Streaming Data Architect (Kafka / Confluent)
Location: Remote (United States) with travel as required
Company: Prolifics
Employment Type: Full-Time
About Prolifics
Prolifics helps organizations accelerate digital transformation through cloud, data, AI, integration, and application modernization services. As enterprises increasingly adopt real-time, event-driven architectures, we are expanding our capability in streaming data platforms to support mission-critical modernization initiatives.
Role Overview
The Confluent Kafka Architect / SME will serve as the technical leader for Kafka and Confluent-based solutions across client engagements. You will architect scalable streaming platforms, guide implementation teams, support pre-sales and solutioning, and help establish Prolifics as a credible delivery partner in event-driven architecture and real-time data platforms.
Key Responsibilities
- Architect event-driven solutions using Apache Kafka, Confluent Platform/Cloud, Kafka Streams, and ksqlDB
- Design scalable, secure real-time data pipelines
- Deploy and manage Kafka clusters across on-prem and cloud (AWS, Azure, GCP)
- Define topic strategy, partitioning, replication, and retention policies
- Implement Kafka-based integration and modernization patterns
- Manage Kafka Connect, Schema Registry, and security configurations
- Monitor, tune performance, and manage incidents
- Automate deployments using Terraform, Ansible, or Kubernetes
- Support client architecture discussions and pre-sales efforts
- Mentor teams and help build Kafka capability within Prolifics
Required Qualifications
- 5+ years experience with Apache Kafka or Confluent
- Strong understanding of Kafka architecture and internals
- Experience with Kafka Streams, ksqlDB, Kafka Connect
- Cloud experience (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
- Kubernetes/container platform experience
- Proficiency in Java, Python, or Scala
- Strong troubleshooting and communication skills
Preferred Certifications
- Confluent Certified Administrator for Apache Kafka®
- Confluent Certified Developer for Apache Kafka®
- Confluent Cloud Certified Operator
Nice to Have
- Experience with Confluent Cloud
- Large-scale distributed systems experience
- Exposure to AI/data streaming architectures
Benefits
Prolifics offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees and their families. Benefits may include:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Paid time off (PTO) and company holidays
- Life and disability insurance
- Flexible work arrangements (role dependent)
- Professional development and training opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer
Prolifics is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.