Kafka Solutions Architect

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Kafka Solution Architect to design and deliver scalable, reliable, and real-time data streaming solutions using Apache Kafka and the Confluent ecosystem. The role will work closely with data engineers, architects, DevOps teams, and stakeholders to develop event-driven architectures and enterprise-grade streaming solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Design and implement end-to-end real-time data streaming solutions using Apache Kafka and Confluent technologies. Translate business and technical requirements into scalable event-driven architectures and integration solutions. Collaborate with data engineering, application, architecture, and DevOps teams to deliver reliable streaming platforms.

Support Kafka deployments across cloud environments and contribute to platform performance, security, scalability, and reliability. Troubleshoot complex streaming and integration issues, perform root-cause analysis, and recommend sustainable solutions. Provide technical guidance and contribute to architectural standards, best practices, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Engage with customers and stakeholders to communicate technical solutions, recommendations, risks, and implementation approaches. General Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related technical discipline. Minimum 10 years of total IT experience, with at least 4 years of relevant experience in Kafka, event streaming, data engineering, or solution architecture.

Proven experience delivering enterprise-scale data integration, streaming, or event-driven solutions. Strong customer-facing, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across technical and business teams. Mandatory Skills Minimum 5 years of hands-on Apache Kafka experience , including any major distribution such as Open Source Kafka, Confluent, Cloudera, or AWS MSK.

Strong proficiency in at least one programming language: Java, Python, or Scala, with a solid understanding of distributed systems and software engineering principles. Strong understanding of event-driven architecture, real-time data streaming patterns, Kafka architecture, and data integration. Experience deploying and operating Kafka on AWS, GCP, or Azure.

Familiarity with Docker, Kubernetes, and CI/CD pipelines. Strong problem-solving, stakeholder management, and verbal and written communication skills. Preferred / Nice-to-Have Hands-on experience with the Confluent ecosystem , including Kafka Connect, Kafka Streams, ksqlDB/KSQL, Schema Registry, REST Proxy, and Confluent Control Center.

Experience with Confluent Cloud, ksqlDB Cloud, Apache Flink, Confluent Platform, Confluent for Kubernetes (CFK), and multi-cloud deployments. Knowledge of Stream Governance, Data Lineage, Stream Catalog, Audit Logs, and RBAC. Experience with modern event streaming patterns, data mesh architectures, KRaft migration, and integration with data lakes, data warehouses, or big data platforms.

Exposure to monitoring and observability tools such as Prometheus, Grafana, and Splunk. Relevant Confluent certifications, including Confluent Developer, Administrator, or Flink Developer certifications. High initiative, flexibility, customer orientation, and strong commitment to quality and delivery excellence.