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Kafka Architect Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Kafka Platform Architect (ID: KK11DR11533) Description: We are seeking an experienced Kafka Architect to design, implement, and optimize enterprise-grade event-driven architecture using Apache Kafka.

Kafka Architect

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$68.25 - $87.75/hr

Kafka Architect Job Location: Bethesda, MD Job Type: Contract * Lead the architecture, design, and deployment of Apache Kafka-based platforms. * Define best practices and standards for Kafka ...

Technical Architect

Mclean, VA · On-site

$67 - $80.75/hr

Mclean, VA (onsite) Job Type: full time We are seeking an experienced Kafka Architect to design, implement, and optimize enterprise-grade event-driven architecture using Apache Kafka. The ideal ...

Java Kafka Developer (Hybrid)

Ashburn, VA · Hybrid

$52.25 - $67.50/hr

Java Kafka Developer - Full-Time Ashburn, VA (Hybrid - 1 to 2 days onsite / 3 to 4 days remote ... This role focuses on backend development within an event-driven, microservices architecture ...

Product Architect (Scale Solution Sales-Domain Architect) Location: Reston, VA (100% Onsite ... Kafka * Kubernetes * Docker * OpenShift * CI/CD * Salesforce CRM * Amdocs * Netcracker * Oracle ...

Kafka * Kubernetes * Docker * OpenShift * CI/CD * Salesforce CRM * Amdocs * Netcracker * Oracle ... Experience evaluating emerging technologies and driving architectural improvements. * Ability to ...

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Kafka Architect information

See Reston, VA salary details

$11

$72

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How much do kafka architect jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for kafka architect in Reston, VA is $72.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63.27 and $81.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Kafka Architect?

A Kafka Architect is an IT professional responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing Apache Kafka-based data streaming systems within an organization. They ensure the architecture is scalable, reliable, and secure to handle large volumes of real-time data. Kafka Architects collaborate with developers, DevOps, and business stakeholders to align Kafka solutions with organizational goals. Their expertise covers topics such as cluster design, topic management, data replication, security, integration, and performance tuning.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Kafka Architect?

To thrive as a Kafka Architect, you need deep expertise in distributed systems, event-driven architecture, and Apache Kafka, usually supported by a relevant degree in computer science or engineering. Familiarity with tools like Kafka Connect, Schema Registry, monitoring platforms (e.g., Prometheus, Grafana), and certifications such as Confluent Certified Developer or Administrator is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and the ability to collaborate across teams help you design scalable and reliable data streaming solutions. These skills are crucial for ensuring robust, high-performance data pipelines that support critical business operations.

What are some common challenges faced by Kafka Architects when designing scalable event-driven systems?

Kafka Architects often encounter challenges such as ensuring data consistency across distributed systems, handling high-throughput data ingestion, and designing for fault tolerance and scalability. Balancing performance with system reliability requires careful selection of partition strategies, replication factors, and topic configurations. Collaborating closely with development, DevOps, and data engineering teams is essential to align infrastructure with application requirements and to address evolving business needs.

What is the difference between Kafka Architect vs Kafka Developer?

AspectKafka ArchitectKafka Developer
Primary RoleDesigns and oversees Kafka infrastructure and architectureDevelops and implements Kafka-based applications and solutions
Required SkillsArchitecture design, system integration, performance tuningProgramming, scripting, Kafka client development
CertificationsConfluent Certified Architect, Kafka certificationsConfluent Certified Developer, Kafka certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign and planning, collaboration with teamsCode development, testing, deployment

While Kafka Architects focus on designing and planning Kafka infrastructure, Kafka Developers implement and maintain Kafka applications. Both roles require Kafka certifications and knowledge of distributed systems, but Architects are more involved in high-level design, whereas Developers focus on coding and application development.

Kafka Platform Architect

Mclean, VA • On-site

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Kafka Platform Architect (ID: KK11DR11533)

Description: We are seeking an experienced Kafka Architect to design, implement, and optimize enterprise-grade event-driven architecture using Apache Kafka. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in distributed systems, messaging frameworks, real-time data pipelines, and cloud-native platforms, with the ability to guide both technical design and strategic adoption across the enterprise.

Responsibilities:

  • Define enterprise-wide Kafka architecture, design principles, and best practices.
  • Lead the design and deployment of high-throughput, low-latency streaming platforms using Apache Kafka.
  • Architect and manage data pipelines.
  • Ensure scalability, reliability, and fault tolerance of Kafka clusters.
  • Establish governance, monitoring, and security models for Kafka clusters.
  • Partner with application teams to modernize architectures into event-driven, microservices-based solutions.
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure alignment with business objectives.

Role: Kafka Platform Architect

Description: We are seeking an experienced Kafka Architect to design, implement, and optimize enterprise-grade event-driven architecture using Apache Kafka. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in distributed systems, messaging frameworks, real-time data pipelines, and cloud-native platforms, with the ability to guide both technical design and strategic adoption across the enterprise.

Responsibilities:

  • Define enterprise-wide Kafka architecture, design principles, and best practices.
  • Lead the design and deployment of high-throughput, low-latency streaming platforms using Apache Kafka.
  • Architect and manage data pipelines.
  • Ensure scalability, reliability, and fault tolerance of Kafka clusters.
  • Establish governance, monitoring, and security models for Kafka clusters.
  • Partner with application teams to modernize architectures into event-driven, microservices-based solutions.
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure alignment with business objectives.

Please note: F1 OPT candidates are not eligible for this role


Job ID: KK11DR11533

Required Skills

Kafka, Confluent Platform, Confluent Cloud, Snowflake, Databricks, Hadoop, Salesforce Programmatic Development, Cloud Platforms

Kafka Confluent Platform Confluent Cloud Snowflake Databricks Hadoop Salesforce Programmatic Development Cloud Platforms

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