
+    path: /
+    initialDelaySeconds: 20
+    periodSeconds: 30
+    timeoutSeconds: 5
+    failureThreshold: 3
+  readinessProbe:
+    enabled: true
+    path: /
+    initialDelaySeconds: 10
+    periodSeconds: 10
+    timeoutSeconds: 5
+    failureThreshold: 3
+
+agent:
+  enabled: false
+  kind: DaemonSet # Supported: DaemonSet | Deployment
+  replicaCount: 1
+  serviceAccount:
+    create: false
+    name: ""
+    annotations: {}
+  image:
+    repository: ghcr.io/rcourtman/pulse-docker-agent
+    tag: ""
+    pullPolicy: IfNotPresent
+  env:
+    - name: PULSE_URL
+      value: http://pulse:7655
+  envFrom: []
+  extraEnv: []
+  extraEnvFrom: []
+  secretEnv:
+    create: false
+    name: ""
+    data: {}
+    keys: []
+  args: []
+  resources: {}
+  podAnnotations: {}
+  podLabels: {}
+  podSecurityContext: {}
+  securityContext:
+    runAsUser: 0
+    runAsGroup: 0
+    privileged: false
+  nodeSelector: {}
+  tolerations: []
+  affinity: {}
+  dockerSocket:
+    enabled: true
+    path: /var/run/docker.sock
+    hostPathType: Socket
+  extraVolumes: []
+  extraVolumeMounts: []
diff --git a/docs/INSTALL.md b/docs/INSTALL.md
index a258ff070..ddc84a0cc 100644
--- a/docs/INSTALL.md
+++ b/docs/INSTALL.md
@@ -52,6 +52,26 @@ docker run -d -p 7655:7655 -v pulse_data:/data rcourtman/pulse:latest
 
 See [Docker Guide](DOCKER.md) for advanced options.
 
+### Kubernetes (Helm)
+
+Use the bundled Helm chart for Kubernetes clusters:
+
+```bash
+helm registry login ghcr.io
+helm install pulse oci://ghcr.io/rcourtman/pulse-chart \
+  --version $(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/rcourtman/Pulse/main/VERSION) \
+  --namespace pulse \
+  --create-namespace
+# Replace the VERSION lookup with a specific release tag (without "v") if you need to pin.
+
+# Developing locally? Install from the checked-out chart directory instead:
+# helm upgrade --install pulse ./deploy/helm/pulse \
+#   --namespace pulse \
+#   --create-namespace
+```
+
+Read the full [Kubernetes deployment guide](KUBERNETES.md) for ingress, persistence, and Docker agent configuration.
+
 ## Updating
 
 ### Automatic Updates (Recommended)
@@ -177,4 +197,4 @@ sudo rm /etc/systemd/system/pulse.service
 docker stop pulse
 docker rm pulse
 docker volume rm pulse_data  # Warning: deletes all data
-```
\ No newline at end of file
+```
diff --git a/docs/KUBERNETES.md b/docs/KUBERNETES.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..f196888fc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/KUBERNETES.md
@@ -0,0 +1,176 @@
+# Kubernetes Deployment (Helm)
+
+Deploy Pulse to Kubernetes with the bundled Helm chart under `deploy/helm/pulse`. The chart provisions the Pulse hub (web UI + API) and can optionally run the Docker monitoring agent alongside it. Stable builds are published automatically to the GitHub Container Registry (GHCR) whenever a Pulse release goes out.
+
+## Prerequisites
+
+- Kubernetes 1.24 or newer with access to a default `StorageClass`
+- Helm 3.9+
+- An ingress controller (only if you plan to expose Pulse through an Ingress)
+- (Optional) A Docker-compatible runtime on the nodes where you expect to run the Docker agent; the agent talks to `/var/run/docker.sock`
+
+## Installing from GHCR (recommended)
+
+1. Authenticate against GHCR (one-time step on each machine):
+
+   ```bash
+   helm registry login ghcr.io
+   ```
+
+2. Install the chart published for the latest Pulse release (swap the inline `curl` command with a pinned version if you need to lock upgrades):
+
+   ```bash
+   helm install pulse oci://ghcr.io/rcourtman/pulse-chart \
+     --version $(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/rcourtman/Pulse/main/VERSION) \
+     --namespace pulse \
+     --create-namespace
+   ```
+
+   The chart version tracks the Pulse release version. Check [GitHub Releases](https://github.com/rcourtman/Pulse/releases) or run `gh release list --limit 1` to find the newest tag if you prefer to specify it manually.
