American Electric Power

Kafka Platform Engineer

American Electric Power$98K — $128K *
Information Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or related technical field.
  • 7 years of relevant work experience preferred.
  • Confluent Certified Administrator for Apache Kafka® (CCAAK) certification desired.
  • Confluent Certified Developer for Apache Kafka® (CCDAK) certification desired.
  • Confluent Certified Cloud Operator (CCAC) certification desired.

Responsibilities

  • Deploy and manage Kafka connectors in Confluent Kafka environments.
  • Containerize and deploy microservices and connectors on OpenShift using Docker and YAML.
  • Implement CI/CD pipelines for automated deployments.
  • Monitor Kafka clusters and connector health using various monitoring tools.
  • Build and maintain custom connectors for specialized data sources.

Benefits

  • Collaborative environment with close interaction among architects and business teams.
  • Opportunity to act as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Kafka integrations and administration.
  • Exposure to cutting-edge technology in cloud-managed and microservices architecture.
  • Support for maintaining high availability and reliability of data pipelines.
Full Job Description
Job Posting End Date
09-10-2026
Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

This role is responsible for engineering and operating the enterprise Kafka platform, company's strategic data movement backbone. The focus is on platform stability, scalability, data safety, and enablement of producer/consumer teams.

Job Description

What You'll Do:

Essential Job Functions & Tasks:
  • Deploy and manage Kafka connectors (CDC, JDBC, IBM MQ, Redshift, etc.) in Confluent Kafka environments.
  • Containerize and deploy microservices and connectors on OpenShift using Docker, YAML, and Kustomize.
  • Implement CI/CD pipelines using GitHub Actions and Argo CD for automated deployments.
  • Perform basic Kafka administration tasks such as topic creation, partitioning, replication, and monitoring.
  • Collaborate with architects and business teams to understand integration requirements and deliver scalable solutions.
  • Monitor Kafka clusters and connector health using tools like Confluent Control Center, Prometheus, Grafana, Dynatrace, Splunk and OpenShift-native monitoring.
  • Build and maintain custom connectors for specialized data sources and sinks.
  • Support production deployments and troubleshoot issues across Kafka pipelines and OpenShift environments.
  • Clear understanding of cloud managed services including AWS, Azure cloud to deploy Confluent connectors for data integrations
  • Support real-time data streaming between on-prem systems and cloud/SaaS platforms.
  • Work closely with business teams, architects, and product owners to understand integration requirements.
  • Coordinate with co-sourced/offshore teams for development and deployment tasks.
  • Conduct code reviews, quality checks, and ensure adherence to standards.
  • Ensure reliability and scalability of Kafka pipelines by applying 12-Factor principles and microservices architecture.
  • Collaborate with architects and platform teams to align Kafka solutions with enterprise integration patterns and cloud strategies.
  • Automate deployment, monitoring, and operational tasks wherever possible.
  • Own integration of deliverables from design through production deployment.
  • Act as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Kafka-based integrations and cluster administration.


Additional Requirements:
  • Strong hands-on Kafka experience in production environments.
  • Understanding of distributed systems, messaging semantics, and fault tolerance.
  • Experience with Kafka Deployments in Kubernetes Platform (OpenShift, Docker etc.)
  • Experience with Multi-Region High Availability on-premises deployments
  • Experience with building producer/consumer applications using Kafka connectors
  • Experience building custom microservices in Python/Java
  • Experience with Kafka security (TLS, ACLs, RBAC).
  • Ability to troubleshoot complex, cross-team data flow issues.


Preferred Requirements:
  • Experience with Schema Registry, Kafka Connect, MirrorMaker.
  • Experience with OracleGolden Gate or similar CDC tool for data movement
  • Familiarity with enterprise integration patterns and platforms (APIM, Camunda, webMethods, Oracle SOA or similar technologies).


What We're Looking For:

Education requirements are listed below:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or related technical field is required.


Work Experience Requirements are listed below:
  • 7 years' relevant work experience is required. An equivalent combination of education and related experience may be considered.


License(s)/Certification(s) are listed below:
  • Confluent Certified Administrator for Apache Kafka® (CCAAK)
  • Confluent Certified Developer for Apache Kafka® (CCDAK)
  • Confluent Certified Cloud Operator (CCAC)


Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-008

Compensation Range:

$98,993.00 - $128,688.00

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S - Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

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About American Electric Power

American Electric Power generates, transmits, and distributes electricity, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers nationwide. AEP serves millions of customers across 11 states. It operates in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, providing power to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. AEP generates electricity using diverse sources, including coal, natural gas, nuclear, and renewable energy like wind and solar. The company maintains a vast transmission network that delivers electricity from power plants to local distribution systems, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply. AEP is actively involved in renewable energy initiatives, investing in wind farms and solar facilities to diversify its energy portfolio and reduce its environmental impact. Additionally, the company engages in community outreach, supporting education, environmental conservation, and various social initiatives.

American Electric Power Careers

Join the dynamic team at American Electric Power (AEP), one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, and ignite your career with a company known for its commitment to innovation and leadership in the energy sector.

Opportunities Await

At AEP, we offer a multitude of job opportunities that cater to a variety of skills and professional interests. Whether you're seeking an entry-level position or a more senior role, our diverse range of employment options ensures that there's a place for every ambitious individual in our team.

Grow and Innovate

Embark on a journey of growth and professional development with AEP. Our company is at the forefront of the energy industry’s transformation, integrating sustainable and innovative practices that not only lead the market but also contribute to a greener planet. Engage in work that challenges the status quo, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the energy sector.

Culture and Benefits

AEP is dedicated to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, where every team member’s contribution is valued. We offer competitive benefits that support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees and their families. From comprehensive health benefits to professional development programs and diversity training, AEP ensures that our team is equipped for both personal and professional success.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with an AEP internship. Our programs provide invaluable industry experience and networking opportunities that pave the way for future employment. Interns at AEP work on real projects, learn from seasoned professionals, and gain the hands-on experience necessary to succeed in the fast-paced world of energy.

Leadership and Development

Leadership at AEP means more than guiding teams – it involves inspiring change and driving innovation. With leadership development programs, employees are prepared to take on challenging roles that shape the future of the company and the industry. Our focus on leadership and continuous improvement creates an environment where ambitious professionals can thrive.

Join Our Team

Explore the career possibilities at American Electric Power today. Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are constantly hiring new talent and look for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Prepare your resume, ace the interview, and join a company where your career can flourish.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at AEP by following our careers blog. Gain insider perspectives, industry-leading insights, and career tips that you can put to use today—all from the people who work here.

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Explore American Electric Power Jobs

Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the industry, AEP offers a dynamic work environment where innovation, leadership, and growth are part of everyday life. Join us in powering a new and brighter future for everyone.
Learn more about American Electric Power
Size
16,688 employees
Market Cap
$48.8 billion
Industry
Net Income
$2.2 billion
Founded
1906
5 Year Trend
+0.5%
Revenue
$14.9 billion
NASDAQ

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