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Kafka Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Lead Kafka Engineer

Southfield, MI · Hybrid

$94K - $123K/yr

Proficiency in Linux Virtual Machines for supporting Kafka Connect * Some experience in programming languages such as Java or Python. * Some experience with Spark Streaming and Apache Flink is a ...

Big Data Engineer

Lansing, MI · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

Develop and support real-time data streaming solutions using Apache Kafka. * Monitor application ... Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical best practices. Required Qualifications * 8+ ...

Sr Software Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Integrate durable workflows with SAP Commerce, Kafka, APIs, databases, and external services. * Apply AI and context engineering to code discovery, implementation, testing, documentation, incident ...

Implement messaging pipelines with Kafka or RabbitMQ for real-time data streaming * Write clean, testable code with JUnit, Mockito, and integration test suites * Collaborate with product and DevOps ...

Implement messaging pipelines with Kafka or RabbitMQ for real-time data streaming * Write clean, testable code with JUnit, Mockito, and integration test suites * Collaborate with product and DevOps ...

Middleware Engineer III

Lansing, MI · On-site +1

$90K - $110K/yr

Kafka * OpenShift * WebSphere * Tomcat * Java, Python, Node.js, SQL * Azure Cloud (Preferred) * DevOps / Infrastructure Automation * Middleware Administration & Production Support We are seeking a ...

Software Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$85 - $115/hr

Implement messaging pipelines with Kafka or RabbitMQ for real-time data streaming * Write clean, testable code with JUnit, Mockito, and integration test suites * Collaborate with product and DevOps ...

Implement messaging pipelines with Kafka or RabbitMQ for real-time data streaming * Write clean, testable code with JUnit, Mockito, and integration test suites * Collaborate with product and DevOps ...

Kafka event bus and OpenSearch indexes supporting millions of searchable objects. * Java/Spring and ... Raising the engineering bar through design discussions, architecture reviews, mentoring, and ...

Big Data Engineer

Lansing, MI · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

Develop and support real-time data streaming solutions using Apache Kafka. * Monitor application ... Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical best practices. Required Qualifications * 8+ ...

Senior Software Engineer

Birmingham, MI · On-site

$116K - $154K/yr

Senior Software Engineer RPM is an international non-asset-based logistics and supply chain ... Hands-on experience with event-driven architecture using Apache Kafka or equivalent streaming ...

Senior Software Engineer

Birmingham, MI · On-site

$116K - $154K/yr

Senior Software Engineer RPM is an international non-asset-based logistics and supply chain ... Hands-on experience with event-driven architecture using Apache Kafka or equivalent streaming ...

Java Developer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$110 - $160/hr

We are seeking a Senior Java Engineer with strong experience in Java 17+, Spring Boot, Kafka, Kubernetes, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) to help build scalable, event‑driven solutions for a ...

ML Ops Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$48.50 - $66.50/hr

Apache Kafka or real-time streaming platforms * REST APIs for system integration * DevOps tooling (GitHub, Tekton, Docker, Terraform, CI/CD pipelines) * Experience implementing data governance ...

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Showing results 1-20

Kafka Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$34K

$88.7K

$119.8K

How much do kafka engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for kafka engineer in Michigan is $88,687.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,200.00 and $101,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Kafka engineer do?

A Kafka Engineer specializes in designing, building, and maintaining distributed data streaming systems using Apache Kafka. They are responsible for configuring Kafka clusters, ensuring data reliability and scalability, and integrating Kafka with other systems. Kafka Engineers also monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and optimize data pipelines to support real-time data processing needs. Their work is essential for organizations that rely on high-throughput, low-latency data streaming for applications such as analytics, event sourcing, and microservices architectures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Kafka engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Kafka Engineer, you need a strong understanding of distributed systems, proficiency in Apache Kafka, and experience with programming languages like Java or Python, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as Kafka Connect, Kafka Streams, monitoring systems (e.g., Prometheus, Grafana), and relevant certifications like Confluent Certified Developer for Apache Kafka are typically required. Problem-solving skills, effective communication, and the ability to work collaboratively make someone stand out in this position. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure reliable data pipelines, seamless integration, and efficient troubleshooting in mission-critical, real-time data environments.

