Sr. Java Developer (Kafka & Kubernetes)

The Judge Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Judge Group is seeking a Senior Java Developer to build enterprise-scale, event-driven applications with deep expertise in Apache Kafka and hands-on experience in Kubernetes, OpenShift, DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and Python scripting.

The role focuses on developing scalable Java microservices, implementing Kafka-based integration, and deploying and monitoring in containerized environments, while collaborating with DevOps and platform teams to ensure reliable production systems.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of Java development experience, preferably with Spring Boot and microservices.
• Extensive hands-on experience with Apache Kafka, including Kafka Streams and topic management.
• Strong experience with Kubernetes and OpenShift, and containerization with Docker.
• Experience building CI/CD pipelines with Jenkins, GitHub Actions, GitLab CI or Azure DevOps.
• Proficiency in Python scripting for automation.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Understanding of distributed systems, REST APIs, Git, and Agile methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain scalable Java microservices and event-driven applications.
• Design and implement Kafka-based integration and streaming solutions.
• Deploy, monitor, and troubleshoot in Kubernetes/OpenShift environments.
• Automate build, test, and deployment processes via CI/CD pipelines.
• Collaborate with DevOps and platform teams to ensure reliable production systems.

Skills

Java

Spring Boot

Microservices

Apache Kafka

Kafka Streams

Topic management

Performance tuning

Kubernetes

OpenShift

Docker

CI/CD Pipelines

Jenkins

GitHub Actions

GitLab CI

Azure DevOps

Python scripting

AWS

Azure

GCP

Distributed systems

REST APIs

Git

Agile methodologies

Tools

Kubernetes

OpenShift

Docker

Jenkins

GitHub Actions

GitLab CI

Azure DevOps

Job description

We are seeking a Senior Java Developer with strong experience building enterprise-scale, event-driven applications. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in Apache Kafka, along with hands-on experience in Kubernetes, OpenShift, DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and Python scripting.

Requirements:

• 10+ years of Java development experience, preferably with Spring Boot and microservices.
• Extensive hands-on experience with Apache Kafka (producers, consumers, Kafka Streams, topic management, performance tuning).
• Strong experience with Kubernetes, OpenShift, and containerization technologies (Docker).
• Experience building and supporting CI/CD pipelines using tools such as Jenkins, GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, or Azure DevOps.
• Working knowledge of Python for automation, scripting, and operational tooling.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
• Strong understanding of distributed systems, REST APIs, Git, and Agile methodologies.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain scalable Java microservices and event-driven applications.
• Design and implement Kafka-based integration and streaming solutions.
• Deploy, monitor, and troubleshoot applications in Kubernetes/OpenShift environments.
• Automate build, test, and deployment processes through CI/CD pipelines.
• Collaborate with DevOps and platform teams to ensure reliable, secure, and scalable production systems.