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Kafka Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description Overview We are looking for a skilled Software Engineer to design and deliver scalable ... Implement messaging pipelines with Kafka or RabbitMQ for real-time data streaming * Write clean ...

Overview We are looking for a skilled Software Engineer to design and deliver scalable, cloud ... Implement messaging pipelines with Kafka or RabbitMQ for real-time data streaming * Write clean ...

Overview We are looking for a skilled Software Engineer to design and deliver scalable, cloud ... Implement messaging pipelines with Kafka or RabbitMQ for real-time data streaming * Write clean ...

Overview We are looking for a skilled Software Engineer to design and deliver scalable, cloud ... Implement messaging pipelines with Kafka or RabbitMQ for real-time data streaming * Write clean ...

Overview We are looking for a skilled Software Engineer to design and deliver scalable, cloud ... Implement messaging pipelines with Kafka or RabbitMQ for real-time data streaming * Write clean ...

Software Engineer Location: Jacksonville, FL / Alpharetta, GA / Berkeley Heights, NJ (Either ... RabbitMQ, Kafka and/or similar technology * 1+ years of experience with Kafka Connect * Bachelor ...

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Kafka Software Engineer information

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$63.5K

$147.5K

$205.5K

How much do kafka software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for kafka software engineer in the United States is $147,524.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Kafka software engineer?

Kafka Software Engineers are specialized software developers who design, build, and maintain systems that use Apache Kafka, a distributed event streaming platform. They create and manage data pipelines, ensure reliable message delivery, and optimize the performance of applications using Kafka. These engineers often work closely with data engineers, architects, and other developers to enable real-time data processing, analytics, and integration across various systems. Their role is crucial in organizations that rely on high-throughput, fault-tolerant data streams.

What are some common challenges Kafka software engineers face when building scalable streaming applications?

Kafka Software Engineers often encounter challenges related to ensuring high throughput, low latency, and fault tolerance when designing streaming data pipelines. Managing message ordering, handling data schema evolution, and optimizing partitioning strategies are critical for maintaining data consistency and performance. Additionally, engineers must monitor cluster health, address issues like consumer lag, and coordinate with DevOps and data engineering teams to ensure seamless integration with other systems.

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

To thrive as a Kafka Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills (often in Java, Scala, or Python), a solid understanding of distributed systems, and experience with Apache Kafka architecture and stream processing. Familiarity with tools like Kafka Connect, Kafka Streams, Zookeeper, and containerization platforms, along with certifications such as Confluent Certified Developer for Apache Kafka, are highly valued. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills help you design scalable solutions and collaborate across engineering teams. These technical and interpersonal skills are critical to building reliable, high-throughput data pipelines and ensuring seamless real-time data flow in modern applications.

Do Kafka Software Engineers use Kafka?

Yes, Kafka Software Engineers use Apache Kafka as a core part of their work to develop, maintain, and optimize data streaming applications. Proficiency with Kafka, including topics like producers, consumers, and cluster management, is essential for this role. They often work with related tools and programming languages such as Java or Python to build scalable data pipelines.

Is Apache Kafka in demand?

Apache Kafka is highly in demand for roles like Kafka Software Engineer due to its widespread use in real-time data streaming and event-driven architectures. Professionals skilled in Kafka, along with related tools like Apache Spark or Kafka Connect, are sought after in industries such as finance, technology, and telecommunications, reflecting strong job market growth for Kafka expertise.
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What cities are hiring for Kafka Software Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Kafka Software Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Kafka Software Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Kafka Software Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Kafka Software Engineer jobs?

For Kafka Software Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Kafka Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,524 per year, or $70.9 per hour.

Lead Software Engineer - Kafka (Remote)

Carolina, RI • On-site, Remote

$130K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design, configure, and maintain Confluent Kafka clusters in a multi data center and cloud environment.

  • Build real-time data pipelines using Kafka Connect, Kafka Streams, and KSQL/FLinkSQL.

  • Monitor system metrics and address performance issues to ensure high availability.


First Citizens Bank rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 106 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

108th of 176 rated banks


Job description

Overview

This is a remote role that may be hired in several markets across the United States. Priority given to those located remotely in North Carolina, Arizona and Texas.

We are seeking a Lead Software Engineer with experience in Kafka-based event-driven integrations, for the Enterprise Architecture team. This technical lead role will focus on designing and implementing scalable enterprise integration solutions aligned with enterprise architecture standards and business objectives.


Responsibilities & Qualifications

Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Software Development Support -
    • Design, configure and maintain Confluent Kafka clusters in a multi data center and cloud environment
    • Implement authorization, authentication and schema governance
    • Build real-time data pipelines using Kafka Connect, Kafka Streams and KSQL/FLinkSQL
    • Monitor system metrics and address any performance issues to ensure high availability
  • Technical Expert - Maintains a strong knowledge of technology trends and impact on the Bank's infrastructure to provide relevant consultative guidance. Trains and mentors’ others on new technologies.
  • Consultation - Provides technical advice and direction to associates, management, and developmental project teams. Utilizes knowledge to consult and develop software to solve complex technical problems.
  • Business Strategy - Advises on strategies that align developmental projects with long-term business needs and technological direction. Assists management in implementing initiatives or strategies across the division.

Qualifications:


Minimum Required Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree and 6 years' experience.

OR

High School Diploma or GED/Equivalent and 10 years' experience in Software application development and maintenance.


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Previous experience in designing, configuring and maintaining Confluent Kafka clusters in a multi-data center and cloud environment
  • Hands-on experience in establishing and enforcing best practices for, Kafka topic design, schema evolution, and DevOps automation.
  • Experience in Kafka Connect, Kafka Streams, and Schema Registry.
  • Proficient in Java, Python, or Go
  • Experience integrating with legacy systems and modernizing monolithic applications.
  • Hands-on experience with cloud native architecture.
  • Manage technical risks, dependencies, and escalations, ensuring proactive communication and resolution.
  • Experience with DevOps tools, CI/CD pipelines, and container orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes, Openshift)

#LI-IK1 


Additional Information

#LI-JM1

This job posting is expected to remain active for 45 days from the initial posting date listed above. If it is necessary to extend this deadline, the posting will remain active as appropriate. Job postings may come down early due to business need or a high volume of applicants.

If hired in North Carolina, Arizona and Texas, the base pay for this position is generally between $130,109 and $170,000. Actual starting base pay will be determined based on skills, experience, location, and other non-discriminatory factors permitted by law. For some roles, total compensation may also include variable incentives, bonuses, benefits, and/or other awards as outlined in the offer of employment.

Benefits are an integral part of total rewards and First Citizens Bank is committed to providing a competitive, thoughtfully designed and quality benefits program to meet the needs of our associates. More information can be found at https://jobs.firstcitizens.com/benefits.

Qualifications:

#LI-JM1

This job posting is expected to remain active for 45 days from the initial posting date listed above. If it is necessary to extend this deadline, the posting will remain active as appropriate. Job postings may come down early due to business need or a high volume of applicants.

If hired in North Carolina, Arizona and Texas, the base pay for this position is generally between $130,109 and $170,000. Actual starting base pay will be determined based on skills, experience, location, and other non-discriminatory factors permitted by law. For some roles, total compensation may also include variable incentives, bonuses, benefits, and/or other awards as outlined in the offer of employment.

Benefits are an integral part of total rewards and First Citizens Bank is committed to providing a competitive, thoughtfully designed and quality benefits program to meet the needs of our associates. More information can be found at https://jobs.firstcitizens.com/benefits.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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