Senior Software Engineer - Connect Platform

Confluent1 weeks ago

Location

Remote, Ontario, Canada

Workplace

Remote

Type

Full Time

Salary

CAD 144,200 – 169,400

Level

Senior

Role

Backend Engineer

Posted

Mar 4, 2026

Full TimeRemoteSenior

The role

Summary

Confluent is seeking a Senior Software Engineer for their Connect Platform Team to build and operate critical components that bridge Apache Kafka with external systems. This role focuses on developing distributed systems, cloud-native solutions, and secure data integration platforms for both on-premises and cloud environments. The position requires 3-5 years of software development experience with expertise in Java, Kubernetes, and major cloud platforms.

What you'll do

Architect Complex Engineering Systems: Design and implement end-to-end distributed systems architecture for the Connect Platform, ensuring scalability and reliability across multiple cloud environments

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with engineering teams and key stakeholders across global timezones to create and execute roadmap for delivering top-tier data streaming platform solutions

Platform Technology Enhancement: Evaluate and enhance efficiency of platform technology stack, staying current with industry trends and adopting state-of-the-art solutions for data integration

Technical Leadership and Guidance: Solve complex technical projects with high quality standards and provide specialized technical guidance to team members in areas of expertise

System Optimization: Enhance stability, performance, scalability, and operational excellence across multiple critical systems in both self-managed and cloud environments

Distributed Systems Development: Work with distributed systems, cloud-native development, and secure, scalable data integration between Kafka and external systems

Connect Platform Components: Develop and maintain critical Connect Platform components including Single Message Transforms, authentication, security, tenant isolation, and network controls

What we look for

Technical

Distributed Systems ExpertiseDeep hands-on technical expertise in hyper-scale distributed systems engineering with proven track record

Production Service ExperienceExperience running production services in cloud environments and participating in on-call rotation responsibilities

Cloud-Native TechnologyExpertise in cloud-native technology stack including advanced networking and security implementations

Java ProgrammingStrong proficiency in Java programming language for backend development and system integration

Kubernetes OrchestrationHands-on experience with Kubernetes for container orchestration and cloud-native application deployment

Multi-Cloud Platform KnowledgePrior experience working with AWS, GCP, or Azure with deep understanding of cloud best practices and architecture patterns

Education

Bachelor's DegreeBS Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent professional experience in software development

Advanced Degree PreferredAdvanced degree in Computer Science is preferred for deeper theoretical foundation in distributed systems

Experience

Software Development Experience3-5 years of relevant software development experience with focus on backend systems and data platforms

Large-Scale Systems LeadershipProven track record of leading delivery of large-scale, secure, highly available, low latency, high quality systems

Technical Team LeadershipDemonstrated experience in leading and mentoring technical teams with focus on collaborative development practices

Cross-Functional CommunicationAbility to influence teams, peers, and management using effective communication and collaborative techniques across different departments

Skills

Required skills

Java ProgrammingStrong proficiency in Java for backend development and Apache Kafka integration

Distributed SystemsDeep expertise in designing and implementing hyper-scale distributed systems

KubernetesHands-on experience with container orchestration and cloud-native deployment

Cloud PlatformsExperience with AWS, GCP, or Azure including cloud architecture best practices

Production OperationsExperience running production services and participating in on-call rotation

System ArchitectureAbility to architect complex engineering systems from end-to-end

Technical LeadershipProven experience leading and mentoring technical teams

Nice to have

Apache KafkaDirect experience with Apache Kafka ecosystem and streaming data platforms

Kafka ConnectFamiliarity with Kafka Connect framework and connector development

Cloud-Native SecurityAdvanced knowledge of cloud-native security practices and implementation

Data IntegrationExperience with data integration patterns and ETL/streaming data pipelines

Microservices ArchitectureExperience designing and implementing microservices-based systems

Advanced DegreeAdvanced degree in Computer Science for deeper theoretical foundation

Compensation & benefits

Salary

CAD 144,200 – 169,400 (annual)

Stock options

Available

Benefits

Equity Compensation

Stock options and equity participation in company growth and success

Remote Work Flexibility

Full remote work arrangement with flexibility to work across different timezones

Professional Development

Opportunities for technical growth, mentorship, and career advancement in cutting-edge data streaming technology

Inclusive Work Environment

Equal opportunity workplace with focus on diversity, belonging, and collaborative team culture

Global Team Collaboration

Work with distributed teams across timezones on innovative data streaming platform solutions

Interview process

1
Initial Screen — Phone or video screening with recruiter to discuss background, interest in role, and basic qualifications
2
Technical Assessment — Coding challenge or take-home assignment focusing on distributed systems design and Java programming skills
3
Technical Interview — In-depth technical discussion covering distributed systems architecture, Apache Kafka concepts, and cloud-native development
4
System Design Interview — Whiteboard or collaborative design session focusing on large-scale data streaming platform architecture and scalability considerations
5
Team Fit Interview — Behavioral interview with team members focusing on collaboration, leadership experience, and cultural alignment with Confluent values
6
Final Interview — Discussion with senior engineering leadership covering technical vision, team collaboration, and long-term career goals