IBM

Senior Software Engineer - Confluent (AI Tooling)

IBM$110K — $130K *
Information Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree required; Master's preferred.
  • Strong software engineering fundamentals with production systems experience.
  • Proficient in Python programming language.
  • Experience with large language model integration into applications.
  • Ability to iterate on ambiguous problems as a self-starter.

Responsibilities

  • Design and operate an AI-powered operations system for troubleshooting.
  • Build tools that enable AI to securely query operational data.
  • Develop agentic workflows to enhance accuracy and reliability.
  • Implement evaluation frameworks for AI-generated investigation quality.
  • Ensure security and access controls for AI-driven operations.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to automate workflows.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work with cutting-edge AI and operational technologies.
  • Cross-domain experience in agentic systems and distributed infrastructure.
  • Fast-paced work environment that encourages rapid iteration.
  • Focus on security and reliability in AI operations.
Full Job Description
Your role and responsibilities

The Cloud Reliability team at Confluent builds the infrastructure and tooling that keeps Confluent Cloud reliable, secure, and operable at scale. This role is on the AI side of that mission: building an operations assistant that brings agentic workflows to incident investigation and troubleshooting. The system unifies information and actions from across Confluent's operational systems into an AI-enhanced experience that helps engineers find root causes faster.

We are looking for engineers with a passion for applying AI to large-scale operational problems. This role provides an opportunity to work across multiple domains, including agentic systems and tool use, large language model integration, evaluation and quality, and the distributed infrastructure that makes AI-driven operations reliable and secure.

What You Will Do:
  • Design, build, and operate an AI-powered operations system that engineers across Confluent rely on for investigation and troubleshooting.
  • Build the tools and integrations that let AI systems securely query operational data and act on Confluent's infrastructure.
  • Develop agentic workflows and reasoning loops, and improve their accuracy, latency, and reliability over time.
  • Build evaluation frameworks and feedback loops to measure and continuously improve the quality of AI-generated investigations..
  • Strengthen the security and access model around AI-driven operations, including least-privilege access and comprehensive auditing.
  • Partner with cross-functional engineering teams to turn operational expertise into automated, AI-assisted workflows.


Required education

Bachelor's Degree

Preferred education

Master's Degree

Required technical and professional expertise

  • Strong software engineering fundamentals and experience building and operating production systems.
  • Proficiency in Python
  • Experience integrating large language models into real applications
  • A practical, product-minded approach to ambiguous problems and the ability to iterate quickly.
  • A self-starter with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.


Preferred technical and professional experience

  • Experience building agentic systems, LLM tool use, or retrieval-augmented applications.
  • Familiarity with the Model Context Protocol (MCP) or similar tool-integration frameworks.
  • Experience designing evaluation and quality measurement for AI systems.
  • A background in distributed systems, cloud infrastructure (Kubernetes), or operational tooling.
  • Experience with security and access control for systems that act on production infrastructure.


OTHER RELEVANT JOB DETAILS

Must have the ability to work in Canada without sponsorship.

This role will involve working with technology that is covered by Export Regulations sanctions. If you are a Foreign National from any of the following US sanctioned countries (Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and the Crimea, Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhia regions of Ukraine) on a work permit, you are not eligible for employment in this position.

The salary range for the position is based on a full-time schedule. Your ultimate salary within this range may vary depending on your job-related skills and experience for this position.

About IBM

Sequent Computer Systems designs and manufactures multiprocessing computer systems based on Cache Coherent Non-Uniform Memory Access architecture, which are used primarily as application and database servers for commercial applications. Through a partnership with Oracle Corporation, Sequent became a dominant high-end UNIX platform in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Later it introduced a next-generation high-end platform for UNIX and Windows NT based on non-uniform memory access architecture, NUMA-Q. Sequent Computer Systems, Inc. was incorporated in 1983 and is based in Beaverton, Oregon. In July 1999 Sequent Computer Systems, Inc. was acquired by International Business Machines Corp.

IBM Careers

Joining IBM presents a prime opportunity to be part of our global team of professionals, leading the way in technological innovation and business solutions. At IBM, we offer more than just job opportunities; we provide a platform for growth, leadership development, and a chance to be at the forefront of industry innovation. Work You’ll Do At IBM, your work impacts global markets and helps reshape industries. As part of our team, you will contribute to projects that harness the power of cloud computing, AI, and blockchain technologies. With IBM, you are positioned to lead in the marketplace, leveraging our deep industry expertise and commitment to digital innovation. Transform Your Career IBM is not just a company; it's a culture of innovation and leadership. We are committed to diversity and providing an inclusive environment where all professionals can thrive. Joining IBM means being part of a team that values your unique skills and perspectives. IBM offers a variety of career paths, including full-time positions and internships, that allow you to explore your interests and develop new skills. Our professional development programs are designed to help you grow at every stage of your career, featuring robust training, certification support, and opportunities for advancement. Innovate with Us Engage in work that matters with a team of over 350,000 IBMers worldwide, driving progress in over 170 countries. At IBM, innovation isn’t just about technology, it’s about transforming how businesses operate and compete. Your work will deliver solutions that anticipate and fulfill the needs of our clients in an ever-evolving landscape. Be Part of a Great Team IBMers are diverse, talented, and globally connected. You’ll collaborate with thought leaders and industry experts who are shaping the future of technology. Our culture fosters creativity, teamwork, and the continuous pursuit of excellence. Networking and Professional Growth IBM is deeply invested in the professional growth of its employees. We encourage networking within the company to foster connections that can lead to greater innovation and career advancement. Our leadership is committed to providing every employee with the tools they need to succeed, from mentorship programs to diversity training. Explore Job Opportunities Whether you’re looking for an internship, a graduate role, or a leadership position, IBM offers a range of career opportunities. Our hiring process is designed to be transparent and fair, providing you with all the resources you need to succeed in your interview and resume preparation. Stay Connected Join Our Team Discover the various positions available that match your skills and interests. At IBM, we look for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Explore our open positions and find where you can make a difference. Keep Up to Date Stay informed with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. See what exciting and rewarding opportunities await at IBM. Join IBM and be part of a legacy of leadership and innovation. Shape your future and build a career designed to last.
Learn more about IBM
Size
307,600 employees
Market Cap
$128 billion
Industry
Net Income
$5.5 billion
Founded
1911
5 Year Trend
-6.4%
Revenue
$73.6 billion
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