Lead Software Engineer - Kafka (Remote)

First Citizens Bank; Austin (TX); Remote; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

First Citizens Bank seeks a Lead Software Engineer to drive Kafka-based event-driven integrations on the Enterprise Architecture team. You will design scalable solutions, implement security and governance, and mentor others in modern data platforms.

The role favors remote candidates nationwide, with preferred Texas, North Carolina and Arizona locations, and involves leading real-time data pipelines in a cloud-enabled, multi-data center environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 6+ years of software development experience.
• Or a high school diploma with 10+ years of software development experience.
• Experience designing and maintaining Confluent Kafka clusters in multi-data center/cloud environments.
• Strong knowledge of Kafka topics, schema evolution, and DevOps automation.
• Proficient in Java, Python or Go with cloud-native architecture experience.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure and maintain Confluent Kafka clusters across data centers and cloud.
• Implement authorization, authentication and schema governance practices.
• 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 technical leadership and mentorship on new technologies and best practices.

Skills

Java

Python

Go

Education

Bachelor's Degree

High School Diploma

Tools

Confluent Kafka

Kafka Connect

Kafka Streams

Schema Registry

Docker

Kubernetes

OpenShift

Job description

Overview

This is a remote role that may be hired in several markets across the United States. Priority given to those located remotely in North Carolina, Arizona and Texas.

We are seeking a Lead Software Engineer with experience in Kafka-based event-driven integrations, for the Enterprise Architecture team. This technical lead role will focus on designing and implementing scalable enterprise integration solutions aligned with enterprise architecture standards and business objectives.

Responsibilities & Qualifications

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Software Development Support -
  • Design, configure and maintain Confluent Kafka clusters in a multi data center and cloud environment
  • Implement authorization, authentication and schema governance
  • Build real-time data pipelines using Kafka Connect, Kafka Streams and KSQL/FLinkSQL
  • Monitor system metrics and address any performance issues to ensure high availability
• Technical Expert - Maintains a strong knowledge of technology trends and impact on the Bank's infrastructure to provide relevant consultative guidance. Trains and mentors' others on new technologies.
• Consultation - Provides technical advice and direction to associates, management, and developmental project teams. Utilizes knowledge to consult and develop software to solve complex technical problems.
• Business Strategy - Advises on strategies that align developmental projects with long-term business needs and technological direction. Assists management in implementing initiatives or strategies across the division.

Qualifications:

Minimum Required Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree and 6 years' experience.

OR

High School Diploma or GED/Equivalent and 10 years' experience in Software application development and maintenance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in designing, configuring and maintaining Confluent Kafka clusters in a multi-data center and cloud environment
• Hands-on experience in establishing and enforcing best practices for, Kafka topic design, schema evolution, and DevOps automation.
• Experience in Kafka Connect, Kafka Streams, and Schema Registry.
• Proficient in Java, Python, or Go
• Experience integrating with legacy systemsand modernizing monolithic applications.
• Hands-on experience with cloud native architecture.
• Manage technical risks, dependencies, and escalations, ensuring proactive communication and resolution.
• Experience with DevOps tools, CI/CD pipelines, and container orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes, Openshift)

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Additional Information

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This job posting is expected to remain active for 45 days from the initial posting date listed above. If it is necessary to extend this deadline, the posting will remain active as appropriate. Job postings may come down early due to business need or a high volume of applicants.

If hired in North Carolina, Arizona and Texas, the base pay for this position is generally between $130,109 and $170,000. Actual starting base pay will be determined based on skills, experience, location, and other non-discriminatory factors permitted by law. For some roles, total compensation may also include variable incentives, bonuses, benefits, and/or other awards as outlined in the offer of employment.

Benefits are an integral part of total rewards and First Citizens Bank is committed to providing a competitive, thoughtfully designed and quality benefits program to meet the needs of our associates. More information can be found at https://jobs.firstcitizens.com/benefits.