Java Backend Developer with Kafka and SQL

Synechron, Inc._USA Company; Alpharetta (GA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Global opportunities

Paid time off

Comprehensive insurance

Retirement plans

Job summary

Synechron is seeking a highly skilled Java Developer with strong SQL and Apache Kafka expertise to design, develop, and deploy microservices architectures for real-time data processing. The role emphasizes scalable pipelines, RESTful APIs, Docker/Kubernetes deployment, and cross-functional collaboration in a fast-paced financial services environment.

Base salary in Alpharetta, GA ranges $105k–$110k annually, plus comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Java development (Java 8 or higher) with a focus on data-intensive applications.
• Strong expertise in SQL, including complex query writing, database optimization, and stored procedures.
• Deep understanding of Apache Kafka architecture, including Kafka Streams, producer/consumer patterns, topic management, partitioning, and replication.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain Java-based microservices applications with a focus on efficient data processing and real-time messaging.
• Architect and implement robust data pipelines utilizing Kafka streams, topics, producers, and consumers to facilitate high-throughput, fault-tolerant data exchange.
• Develop complex SQL queries, stored procedures, and optimize database operations for relational databases.
• Seamlessly integrate microservices with Kafka messaging systems, ensuring reliable and secure message flow.
• Collaborate with product owners, architects, and other developers to create scalable solutions that leverage Kafka's capabilities.
• Build and consume RESTful APIs, and integrate with third-party services while ensuring data consistency and integrity.
• Utilize containerization (Docker) and orchestration tools like Kubernetes for deployment, scaling, and management of services.
• Write clean, well-documented code following best practices, emphasizing high-performance database interactions and messaging.
• Conduct code reviews, enforce coding standards, and maintain high-quality software.
• Troubleshoot and resolve production issues related to database performance, Kafka message delivery, and system reliability.
• Participate actively in Agile/Scrum teams, delivering features iteratively, with a focus on data and messaging architecture.
• Stay current with emerging technologies related to SQL, Kafka, microservices, and data streaming, incorporating best practices into development.

Skills

Java development

SQL

Apache Kafka

Microservices

Spring Boot

Docker

Kubernetes

RESTful APIs

DevOps

CI/CD

Tools

Kafka

Kafka Streams

MySQL

PostgreSQL

NoSQL

Docker

Kubernetes

Jenkins

GitLab CI

Job description

We are At Synechron, we believe in the power of digital to transform businesses for the better. Our global consulting firm combines creativity and innovative technology to deliver industry-leading digital solutions. Synechron’s progressive technologies and optimization strategies span end-to-end Artificial Intelligence, Consulting, Digital, Cloud & DevOps, Data, and Software Engineering, servicing an array of noteworthy financial services and technology firms. Through research and development initiatives in our FinLabs we develop solutions for modernization, from Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain to Data Science models, Digital Underwriting, mobile-first applications and more. Over the last 20+ years, our company has been honored with multiple employer awards, recognizing our commitment to our talented teams. With top clients to boast about, Synechron has a global workforce of 17,000+, and has 58 offices in 22 countries within key global markets.

Our challenge We are seeking a highly skilled Java Developer with strong expertise in SQL and Apache Kafka, coupled with extensive experience in designing, developing, and deploying microservices architectures. The ideal candidate will excel at building scalable, high-performance data-driven solutions, leveraging Kafka for real-time messaging and data streaming, and integrating complex data systems with Java applications. Collaboration with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and maintain best practices is essential.

The base salary for this position will vary based on geography and other factors. In accordance with law, the base salary for this role if filled within Alpharetta, GA is $105k - $110k/year & benefits (see below).

The Role Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and maintain Java-based microservices applications with a focus on efficient data processing and real-time messaging.
• Architect and implement robust data pipelines utilizing Kafka streams, topics, producers, and consumers to facilitate high-throughput, fault-tolerant data exchange.
• Develop complex SQL queries, stored procedures, and optimize database operations for relational databases.
• Seamlessly integrate microservices with Kafka messaging systems, ensuring reliable and secure message flow.
• Collaborate with product owners, architects, and other developers to create scalable solutions that leverage Kafka's capabilities.
• Build and consume RESTful APIs, and integrate with third-party services while ensuring data consistency and integrity.
• Utilize containerization (Docker) and orchestration tools like Kubernetes for deployment, scaling, and management of services.
• Write clean, well-documented code following best practices, emphasizing high-performance database interactions and messaging.
• Conduct code reviews, enforce coding standards, and maintain high-quality software.
• Troubleshoot and resolve production issues related to database performance, Kafka message delivery, and system reliability.
• Participate actively in Agile/Scrum teams, delivering features iteratively, with a focus on data and messaging architecture.
• Stay current with emerging technologies related to SQL, Kafka, microservices, and data streaming, incorporating best practices into development.

Requirements:

• Proven experience in Java development (Java 8 or higher) with a focus on data-intensive applications.
• Strong expertise in SQL, including complex query writing, database optimization, and stored procedures.
• Deep understanding of Apache Kafka architecture, including Kafka Streams, producer/consumer patterns, topic management, partitioning, and replication.
• Hands‑on experience integrating Kafka with microservices for real‑time data processing.
• Solid experience with microservices architecture design, RESTful APIs, and service‑oriented development.
• Familiarity with Spring Boot, Spring Cloud, and related frameworks.
• Proficiency with containerization (Docker) and orchestration platforms (Kubernetes).
• Knowledge of relational (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL) and NoSQL databases as needed.
• Experience with DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, GitLab CI, etc.).
• Strong problem‑solving skills, with the ability to diagnose and optimize database and messaging system performance.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively within a team.

Preferred, but not required:

• Experience with real-time data streaming and processing frameworks.
• Familiarity with message queuing systems like RabbitMQ (optional).
• Contributions to open-source Kafka projects or complex data pipeline implementations.

We offer:

• A highly competitive compensation and benefits package.
• A multinational organization with 58 offices in 22 countries and the possibility to work abroad.
• 10 days of paid annual leave (plus sick leave and national holidays).
• Maternity & paternity leave plans.
• A comprehensive insurance plan including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long‑/short‑term disability (plans vary by region).
• Retirement savings plans.
• A higher education certification policy.
• Commuter benefits (varies by region).
• Extensive training opportunities, focused on skills, substantive knowledge, and personal development.
• On-demand Udemy for Business for all Synechron employees with free access to more than 5000 curated courses.
• Coaching opportunities with experienced colleagues from our Financial Innovation Labs (FinLabs) and Center of Excellences (CoE) groups.
• Cutting edge projects at the world’s leading tier‑one banks, financial institutions and insurance firms.
• A flat and approachable organization.
• A truly diverse, fun-loving, and global work culture.

SYNECHRON’S DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT

Diversity & Inclusion are fundamental to our culture, and Synechron is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiative ‘Same Difference’ is committed to fostering an inclusive culture – promoting equality, diversity and an environment that is respectful to all. We strongly believe that a diverse workforce helps build stronger, successful businesses as a global company. We encourage applicants from across diverse backgrounds, race, ethnicities, religion, age, marital status, gender, sexual orientations, or disabilities to apply. We empower our global workforce by offering flexible workplace arrangements, mentoring, internal mobility, learning and development programs, and more. All employment decisions at Synechron are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to the applicant’s gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disabled or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.