Kafka Engineer

WorkScoop; Many (LA); Hybrid; USD 143,913 - 197,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework eligible

Job summary

WorkScoop is seeking an IT Specialist (APPSW) Kafka Engineer in the United States. The role involves designing and maintaining Kafka-based data pipelines and real-time data flows to support SSA's operations. Telework is eligible but on-site presence is 75%.

You will collaborate with multiple teams, mentor juniors, ensure cluster reliability, and stay current with Kafka releases while applying best practices in monitoring with Prometheus and Grafana.

Qualifications

• Specialized experience with scalable, fault-tolerant data pipelines using Apache Kafka.
• Strong Java programming skills with optional Python experience.
• Experience administering Kafka clusters and monitoring with Prometheus/Grafana.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain Kafka-based applications and data pipelines for real-time data feeds.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable Kafka solutions.
• Ensure availability, reliability, and performance of Kafka clusters.
• Mentor junior developers and stay current with Kafka releases and ecosystem advances.
• Document decisions, configurations, and best practices for team knowledge sharing.

Skills

Kafka

Java

Python

Data pipelines

Monitoring

Tools

Prometheus

Grafana

Job description

Summary

IT Specialist (APPSW) Kafka Engineer positions open to all U.S. citizens. Applications will be sorted into a pool for selection as positions become available. Notice posted 02/05/26, apply by 08/04/26.

Location and Work Details

Woodlawn, MD. Telework eligible but employees must be on site 75% of duty time. No relocation expenses. Salary $143,913 – $197,200 per year, GS 14 – 15.

Duties

• Design, develop, and maintain robust Kafka-based applications and data pipelines that support SSA's business operations, including real‑time or near‑real‑time data to AI/ML models.
• Collaborate with development, operations, and infrastructure teams to deliver reliable, scalable, and high‑performing Kafka solutions.
• Ensure the availability, reliability, and performance of Kafka clusters and related systems.
• Work closely with architects, data engineers, and stakeholders to define requirements and deliver solutions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues in Kafka applications, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal performance.
• Document code, design decisions, processes, configurations, and best practices for future reference and team knowledge sharing.
• Mentor junior developers and share Kafka expertise, fostering a culture of learning and growth.
• Stay current with the latest Kafka releases, features, and ecosystem advancements.
• Perform statistical analysis to monitor team performance, improve processes, and ensure customer satisfaction.
• Define and set SLAs for projects, ensuring high standards of service delivery.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship required.
• Selective Service registration, if applicable.
• Fingerprinting and background and/or security investigation may be required; job offers contingent on satisfactory results.
• Probationary period of 1 year may be required.
• No relocation expenses reimbursed.

Qualifications

• GS‑14 Level: Specialized experience equivalent to GS‑13 in designing, developing, and maintaining scalable, fault‑tolerant data pipelines using Apache Kafka; managing and administering Kafka clusters throughout the SDLC, leading large‑scale projects, demonstrating strong Java programming skills with optional Python experience, knowledge of serialization formats (Avro, Protobuf, JSON), and experience with Prometheus and Grafana for monitoring.
• GS‑15 Level: Specialized experience equivalent to GS‑14 in leading the design, development, and implementation of enterprise‑scale, fault‑tolerant data pipelines using Apache Kafka; advanced proficiency in Java and optional Python; supervising mandatory projects as senior Product Owner or Agile/Scrum leader; mandating best practices for serialization, cluster performance, and data governance.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal‑opportunity employer and affirmative action obligation.