Lead Software Engineer - Kafka (Remote - NC, AZ, TX)

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

Job summary

First Citizens Bank is seeking a Lead Software Engineer to design and implement scalable Kafka-based enterprise integration solutions. The role supports a remote work model with priority given to candidates in North Carolina, Arizona, and Texas, and aligns with enterprise architecture standards.

You will lead architecture discussions, mentor teams, and drive DevOps practices while delivering high-availability data pipelines and secure, scalable systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus 6 years of software development experience; or 10 years with a high school diploma/GED.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure and maintain Confluent Kafka clusters across multi-data center and cloud environments.
• Implement authorization, authentication and schema governance.
• 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 guidance and mentoring to teams.

Skills

Confluent Kafka

Kafka Connect

Kafka Streams

Schema Registry

Java

Python

Go

DevOps automation

Cloud native architecture

Legacy systems integration

CI/CD pipelines

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

OpenShift

CI/CD

Schema Registry

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)

Additional Information

#LI-IK1

#LI-JM1

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 benefits.