Lead Kafka Software Engineer

Role: Lead Kafka Software Engineer /Platform EngineerLocation: Onsite in person client interviewDuration: Long TermAbout This RoleClient is seeking a Lead Software Engineer to support, enhance, and modernize its enterprise Kafka streaming platforms.This role combines deep technical expertise with hands-on engineering and operational leadership to ensure highly available, scalable, and observable event streaming services.The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong ownership of Kafka-based systems, lead complex technical initiatives, and drive reliability and support excellence across teams.The Lead Software Engineer will play a critical role in maintaining platform stability, guiding Kafka adoption patterns, and supporting application teams through design, onboarding, and production readiness.This role requires a strong sense of urgency, a passion for operational rigor, and the ability to influence best practices across the organization.Required Qualifications 7+ years of Software Engineering experience, or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of work experience, training, military experience, or education.7+ years of support experience on Linux/Unix servers.5+ years of experience deploying and supporting software on Kubernetes-based platforms.3+ years of hands-on experience supporting Apache Kafka.3+ years of experience using CI/CD tools including Ansible, Git, Jenkins, Harness.