Kafka Engineer Job Description Template

Meri Sargsyan

Last updated on August 31, 2024 | 7 min read

Job Description TemplateBackend

General overview of the role

Kafka Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing Kafka-based streaming data pipelines and messaging solutions. This role involves configuring, deploying, and monitoring Kafka clusters to ensure the high availability and scalability of data streaming services. The Kafka Engineer collaborates with cross-functional teams to integrate Kafka into various applications and ensures optimal performance and reliability of the data infrastructure.

Kafka Engineers play a critical role in driving data-driven decision-making and enabling real-time analytics, contributing directly to the company’s agility, operational efficiency, and ability to respond quickly to market changes. Their work supports key business initiatives by ensuring that data flows seamlessly across the organization, empowering teams with timely insights and enhancing the customer experience.

Typical duties and responsibilities

1. Design, implement, and manage Kafka-based data pipelines and messaging solutions to support critical business operations and enable real-time data processing.
2. Configure, deploy, and maintain Kafka clusters, ensuring high availability and scalability to maximize uptime and support business growth.
3. Monitor Kafka performance and troubleshoot issues to minimize downtime and ensure uninterrupted data flow, enhancing decision-making and operational efficiency.
4. Collaborate with development teams to integrate Kafka into applications and services.
5. Develop and maintain Kafka connectors such as JDBC, MongoDB, and S3 connectors, along with topics and schemas, to streamline data ingestion from databases, NoSQL data stores, and cloud storage, enabling faster data insights.
6. Implement security measures to protect Kafka clusters and data streams, safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining regulatory compliance.
7. Optimize Kafka configurations for performance, reliability, and scalability.
8. Automate Kafka cluster operations using infrastructure-as-code tools like Terraform or Ansible to increase operational efficiency and reduce manual overhead.
9. Provide technical support and guidance on Kafka best practices to development and operations teams, enhancing their ability to deliver reliable, high-performance applications.
10. Maintain documentation of Kafka environments, configurations, and processes to ensure knowledge transfer, compliance, and smooth team collaboration.
11. Stay updated with the latest Kafka features, updates, and industry best practices to continuously improve data infrastructure and stay ahead of industry trends.

Required skills and experience

• 3-5 years of experience working with Apache Kafka in a production environment.
• Strong knowledge of Kafka architecture, including brokers, topics, partitions, and replicas.
• Experience with Kafka security, including SSL, SASL, and ACLs.
• Proficiency in configuring, deploying, and managing Kafka clusters in cloud and on-premises environments.
• Experience with Kafka stream processing using tools like Kafka Streams, KSQL, or Apache Flink.
• Solid understanding of distributed systems, data streaming, and messaging patterns.
• Proficiency in Java, Scala, or Python for Kafka-related development tasks.
• Familiarity with DevOps practices, including CI/CD pipelines, monitoring, and logging.
• Experience with tools like Zookeeper, Schema Registry, and Kafka Connect.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex issues in a distributed environment.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

Nice to have/preferred skills and experience (not required)

• Kafka certification or related credentials, such as:
  • Confluent Certified Administrator for Apache Kafka (CCAAK)
  • Cloudera Certified Administrator for Apache Kafka (CCA-131)
  • AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty (with a focus on streaming data solutions)
• Experience with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP.
• Knowledge of containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes.
• Familiarity with other messaging systems like RabbitMQ or Apache Pulsar.
• Experience with data serialization formats like Avro, Protobuf, or JSON.

What we offer

• Inclusive health insurance plans.
• Flexible scheduling with remote work possibilities.
• Paid time off for holidays, sickness, and personal matters.

As Forbes points out, employers may find it beneficial to offer perks such as:

• 401(k) plans with matching contributions and other retirement benefits.
• Access to professional development and certification programs.
• Leave for parents, family care, and personal time.
• Early leave on Fridays.

About us

We suggest you to add details about your company, such as its mission and values, to enrich the job description. For example:

“As a premier IT recruitment agency, DevsData LLC excels in matching elite tech talent with leading organizations to drive innovation and success. Our diverse team of US-based experts offers essential cultural perspectives, enhancing our capacity to meet client demands and create inclusive workplaces. Over the past 8 years, we’ve achieved success in over 80 projects for both startups and established corporate clients across the US and Europe.”

Explore sample resume

Examine this resume sample to identify the key criteria for effective candidate evaluation.

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Contact DevsData LLC

For those seeking to hire a Kafka Engineer, DevsData LLC can be contacted at general@devsdata.com or through their website at www.devsdata.com.

Their efficient recruitment process utilizes a database of over 65,000 professionals and boasts a competitive acceptance rate. DevsData LLC is known for its thorough 90-minute interview process that assesses technical skills and problem-solving abilities. Moreover, their government-approved recruitment license ensures adherence to industry standards.