2

Kafka Remote Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Anywhere in US / Remote Experience level: 5 Years Compensation: Negotiable Role Summary We are ... Lead migration programs such as Kafka to Kafka-as-a-Service and ARM adoption. * Establish decision ...

Cloud Principal Engineer

Campbell, CA · On-site +1

$64.50 - $86.25/hr

Anywhere in US / Remote Experience level: 5 Years Compensation: Negotiable Role Summary We are ... Lead migration programs such as Kafka to Kafka-as-a-Service and ARM adoption. * Establish decision ...

Data Ops Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$200K - $240K/yr

None Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE Description We are seeking a Data Ops Engineer to ... Apps/Platforms: NiFi, Kafka, Grafana, Prometheus, Apache Flink/Spark Streaming, Snowflake ...

Senior Software Engineer

Santa Monica, CA · Remote

$160K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This is a remote role based in Los Angeles or New York City. What You'll Do: * Build and operate ... Publish and consume events via Kafka and design event contracts that hold up over time * Improve ...

Senior Software Engineer (backend)

Bodega Bay, CA · Remote

$145K - $191K/yr

We are using Java/Spring, AWS, Lambda, Postgres, NoSQL, Kafka, and much more. Our company is still ... Experience working with remote teams on complex software experiences * Experience with JavaScript ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Kafka Remote information

What is a Kafka remote job?

Kafka remote jobs refer to positions that involve working with Apache Kafka, a distributed event streaming platform, from a remote location rather than in a traditional office setting. These roles can include responsibilities such as developing, maintaining, and monitoring Kafka clusters, building data pipelines, and ensuring efficient data flow in distributed systems. Remote Kafka professionals often collaborate with distributed teams to support real-time data processing and integration projects across various industries. The flexibility of remote work allows companies to access a broader talent pool and enables employees to work from anywhere with a reliable internet connection.

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

To thrive as a Kafka Remote Engineer, you need expertise in distributed systems, stream processing, and strong programming skills in languages like Java or Scala, typically supported by a degree in computer science or related technical experience. Familiarity with Apache Kafka, cloud platforms (such as AWS or Azure), and infrastructure-as-code tools is highly valuable, and certifications in Kafka or cloud technologies can be advantageous. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and time management skills help you collaborate effectively in remote, cross-functional teams. These abilities are crucial for ensuring reliable data pipelines, handling large-scale event streaming, and supporting seamless remote operations.

What are some common challenges faced by remote Kafka engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Remote Kafka engineers often encounter challenges such as managing distributed systems across different time zones, ensuring seamless communication with team members, and troubleshooting complex issues without direct access to on-premise resources. To address these challenges, leveraging robust monitoring tools, adopting clear documentation practices, and scheduling regular virtual syncs are essential. Additionally, building strong collaboration with DevOps and other engineering teams helps ensure efficient deployment and maintenance of Kafka clusters.

What is the difference between Kafka Remote vs Kafka Developer?

AspectKafka RemoteKafka Developer
Required CredentialsCertifications in Kafka, cloud platforms, or remote work toolsCertifications in Kafka, programming, and possibly cloud services
Work EnvironmentRemote, often distributed teams, flexible hoursTypically in-office or hybrid, focused on development environments
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, data-driven organizations, remote-first firmsSoftware companies, data engineering teams, tech startups
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for remote Kafka roles, remote Kafka job requirementsSeeking Kafka development roles, coding responsibilities

Kafka Remote roles focus on managing Kafka systems remotely, often emphasizing remote work skills and cloud integration. Kafka Developers primarily write and optimize Kafka code, working in development environments. While both roles require Kafka expertise and certifications, Kafka Remote emphasizes remote work capabilities, whereas Kafka Developer centers on coding and system implementation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Kafka jobs in California?

The most popular types of Kafka jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Kafka Remote jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Kafka Remote jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Kafka Remote jobs?

Cities in California with the most Kafka Remote job openings:

Infographic showing various Kafka Remote job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 9% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution.

Senior Java Backend Engineer (Remote)

Cognizant Technology Solutions

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site, Remote

$60K - $117K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Cognizant rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

53rd of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

Senior Java Backend Engineer (Remote)
Important Disclaimers:
Please note: A few of our roles may require in-person interviews at Cognizant offices or client locations, depending on project or client needs.
Candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future
In this role, you will:
  • Design, develop, and maintain highly scalable, secure, and high-performance enterprise applications using Java 11/17/21, J2EE, Spring Boot, and Microservices architecture, adhering to coding standards and best practices.
  • Develop and support event-driven applications using Apache Kafka, including producer/consumer implementations, message processing, error handling, monitoring, and performance tuning.
  • Design and optimize database solutions using Hibernate/JPA and Advanced SQL, including data modeling, query optimization, indexing strategies, performance tuning, and troubleshooting complex database issues.
  • Diagnose and resolve production issues through detailed root cause analysis and implement long-term, sustainable fixes.
  • Build, deploy, and manage applications on Azure, AWS, and/or GCP and Develop, deploy, and support containerized applications using Docker and Kubernetes
  • Utilize Gen AI tools such as GitHub Copilot to accelerate development, improve code quality, support debugging, create unit tests, perform code reviews, and enhance overall engineering productivity.
  • Collaborate effectively with architects, product owners, business stakeholders, and cross-functional teams to gather requirements, provide technical guidance, resolve complex production issues, and ensure successful project delivery.

Location: US
Work model: Remote
We strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role's business requirements, this is a remote position open to qualified applicants in US. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various wellbeing programs.
What you need to have to be considered:
  • Strong hands-on development experience in Java 11/17/21, J2EE, Spring Boot, and Microservices architecture, with proven expertise in designing and developing scalable enterprise applications.
  • Proven experience designing and developing large-scale, high performance microservices architectures.
  • Hands-on expertise in Apache Kafka for event-driven architectures, messaging, asynchronous processing, and distributed system integration.
  • Strong knowledge of Hibernate/JPA and Advanced SQL, including database design, query optimization, performance tuning, and data modeling.
  • Deep expertise advanced SQL and practical experience with cloud platforms such as Microsoft Azure, AWS and/or Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
  • Experience with Docker and Kubernetes, deploying and managing containerized applications in enterprise environments and Solid understanding of
  • CI/CD pipelines, with experience troubleshooting build failures, test errors, and deployment issues
  • Hands-on experience with Gen AI tools such as GitHub Copilot, leveraging AI-assisted development for coding, debugging, code reviews, testing, and productivity improvements.
  • Candidate must possess strong coding, debugging, and problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently on complex technical challenges
  • Strong interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across business and technical teams

We're excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don't hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.
Salary and Other Compensation:
Applications will be accepted until 9/1/2026.
The annual salary for this position is between $60K - 117K depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.
This position is also eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant's applicable plans.
Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
- Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
- Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
- 401(k) plan and contributions
- Long-term/Short-term Disability
- Paid Parental Leave
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
About Cognizant:
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization's unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.
Additional employment information
Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email [email protected] for roles based in the Americas or [email protected] for roles based in India.

What Cognizant employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom