Staff Software Engineer - Apache Kafka

at Confluent

📍 Poland

PLN 636,200-756,800 per year

SENIOR

✅ Remote

Tech Stack
Tag name is followed by "@" symbol and proficiency level value. About proficiency levels:

1-2 — basic awareness. Minimal hands-on experience, and a rudimentary understanding of the technology's purpose;

3-6 — daily use. Comfortable and regular usage, capable of handling common tasks and challenges related to the technology;

7-9 — you are an expert, you can teach others, you know all the pitfalls and tricks;

10 — exceptional knowledge, comprehensive understanding, and adeptness in all aspects of the technology, including advanced problem-solving. Think twice before claiming or demanding such level.

AI @ 4 Communication @ 7 Kafka @ 4 Leadership @ 7 Mentoring @ 4 React @ 6 Technical Leadership @ 7

Details

Confluent is building a data streaming platform that moves information in near real time, helping companies react faster, build smarter, and deliver dynamic experiences. The company values curiosity, honest feedback, collaboration, and inclusive teamwork.

Responsibilities

Work on features and improvements across Apache Kafka, including Clients, Streams, Broker, and other backend services.
Collaborate with the Apache Kafka community through KIPs, code contributions, reviews, and technical discussions.
Drive complex, ambiguous, multi-quarter projects requiring strong technical judgment.
Provide technical leadership and mentor engineers through strong design principles and software architecture.
Maintain high standards for software quality.
Communicate with product management and engineering leaders about the roadmap, specifications, and product interfaces.
Drive operational excellence through reliability improvements, operational event management, and supportability initiatives.
Influence teams and peers beyond the immediate span of control through strong verbal and written communication.

Requirements

Track record of delivering complex, large-scope systems projects involving multi-quarter design and development.
Experience leading engineering teams, setting project direction, working with stakeholders, using AI tools for coding, and working backwards from customer needs.
At least 4 years of driving staff-level or equivalent technical initiatives across multiple teams or components.
Ability to lead through ambiguity, set direction, and align multiple teams around complex technical plans.
Experience mentoring senior engineers and enabling others to deliver high-risk, high-impact projects.
Clear and concise technical communication, including design documents, KIPs, technical reviews, and cross-team forums.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience as a committer, PMC member, or core maintainer on Apache Kafka or a similar project.

Additional Information

Confluent is an equal opportunity workplace. Employment decisions are based on job-related criteria without regard to protected characteristics. Confluent is an IBM subsidiary that has been acquired by IBM and will be integrated into the IBM organization.