Lead Kafka Engineer

We are seeking a Lead Kafka Engineer to join our platform support team.

This role involves the installation, monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintenance of the Kafka platform to ensure top performance and security, as well as the development of new features, automation, and integration. In addition, this role encompasses support for PagerDuty and Uptrends SaaS platforms and the automation of these platforms.
The remote option applies only to the Candidates who will be working from any location in Ukraine.

#LI-DNI

Responsibilities

• Install new Kafka clusters and support components
• Monitor the health and performance of the Kafka platform and data pipelines regularly
• Resolve issues including data pipelines, networking, and cloud or containerization resource failures
• Tune Kafka platform components for performance
• Optimize Kafka clusters for cost and performance
• Upgrade the Kafka platform including planning, testing, and implementation
• Secure the Kafka platform including access control lists and encryption
• Conduct backups and implement disaster recovery procedures
• Manage and project future growth and scalability of the Kafka platform
• Document procedures, configurations, and solutions to issues
• Collaborate with Confluent Support on unresolved issues
• Maintain and enhance infrastructure as code and configuration management automation/pipelines
• Improve onboarding automation scripts
• Assist with Kafka self-service automations for topic, RBAC, schema, and connectors management
• Aid application teams with Kafka setup and onboarding
• Respond to team requests in Slack and escalate complex issues
• Integrate new vendor features according to their product roadmap
• Refine automation scripts and processes to reduce self-service tickets

Requirements

• Proven track record in implementing and maintaining Confluent Platform
• Relevant certifications such as Confluent Certified Developer or Administrator for Apache Kafka
• Experienced in process automation and script maintenance
• Strong understanding of networking and interaction with various teams
• Skilled in HELM, Kubernetes/Containers, and Docker
• Experienced with Cloud GCP including compute, networking, storage, and IAM
• Proficient in Python/Shell scripting for automation purposes
• Strong problem-solving abilities
• Fluent in English with B2+ communication skills

Nice to have

• Experience with Cloud AWS including compute, networking, storage, and IAM
• Expertise in CI/CD
• Proficient in Jenkins, including pipelines and Groovy
• Experienced in Linux administration
• Knowledge of PagerDuty and Terraform
• Understanding of Uptrends platform

We offer

• Work on a flexible schedule remotely or from any of our comfortable offices or coworking spaces in Ukraine
• Receive the necessary equipment to perform your work tasks
• Change projects and technology stacks within EPAM
• Gain experience in various business domains (Insurance, E-commerce, Healthcare, Finance, Travelling, Media, Artificial Intelligence, and more)
• Consider relocation options in over 30 countries worldwide
• Participate in volunteer, charity programs and communities (both technical and interest-based)
• You can plan your individual career path together with your manager
• Receive regular feedback from colleagues
• Improve your English for free with certified teachers (Speaking Clubs, client interview preparation courses, etc.)
• Get the opportunity to undergo free training and certification in AWS, GCP, or Azure Clouds
• Use the internal E-learn training program (18,200+ specialized training and mentoring programs)
• Access corporate accounts on LinkedIn Learning, Get Abstract and other partner resources
• Study at EPAM Solution Architecture School with the instructors who are practicing architects
• Develop as a leader, join Delivery Management, Resource Management, Leadership Essentials school and more
• Participate in internal communities (500+ meetups, technical discussions, brainstorming sessions, online events and conferences annually)
• Vacation and sick leave (including a sick leave without a medical certificate)
• A wide range of Voluntary Medical Insurance programs providing both medical treatment and various preventive options (including sports activities)
• Medical insurance for family members at corporate rates
• Company support during significant life events (childbirth or adoption, marriage, etc.)
• Support for psychological comfort: discounts on services from mental health specialists or coaches, thematic training
• E-kids program - a free programming language training program for EPAMers' children

EPAM strives to provide its global team of over 52,800+ professionals in more than 55 countries with opportunities for professional growth from day one of collaboration. Our colleagues are the source of EPAM's success, so we value cooperation, strive to always understand our clients' business and aim for the highest quality standards. No matter where you are, you will join a dedicated, diverse community that will help you realize your potential to the fullest.