+
+3. Port-forward the service to finish the first-time security setup:
+
+   ```bash
+   kubectl -n pulse port-forward svc/pulse 7655:7655
+   ```
+
+4. Browse to `http://localhost:7655`, complete the security bootstrap (admin user + MFA + TLS preferences), and create an API token under **Settings → Security** for any automation or agents you plan to run.
+
+The chart mounts a PersistentVolumeClaim at `/data` so database files, credentials, and configuration survive pod restarts. By default it requests 8 GiB with `ReadWriteOnce` access—adjust via `persistence.*` in `values.yaml`.
+
+## Working From Source (local packaging)
+
+Need to test local modifications or work offline? Install directly from the checked-out repository:
+
+1. Clone the repository and switch into it.
+
+   ```bash
+   git clone https://github.com/rcourtman/Pulse.git
+   cd Pulse
+   ```
+
+2. Render or install the chart from `deploy/helm/pulse`:
+
+   ```bash
+   helm upgrade --install pulse ./deploy/helm/pulse \
+     --namespace pulse \
+     --create-namespace
+   ```
+
+3. Continue with the port-forward and initial setup steps described above.
+
+## Common Configuration
+
+Most day-to-day overrides are done in a custom values file:
+
+```yaml
+# file: helm-values.yaml
+service:
+  type: ClusterIP
+
+ingress:
+  enabled: true
+  className: nginx
+  hosts:
+    - host: pulse.example.com
+      paths:
+        - path: /
+          pathType: Prefix
+  tls:
+    - hosts: [pulse.example.com]
+      secretName: pulse-tls
+
+server:
+  env:
+    - name: TZ
+      value: Europe/Berlin
+  secretEnv:
+    create: true
+    data:
+      API_TOKENS: docker-agent-token
+```
+
+Install or upgrade with the overrides:
+
+```bash
+helm upgrade --install pulse ./deploy/helm/pulse \
+  --namespace pulse \
+  --create-namespace \
+  -f helm-values.yaml
+```
+
+The `server.secretEnv` block above pre-seeds one or more API tokens so the UI is immediately accessible and automation can authenticate. If you prefer to manage credentials separately, set `server.secretEnv.name` to reference an existing secret instead of letting the chart create one.
+
+### Accessing Pulse
+
+- **Port forward:** `kubectl -n pulse port-forward svc/pulse 7655:7655`
+- **Ingress:** Enable via the snippet above, or supply your own annotations for external DNS, TLS, etc.
+- **LoadBalancer:** Set `service.type: LoadBalancer` and, optionally, `service.loadBalancerIP`.
+
+### Persistence Options
+
+- `persistence.enabled`: Disable to use an ephemeral `emptyDir`
+- `persistence.existingClaim`: Bind to a pre-provisioned PVC
+- `persistence.storageClass`: Pin to a specific storage class
+- `persistence.size`: Resize the default PVC request
+
+## Enabling the Docker Agent
+
+The optional agent reports Docker host metrics back to the Pulse hub. Enable it once you have a valid API token:
+
+```yaml
+# agent-values.yaml
+agent:
+  enabled: true
+  env:
+    - name: PULSE_URL
+      value: https://pulse.example.com
+  secretEnv:
+    create: true
+    data:
+      PULSE_TOKEN: docker-agent-token
+  dockerSocket:
+    enabled: true
+    path: /var/run/docker.sock
+    hostPathType: Socket
+```
+
+Apply with (choose one):
+
+- **Published chart:**
+
+  ```bash
+  helm upgrade pulse oci://ghcr.io/rcourtman/pulse-chart \
+    --install \
+    --version <pulse-version> \
+    --namespace pulse \
+    -f agent-values.yaml
+  ```
+
+- **Local checkout:**
+
+  ```bash
+  helm upgrade --install pulse ./deploy/helm/pulse \
+    --namespace pulse \
+    -f agent-values.yaml
+  ```
+
+Notes:
+
+- The agent expects a Docker-compatible runtime and access to the Docker socket. Set `agent.dockerSocket.enabled: false` if you run the agent elsewhere or publish the Docker API securely.
+- Use separate API tokens per host; list multiple tokens with `;` or `,` separators in `PULSE_TARGETS` if needed.
+- Run the agent as a `DaemonSet` (default) to cover every node, or switch to `agent.kind: Deployment` for a single pod.
+
+## Upgrades and Removal
+
+- **Upgrade (GHCR):** `helm upgrade pulse oci://ghcr.io/rcourtman/pulse-chart --version <new-version> -n pulse -f <values.yaml>`
+- **Upgrade (source):** Re-run `helm upgrade --install pulse ./deploy/helm/pulse -f <values>` with updated overrides.
