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Kafka Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Macro Solutions

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) Must be a U.S. Citizen and currently reside in the Metro Washington, D.C. area We have an immediate ...

Staffingine LLC

Kafka Architect

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$68.25 - $87.75/hr

Collaborate with business stakeholders, solution architects, and engineering teams to translate business requirements into scalable and resilient Kafka architectures. * Oversee the setup ...

NuAxis LLC

Senior Data Platform Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$120K - $163K/yr

Kafka Streams application development - Design, build, and maintain stream processing applications ... Kubernetes workload engineering - Own the deployment topology for all platform workloads:

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Kafka Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$44.2K

$115.2K

$155.7K

How much do kafka engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for kafka engineer in Washington is $115,244.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,100.00 and $131,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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.

How much do Kafka engineers make?

Kafka engineers in the US typically earn between $100,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in distributed systems and real-time data processing can command higher salaries. Compensation may also include benefits such as bonuses and stock options.
What are popular job titles related to Kafka Engineer jobs in Washington? For Kafka Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Kafka Engineer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Kafka Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Kafka Engineer jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Kafka Engineer job openings:
Kafka Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kafka Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Contract. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,244 per year, or $55.4 per hour.

Kafka Engineer with IRS MBI Clearance

3M Consultancy

Washington, DC • Remote

$100K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

This is a remote position.

Job Title: Kafka Engineer.
Location: Remote.
Duration: Full-Time.
NEED IRS MBI Clearance.

We are looking for an experienced Kafka Engineer to join an IRS project. The ideal candidate should have hands-on experience with Apache Kafka and a strong background in building and supporting messaging and event streaming solutions.

Responsibilities:

  • Design, build, and support Kafka environments.
  • Create and maintain Kafka topics, producers, consumers, and connectors.
  • Monitor system performance and resolve production issues.
  • Work with developers and infrastructure teams to support application integration.
  • Perform upgrades, configuration changes, and performance tuning.
  • Follow IRS security and change management processes.

Requirements:

  • 5+ years of experience with Apache Kafka.
  • Strong knowledge of Kafka administration and troubleshooting.
  • Experience with Linux, Java, or Python.
  • Experience with monitoring and logging tools.
  • Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
  • Active IRS MBI clearance is required.
  • Previous IRS or federal experience is a plus.


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About 3M Consultancy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

3M Consultancy was created when we recognized that the InfoTech industry was growing at a rapid pace, and the traditional methods of hiring for these roles were becoming outdated and inadequate. We are a group of dedicated and tenured recruiting professionals who focus on employing a new system of practice to help you find the best talents out there. The traditional staffing agencies and job-boards may have been effective in retrieving a pool of resumes for employers, but it lacked the extra knowledge of the industry to fill these important roles. Our team is composed of highly skilled and experienced recruitment professionals who are dedicated to finding the best talent for our clients. We have a thorough understanding of the industries we serve and are well-equipped to meet the unique needs and requirements of our clients.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

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