Senior Java Developer

Senior Java Developer (Kafka) - Exclusive Location: Fort Worth, TX— Onsite 5 days/weekExperience: 10+ YearsJob Type: ContractPosition SummaryWe are seeking a Senior Java Developer with deep, hands-on expertise in Apache Kafka to design, build, and maintain high-throughput, low-latency distributed systems. This role will focus on core Java backend development alongside event-driven architecture using Kafka, supporting mission-critical enterprise applications. The candidate will work fully onsite in Fort Worth, TX collaborating closely with cross-functional engineering teams.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesDesign, develop, and maintain scalable, high-performance Java applications and microservices.Build and support event-driven architectures using Apache Kafka (producers, consumers, streams, connectors).Design Kafka topics, partitions, and schemas to support high-throughput, fault-tolerant messaging.Optimize Kafka cluster performance, including tuning for latency, throughput, and reliability.Implement Kafka Streams / KSQL for real-time data processing pipelines.Integrate Kafka with downstream/upstream systems (databases, REST APIs, batch jobs, other messaging systems).Write clean, well-tested, maintainable Java code (Java 8/11/17) following best practices (SOLID, design patterns, TDD).Develop and consume RESTful APIs and/or microservices (Spring Boot / Spring Cloud).Collaborate with architects, DevOps, and QA to ensure reliable, secure, production-ready deployments.Troubleshoot and resolve production issues involving Kafka consumer lag, rebalancing, message ordering, and data consistency.Participate in code reviews, architecture discussions, and technical design sessions.Document technical designs, runbooks, and operational procedures.Mentor junior developers on Java and Kafka best practices.Required Skills10+ years of professional Java development experience.Strong, demonstrable expertise with Apache Kafka — producers, consumers, Kafka Streams, Kafka Connect, schema registry (Avro/Protobuf/JSON).Solid understanding of distributed systems concepts: partitioning, replication, consumer groups, offset management, exactly-once semantics.Experience with Spring Boot / Spring Framework and microservices architecture.Strong SQL and experience with relational databases (Oracle, PostgreSQL, MySQL, etc.).Experience with RESTful API design and development.Familiarity with containerization and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes) a plus.Experience with CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, GitLab CI, or similar).Strong understanding of multithreading, concurrency, and performance tuning in Java.Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to work collaboratively in an onsite team environment.Preferred QualificationsExperience with Confluent Kafka / Confluent Platform.Exposure to cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP).Experience in financial services, telecom, or other regulated/high-volume transaction environments.Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).Work LocationThis is a fully onsite position based in Fort Worth, TX — candidates must be able to work onsite 5 days per week. Local candidates or those willing to relocate only.