+- **Rollback:** `helm rollback pulse <revision>`
+- **Uninstall:** `helm uninstall pulse -n pulse` (PVCs remain unless you delete them manually)
+
+## Reference
+
+- Review every available option in `deploy/helm/pulse/values.yaml`
+- Inspect published charts without installing: `helm show values oci://ghcr.io/rcourtman/pulse-chart --version <version>`
+- Helm template rendering preview: `helm template pulse ./deploy/helm/pulse -f <values>`
+- `NOTES.txt` emitted by Helm summarizes the service endpoint and agent prerequisites after each install or upgrade
diff --git a/docs/RELEASE.md b/docs/RELEASE.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..afaa03aef
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/RELEASE.md
@@ -0,0 +1,72 @@
+# Pulse Release Checklist
+
+Use this checklist when preparing and publishing a new Pulse release.
+
+## Pre-release
+
+- [ ] Ensure `VERSION` is up to date and matches the tag you plan to cut (format `4.x.y`)
+- [ ] Confirm the Helm chart renders and installs locally:
+  ```bash
+  helm lint deploy/helm/pulse --strict
+  helm template pulse deploy/helm/pulse \
+    --set persistence.enabled=false \
+    --set server.secretEnv.create=true \
+    --set server.secretEnv.data.API_TOKENS=dummy-token
+  ```
+- [ ] (Optional) Run the Kind-based integration test locally:
+  ```bash
+  kind create cluster
+  helm upgrade --install pulse ./deploy/helm/pulse \
+    --namespace pulse \
+    --create-namespace \
+    --set persistence.enabled=false \
+    --set server.secretEnv.create=true \
+    --set server.secretEnv.data.API_TOKENS=dummy-token \
+    --wait
+  kubectl -n pulse get pods
+  kind delete cluster
+  ```
+
+## Publishing
+
+1. Tag the release (`git tag v4.x.y && git push origin v4.x.y`) or draft a GitHub release.
+
+2. Package the Helm chart locally so you can preview the artifact (the GitHub workflow performs the same command, but local packaging provides an explicit hand-off):
+   ```bash
+   ./scripts/package-helm-chart.sh 4.x.y
+   # Optional: push to GHCR after authenticating
+   # helm registry login ghcr.io
+   # ./scripts/package-helm-chart.sh 4.x.y --push
+   ```
+   The script emits `dist/pulse-4.x.y.tgz`, and `scripts/build-release.sh` copies the tarball into `release/` alongside the binary archives. Uploading can be handled manually with the `--push` flag or delegated to the automated workflow described below.
+   > `scripts/build-release.sh` automatically runs the same packaging step (unless you export `SKIP_HELM_PACKAGE=1`) so release archives and chart tarballs are produced together.
+
+3. If you rely on automation, monitor the **Publish Helm Chart** workflow (triggered by the release) to ensure it finishes successfully. When running entirely locally, skip this step and verify the push command completed.
+
+4. (Optional) Sign `release/checksums.txt` by exporting `SIGNING_KEY_ID=<gpg-key-id>` before running `scripts/build-release.sh`, or re-run the signing step manually:
+   ```bash
+   SIGNING_KEY_ID=<gpg-key-id> ./scripts/build-release.sh
+   # or sign later
+   gpg --detach-sign --armor --local-user <gpg-key-id> release/checksums.txt
+   ```
+   Publish both `checksums.txt` and `checksums.txt.asc` so users can verify artifacts:
+   ```bash
+   gpg --verify checksums.txt.asc checksums.txt
+   ```
+
+5. Update the release notes to include an upgrade/install snippet pointing at GHCR, for example:
+   ```bash
+   helm install pulse oci://ghcr.io/rcourtman/pulse-chart \
+     --version 4.x.y \
+     --namespace pulse \
+     --create-namespace
+   ```
+
+6. Mention any chart-breaking changes (new values, migrations) in the release notes.
+
+## Post-release
+
+- [ ] Verify `helm show chart oci://ghcr.io/rcourtman/pulse-chart --version 4.x.y` shows the expected metadata (version, appVersion, icon)
+- [ ] Run `helm install` against a test cluster (Kind/k3s) using the published OCI artifact
+- [ ] Announce the release with links to both the GitHub release and the Helm installation instructions (`docs/KUBERNETES.md`)
+- [ ] Verify signatures: `gpg --verify checksums.txt.asc checksums.txt`
diff --git a/scripts/build-release.sh b/scripts/build-release.sh
index 296362268..18b16719d 100755
--- a/scripts/build-release.sh
+++ b/scripts/build-release.sh
@@ -203,9 +203,43 @@ for build_name in "${!builds[@]}"; do
     cp "$BUILD_DIR/pulse-sensor-proxy-$build_name" "$RELEASE_DIR/"
 done
 
-# Generate checksums (include tarballs and standalone binaries)
-cd $RELEASE_DIR
-sha256sum *.tar.gz pulse-sensor-proxy-* > checksums.txt
+# Optionally package Helm chart
+if [ "${SKIP_HELM_PACKAGE:-0}" != "1" ]; then
+    if command -v helm >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+        echo "Packaging Helm chart..."
