Kafka Platform Engineer

aep; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 99,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

AEP is seeking a Senior Kafka Engineer to design, deploy, and operate the enterprise Kafka platform that forms the data movement backbone. The role focuses on stability, scalability, data safety, and enabling producer/consumer teams.

You will containerize services on OpenShift, implement CI/CD with GitHub Actions and Argo CD, perform Kafka administration, and collaborate with architects and business teams to deliver scalable, cloud-integrated data pipelines.

Qualifications

• Strong hands-on Kafka experience in production environments.
• Experience with Kafka deployments in Kubernetes/OpenShift platforms.
• Knowledge of multi-region HA and data movement patterns.
• Proficiency in Python/Java for microservices and connectors.
• Familiarity with TLS, RBAC, and Kafka security concepts.

Responsibilities

• Deploy and manage Kafka connectors (CDC, JDBC, IBM MQ, Redshift, etc.).
• Containerize and deploy microservices and connectors on OpenShift using Docker, YAML, and Kustomize.
• Implement CI/CD pipelines using GitHub Actions and Argo CD for automated deployments.
• Perform basic Kafka administration: topics, partitions, replication, monitoring.
• Collaborate with architects and business teams to deliver scalable data integrations.
• Monitor Kafka clusters and connector health using monitoring tools and OpenShift native tools.
• Build and maintain custom connectors for specialized data sources and sinks.
• Support production deployments and troubleshoot across Kafka pipelines and OpenShift.
• Understand cloud managed services (AWS, Azure) for Confluent connectors and data integrations.
• Coordinate with offshore teams and conduct code reviews and quality checks.

Skills

Kafka

OpenShift

Docker

Kustomize

CI/CD

GitHub Actions

Argo CD

Monitoring

Python

Java

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related technical field

Tools

Confluent Kafka

OpenShift

Docker

Kustomize

GitHub Actions

Argo CD

Prometheus

Grafana

Dynatrace

Splunk

Confluent Control Center

Job description

Job Summary

This role is responsible for engineering and operating the enterprise Kafka platform, company's strategic data movement backbone. The focus is on platform stability, scalability, data safety, and enablement of producer/consumer teams.

Job Description

What You’ll Do

Essential Job Functions & Tasks

• Deploy and manage Kafka connectors (CDC, JDBC, IBM MQ, Redshift, etc.) in Confluent Kafka environments.
• Containerize and deploy microservices and connectors on OpenShift using Docker, YAML, and Kustomize.
• Implement CI/CD pipelines using GitHub Actions and Argo CD for automated deployments.
• Perform basic Kafka administration tasks such as topic creation, partitioning, replication, and monitoring.
• Collaborate with architects and business teams to understand integration requirements and deliver scalable solutions.
• Monitor Kafka clusters and connector health using tools like Confluent Control Center, Prometheus, Grafana, Dynatrace, Splunk and OpenShift-native monitoring.
• Build and maintain custom connectors for specialized data sources and sinks.
• Support production deployments and troubleshoot issues across Kafka pipelines and OpenShift environments.
• Clear understanding of cloud managed services including AWS, Azure cloud to deploy Confluent connectors for data integrations.
• Support real-time data streaming between on-prem systems and cloud/SaaS platforms.
• Work closely with business teams, architects, and product owners to understand integration requirements.
• Coordinate with co-sourced/offshore teams for development and deployment tasks.
• Conduct code reviews, quality checks, and ensure adherence to standards.
• Ensure reliability and scalability of Kafka pipelines by applying 12-Factor principles and microservices architecture.
• Collaborate with architects and platform teams to align Kafka solutions with enterprise integration patterns and cloud strategies.
• Automate deployment, monitoring, and operational tasks wherever possible.
• Own integration of deliverables from design through production deployment.
• Act as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Kafka-based integrations and cluster administration.

Additional Requirements

• Strong hands-on Kafka experience in production environments.
• Understanding of distributed systems, messaging semantics, and fault tolerance.
• Experience with Kafka Deployments in Kubernetes Platform (OpenShift, Docker etc.)
• Experience with Multi-Region High Availability on-premises deployments
• Experience with building producer/consumer applications using Kafka connectors
• Experience building custom microservices in Python/Java
• Experience with Kafka security (TLS, ACLs, RBAC).
• Ability to troubleshoot complex, cross-team data flow issues.

Preferred Requirements

• Experience with Schema Registry, Kafka Connect, MirrorMaker.
• Experience with Oracle Golden Gate or similar CDC tool for data movement
• Familiarity with enterprise integration patterns and platforms (APIM, Camunda, webMethods, Oracle SOA or similar technologies).

What We’re Looking For

Education Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or related technical field is required.

Work Experience Requirements

7 years’ relevant work experience is required. An equivalent combination of education and related experience may be considered.

License(s)/Certification(s)

• Confluent Certified Administrator for Apache Kafka® (CCAAK)
• Confluent Certified Developer for Apache Kafka® (CCDAK)
• Confluent Certified Cloud Operator (CCAC)

At AEP

At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company - we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you’re passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade

SP20-008

Compensation Range

$98,993.00 - $128,688.00

The Physical Demand Level for this job is

S - Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.