Kafka SME

Position Title : Kafka SME (Subject Matter Expert)

Location : Remote (U.S.)

Clearance Requirements : Must have or be eligible for USPS Public Trust

Position Status : Long-Term Contract

Pay Rate : $85 / hr

Position Description :

We are seeking a highly experienced Kafka SME to lead the architecture and implementation of enterprise-scale event streaming solutions across hybrid multi-cloud environments. This role supports key modernization initiatives and helps drive innovation, resilience, and scalability in a large, mission-critical IT organization.

The ideal candidate brings 20+ years of IT experience and deep, hands-on expertise in Kafka ecosystem design, architecture, migration, governance, and performance optimization. You will collaborate with architects, engineers, and stakeholders to define standards, build prototypes, troubleshoot production systems, and influence the enterprise roadmap.

Key Responsibilities :

• Architect and implement Kafka event streaming solutions across on-premise and cloud environments.
• Produce technical artifacts : architecture diagrams, design docs, white papers, test plans, requirements mapping, and implementation plans.
• Lead modernization initiatives migrating legacy applications to event-driven and async API-based architectures .
• Configure and optimize Kafka clusters, topic partitioning, capacity planning, replication, and RBAC .
• Integrate Kafka with cloud services (Azure Event Hub, Amazon MSK, Confluent Cloud).
• Implement and manage Kafka Connect, Connectors, Schema Registry, serialization (JSON, AVRO) .
• Troubleshoot production environments and performance issues as top-tier support.
• Conduct design and architecture assessments and provide written recommendations.
• Build POCs and sandbox prototypes to evaluate new Kafka technologies.
• Define Kafka lifecycle standards, CI / CD, containerization, deployment strategies, and automation .
• Develop strategies, governance models, and roadmaps for Kafka ecosystem expansion.
• Communicate technical concepts to technical and executive-level stakeholders .
• Create presentations, design diagrams, technical documentation, and reports .

Required Skills / Education :

Must Have :

Apache Kafka, Confluent Platform, Confluent Cloud

Strongly Preferred :

Soft Skills :

About Seneca Resources

At Seneca Resources, we are more than just a staffing and consulting firm, we are a trusted career partner. With offices across the U.S. and clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to government organizations, we provide opportunities that help professionals grow their careers while making an impact.

When you work with Seneca, you're choosing a company that invests in your success, celebrates your achievements, and connects you to meaningful work with leading organizations nationwide. We take the time to understand your goals and match you with roles that align with your skills and career path.

Our consultants and contractors enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) retirement plans , and the support of a dedicated team who will advocate for you every step of the way.

Seneca Resources is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.