Lead Software Engineer - Kafka

First Citizens Bank
Austin, Texas, United StatesFull-time$130,109–$170,000Posted Aug 26, 2026

About the role

Overview

This is a remote role that may be hired in several markets across the United States. Priority given to those located remotely in North Carolina, Arizona and Texas.

We are seeking a Lead Software Engineer with experience in Kafka-based event-driven integrations, for the Enterprise Architecture team. This technical lead role will focus on designing and implementing scalable enterprise integration solutions aligned with enterprise architecture standards and business objectives.

Responsibilities & Qualifications

Duties & Responsibilities:

Software Development Support -

Design, configure and maintain Confluent Kafka clusters in a multi data center and cloud environment

Implement authorization, authentication and schema governance

Build real-time data pipelines using Kafka Connect, Kafka Streams and KSQL/FLinkSQL

Monitor system metrics and address any performance issues to ensure high availability

Technical Expert - Maintains a strong knowledge of technology trends and impact on the Bank's infrastructure to provide relevant consultative guidance. Trains and mentors’ others on new technologies.

Consultation - Provides technical advice and direction to associates, management, and developmental project teams. Utilizes knowledge to consult and develop software to solve complex technical problems.

Business Strategy - Advises on strategies that align developmental projects with long-term business needs and technological direction. Assists management in implementing initiatives or strategies across the division.

Qualifications

Minimum Required Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree and 6 years' experience.

OR

High School Diploma or GED/Equivalent and 10 years' experience in Software application development and maintenance.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience in designing, configuring and maintaining Confluent Kafka clusters in a multi-data center and cloud environment

Hands-on experience in establishing and enforcing best practices for, Kafka topic design, schema evolution, and DevOps automation.

Experience in Kafka Connect, Kafka Streams, and Schema Registry.

Proficient in Java, Python, or Go

Experience integrating with legacy systems and modernizing monolithic applications.

Hands-on experience with cloud native architecture.

Manage technical risks, dependencies, and escalations, ensuring proactive communication and resolution.

Experience with DevOps tools, CI/CD pipelines, and container orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes, Openshift)

Additional Information

This job posting is expected to remain active for 45 days from the initial posting date listed above. If it is necessary to extend this deadline, the posting will remain active as appropriate. Job postings may come down early due to business need or a high volume of applicants.

If hired in North Carolina, Arizona and Texas, the base pay for this position is generally between $130,109 and $170,000. Actual starting base pay will be determined based on skills, experience, location, and other non-discriminatory factors permitted by law. For some roles, total compensation may also include variable incentives, bonuses, benefits, and/or other awards as outlined in the offer of employment.

Benefits are an integral part of total rewards and First Citizens Bank is committed to providing a competitive, thoughtfully designed and quality benefits program to meet the needs of our associates. More information can be found at https://jobs.firstcitizens.com/benefits.

Responsibilities

  • Design, configure and maintain Confluent Kafka clusters in a multi data center and cloud environment
  • Implement authorization, authentication and schema governance
  • Build real-time data pipelines using Kafka Connect, Kafka Streams and KSQL/FLinkSQL
  • Monitor system metrics and address any performance issues to ensure high availability
  • Provide technical advice and direction to associates, management, and developmental project teams
  • Advise on strategies that align developmental projects with long-term business needs

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree and 6 years' experience or High School Diploma/GED and 10 years' experience in Software application development
  • Previous experience in designing, configuring and maintaining Confluent Kafka clusters
  • Proficient in Java, Python, or Go
  • Experience with DevOps tools, CI/CD pipelines, and container orchestration

Benefits

  • Competitive benefits program

Skills mentioned

Apache KafkaEvent-Driven ArchitectureDistributed SystemsJavaPythonCloud ComputingDockerKubernetesCI/CDPerformance Optimization

About First Citizens Bank

First Citizens Bank helps personal, business, commercial and wealth clients build financial strength that lasts. Headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., First Citizens has built a unique legacy of strength, stability and long-term thinking that has spanned generations. First Citizens offers an array of general banking services including a network of more than 500 branches and offices in 30 states; commercial banking expertise delivering best-in-class lending, leasing and other financial services coast to coast; innovation banking serving businesses at every stage; and a nationwide direct bank. Parent company First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCNCA) is a top 20 U.S. financial institution with more than $200 billion in assets. Visit firstcitizens.com or call toll-free 1.888.FC DIRECT (1.888.323.4732). First Citizens Bank. Forever First®. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. Social Media Terms of Use: https://www.firstcitizens.com/socialterms

Banking10,001+ employeesRaleigh, North Carolina

H-1B sponsorship history

Historical employer filing data was found for First Citizens Bank. The employer record includes 591 historical certified applications. This is employer-level history, not a guarantee that this role currently offers sponsorship.