Lead Software Engineer – Kafka

First Citizens Bank

. Design, configure, and maintain Confluent Kafka clusters in multi-data-center and cloud environments .

Posted 11/2/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesSenior💰 $130,109 - $170,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in designing and maintaining Confluent Kafka clusters in multi-data-center and cloud environments, with a strong focus on real-time data pipeline development and best practices in Kafka topic design. Proficient in providing technical guidance and mentoring while aligning technology strategies with business needs.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Confluent Kafka Cluster ManagementKafka Connect DevelopmentJava ProficiencyCloud Native ArchitectureDevOps Automation

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Kafka-Based Event-Driven IntegrationsKafka StreamsKSQL/FlinkSQLSchema RegistrySoftware Application DevelopmentTechnical Risk ManagementLegacy System IntegrationCI/CD PipelinesContainer OrchestrationBest Practices Enforcement

Soft Skills

Consultative GuidanceMentoringTechnical Direction

Tools & Technologies

DockerKubernetesOpenshift

Industry Keywords

Multi-Data-Center EnvironmentsCloud EnvironmentsSchema GovernancePerformance MonitoringBusiness Needs Alignment

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CloudDockerJavaKafkaKubernetesOpenShiftPythonGo

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design, configure, and maintain Confluent Kafka clusters in multi-data-center and cloud environments
Implement authorization, authentication, and schema governance
Build real-time data pipelines using Kafka Connect, Kafka Streams, and KSQL/FlinkSQL
Monitor system metrics and address performance issues to ensure high availability
Provide consultative guidance on technology trends and their impact on the Bank's infrastructure
Train and mentor others on new technologies
Provide technical advice and direction to associates, management, and developmental project teams
Develop software solutions for complex technical problems
Advise on strategies aligning developmental projects with long-term business needs and technological direction
Assist management in implementing initiatives or strategies across the division

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's Degree and 6 years' experience OR High School Diploma or GED/Equivalent and 10 years' experience in Software application development and maintenance
Experience in Kafka-based event-driven integrations
Experience designing, configuring and maintaining Confluent Kafka clusters in a multi-data center and cloud environment
Hands-on experience establishing and enforcing best practices for Kafka topic design, schema evolution, and DevOps automation
Experience with Kafka Connect, Kafka Streams, and Schema Registry
Proficiency in Java, Python, or Go
Experience integrating with legacy systems and modernizing monolithic applications
Hands-on experience with cloud native architecture
Experience managing technical risks, dependencies, and escalations
Experience with DevOps tools, CI/CD pipelines, and container orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes, Openshift)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Variable incentives, bonuses, benefits, and/or other awards may be included in total compensation
Competitive, thoughtfully designed and quality benefits program