+        ./scripts/package-helm-chart.sh "$VERSION"
+        if [ -f "dist/pulse-$VERSION.tgz" ]; then
+            cp "dist/pulse-$VERSION.tgz" "$RELEASE_DIR/"
+        fi
+    else
+        echo "Helm not found on PATH; skipping Helm chart packaging. Install Helm 3.9+ or set SKIP_HELM_PACKAGE=1 to silence this message."
+    fi
+fi
+
+# Generate checksums (include tarballs, helm chart, and standalone binaries)
+cd "$RELEASE_DIR"
+shopt -s nullglob
+checksum_files=( *.tar.gz pulse-sensor-proxy-* )
+if compgen -G "pulse-*.tgz" > /dev/null; then
+    checksum_files+=( pulse-*.tgz )
+fi
+if [ ${#checksum_files[@]} -eq 0 ]; then
+    echo "Warning: no release artifacts found to checksum."
+else
+    sha256sum "${checksum_files[@]}" > checksums.txt
+    if [ -n "${SIGNING_KEY_ID:-}" ]; then
+        if command -v gpg >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+            echo "Signing checksums with GPG key ${SIGNING_KEY_ID}..."
+            gpg --batch --yes --detach-sign --armor \
+                --local-user "${SIGNING_KEY_ID}" \
+                --output checksums.txt.asc \
+                checksums.txt
+        else
+            echo "SIGNING_KEY_ID is set but gpg is not installed; skipping signature."
+        fi
+    fi
+fi
+shopt -u nullglob
 cd ..
 
 echo
diff --git a/scripts/package-helm-chart.sh b/scripts/package-helm-chart.sh
new file mode 100755
index 000000000..3fa11f8a0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/package-helm-chart.sh
@@ -0,0 +1,61 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env bash
+
+# Package (and optionally push) the Pulse Helm chart.
+# Usage:
+#   ./scripts/package-helm-chart.sh [version] [--push]
+# Environment:
+#   OCI_REPO (default: ghcr.io/rcourtman/pulse-chart)
+#   HELM_BIN (default: helm)
+
+set -euo pipefail
+
+REPO_ROOT="$(cd "$(dirname "${BASH_SOURCE[0]}")/.." && pwd)"
+CHART_DIR="$REPO_ROOT/deploy/helm/pulse"
+DIST_DIR="$REPO_ROOT/dist"
+HELM_BIN="${HELM_BIN:-helm}"
+OCI_REPO="${OCI_REPO:-ghcr.io/rcourtman/pulse-chart}"
+
+if ! command -v "$HELM_BIN" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+  echo "Error: Helm not found (expected at \$HELM_BIN=$HELM_BIN). Install Helm 3.9+ first." >&2
+  exit 1
+fi
+
+VERSION_DEFAULT="$(cat "$REPO_ROOT/VERSION")"
+VERSION="${1:-$VERSION_DEFAULT}"
+VERSION="${VERSION#v}" # strip leading v if provided
+
+PUSH=false
+for arg in "$@"; do
+  if [ "$arg" = "--push" ]; then
+    PUSH=true
+  fi
+done
+
+echo "Packaging Pulse chart version $VERSION (appVersion=$VERSION)"
+
+rm -rf "$DIST_DIR"
+mkdir -p "$DIST_DIR"
+
+"$HELM_BIN" lint "$CHART_DIR" --strict
+"$HELM_BIN" package "$CHART_DIR" \
+  --version "$VERSION" \
+  --app-version "$VERSION" \
+  --destination "$DIST_DIR"
+
+PACKAGE_PATH="$DIST_DIR/pulse-$VERSION.tgz"
+if [ ! -f "$PACKAGE_PATH" ]; then
+  echo "Error: Expected package $PACKAGE_PATH not found" >&2
+  exit 1
+fi
+
+if [ "$PUSH" = true ]; then
+  echo "Pushing chart to oci://$OCI_REPO"
+  "$HELM_BIN" push "$PACKAGE_PATH" "oci://$OCI_REPO"
+fi
+
+echo "Chart packaged at $PACKAGE_PATH"
+if [ "$PUSH" = true ]; then
+  echo "Chart pushed to oci://$OCI_REPO"
+else
+  echo "Run with --push (after logging into GHCR) to upload the artifact."
+fi