Technology/Domain Specialist II - Kafka (Contract)

The Focus Group; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

The Focus Group is seeking a senior Systems/Platform Engineer to own the evolution of multiple technology assets and lead the COEs related to them. The role requires extensive Kafka administration experience, strong DevOps skills, and deep Linux know-how.

You will drive security, observability, and cloud integration across Confluent Platform/Confluent Cloud environments. Ideal candidates will bring 6+ years in systems engineering, proficiency in Python/Bash, CI/CD pipelines, Terraform/Ansible,

Qualifications

• 6+ years in Systems/Platform Engineering.
• 4+ years hands-on Kafka administration (Confluent Platform and/or Confluent Cloud).
• Strong DevOps and automation skills (Python/Bash, CI/CD, Terraform/Ansible).
• Solid Linux skills and troubleshooting experience; Cloud experience, preferably Azure.
• Strong knowledge of Kafka security (TLS/SSL, SASL, ACLs).
• Experience building observability with tools like Prometheus/Grafana, ELK, Splunk, or Azure Monitor.

Responsibilities

• Own and evolve multiple Technology/Domain assets and maintain health across the co-es.
• Play a leadership role on the associated COE(s).
• Influence architecture and roadmaps for the asset portfolio.

Skills

Kafka administration

Python

Bash

CI/CD

Terraform

Ansible

Linux

DevOps

Observability

Security

Tools

Confluent Platform

Confluent Cloud

Prometheus

Grafana

ELK

Splunk

Azure Monitor

Job description

Description

To actively own and be accountable for the overall evolution of multiple Technology or Domain assets while influencing and maintaining the health of the asset. Play a leadership role on the associated COE’s

Requirements

• 6+ years in Systems/Platform Engineering
• 4+ years hands‑on Kafka administration (preferably Confluent Platform and/or Confluent Cloud)
• Strong DevOps and automation skills (Python/Bash, CI/CD, Terraform/Ansible)
• Solid Linux skills and troubleshooting experience - Cloud experience, preferably Azure
• Strong knowledge of Kafka security (TLS/SSL, SASL, ACLs)
• Experience building observability with tools like Prometheus/Grafana Domain, ELK, Splunk, or Azure Monitor