Staff Software Engineer (Apache Kafka)

TL;DR

Staff Software Engineer (Apache Kafka): Building and improving features for the Apache Kafka software stack, including Clients, Streams, and Broker, with an accent on performance, reliability, and operational excellence. Focus on driving high-complexity technical initiatives, mentoring senior engineers, and actively collaborating with the Apache Kafka community via KIPs.

Location: Remote (Must be based in Poland)

Company

hirify.global Software creates AI-powered, cloud-native products designed to transform client challenges into scalable business solutions.

What you will do

• Collaborate with the Apache Kafka community through KIPs, code contributions, reviews, and technical discussions.
• Drive high-complexity projects requiring technical acumen and the ability to manage ambiguity.
• Act as a force multiplier by mentoring and growing the team through guidance on design principles and software architecture.
• Insist on high quality standards and drive operational excellence regarding reliability and supportability.
• Communicate with product management and engineering leaders to align on the roadmap and product interfaces.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field.
• 4+ years of experience driving staff-level technical initiatives across multiple teams or components.
• Proven track record of delivering large-scope, complex systems projects (multi-quarter design and development).
• Must be based in Poland.
• Strong verbal and written technical communication skills for creating design docs and KIPs.

Nice to have

• Prior experience as a committer/PMC or core maintainer on Apache Kafka or a similar open-source project.
• Master's Degree.

Culture & Benefits

• Culture that values innovation, growth, and continuous learning.
• Opportunity to work on a global scale with diverse technologies and industries.
• Supportive environment that encourages curiosity, experimentation, and personal responsibility.
• Inclusive workplace committed to equal-opportunity employment.