How does a Kafka engineer typically collaborate with development and operations teams?

Kafka Engineers play a key role in bridging the gap between development and operations teams. They work closely with developers to design and implement event-driven architectures using Kafka, ensuring data flows reliably between services. Simultaneously, they partner with operations teams to deploy, monitor, and maintain Kafka clusters, addressing issues like scalability, fault tolerance, and security. Effective communication and a strong understanding of both software development and infrastructure are essential for success in this collaborative environment.

What is the difference between Kafka Engineer vs Data Engineer?

AspectKafka EngineerData Engineer
Required CredentialsCertifications in Kafka, cloud platforms, programming languagesCertifications in data tools, cloud, SQL, programming
Work EnvironmentFocus on Kafka setup, streaming data, real-time processingBroader data pipeline, storage, and processing tasks
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, data-driven organizations using KafkaVarious industries managing large data systems
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for specialization in streaming dataBroader role encompassing multiple data technologies

The Kafka Engineer specializes in designing, implementing, and maintaining Kafka-based streaming data systems, focusing on real-time data processing. In contrast, Data Engineers work on building comprehensive data pipelines, integrating various data sources, and managing storage solutions. While Kafka Engineers focus on Kafka-specific tasks, Data Engineers handle a wider range of data tools and platforms, making their roles complementary but distinct in data infrastructure teams.

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Kafka Engineer jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Kafka Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Kafka Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,687 per year, or $42.6 per hour.

Lead Kafka Engineer

Southfield, MI • Hybrid

Raymondjames
10K+ employees

$94K - $123K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Job Description Summary

Develops and implements specialized code supporting the interfaces between an organization's business application systems and a data warehouse.

Job Description

This position follows our hybrid workstyle policy: Expected to be in a Raymond James office location a minimum of 10-12 days a month.

Please note: This role is not eligible for Work Visa sponsorship, either currently or in the future.

Responsibilities:

  • Proven experience working with Confluent Kafka and Apache Kafka.

  • Strong understanding of Kafka architecture, components, and tuning.

  • Experience with Confluent Schema Registry.

  • Proficiency in Terraform for infrastructure as code (IaC) on AWS.

  • Experience with AWS services such as EC2, S3, RDS, and Lambda.

  • Proficiency in Linux Virtual Machines for supporting Kafka Connect

  • Some experience in programming languages such as Java or Python.

  • Some experience with Spark Streaming and Apache Flink is a desirable skill.

  • Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.

  • Familiar with SRE concepts which includes evaluating and implementing monitoring and observability tools like Splunk, Data Dog, Dynatrace, CloudWatch and other job, log or dashboard concepts for customer support and application health checks.

  • 10 years of relevant development or engineering experience or combination of education, training and experience.

  • Financial Services Industry knowledge is a plus.

Education

Bachelor's (Required)

Work Experience

General Experience - 6 to 10 years

Certifications

Travel

Less than 25%

Workstyle

Hybrid

The total compensation for this position includes base salary or wages, and may include components such as additional compensation (cash or equity), discretionary bonuses, or commissions. This position is eligible for a benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision; life insurance; critical illness insurance and accident insurance; disability benefits; retirement savings; paid time off (including vacation, holidays, and sick leave); and parental leave. Eligibility for benefits and specific offerings may vary based on position and employment status. To view more details of the benefits offered, visit Myrjbenefits.com.

At Raymond James our associates use five guiding behaviors (Develop, Collaborate, Decide, Deliver, Improve) to deliver on the firm's core values of client-first, integrity, independence and a conservative, long-term view.
We expect our associates at all levels to:
Grow professionally and inspire others to do the same
Work with and through others to achieve desired outcomes
Make prompt, pragmatic choices and act with the client in mind
Take ownership and hold themselves and others accountable for delivering results that matter
Contribute to the continuous evolution of the firm

At Raymond James - as part of our people-first culture, we honor, value, and respect the uniqueness, experiences, and backgrounds of all of our Associates. When associates bring their best authentic selves, our organization, clients, and communities thrive. The Company is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of merit and business needs.

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