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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Staff Software Engineer - **Company:** IBM - **Location:** London, UK - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, C++ (Programming Language), Cloud Computing, Computer Networks, Distributed Systems, Python (Programming Language), Software Engineering, Google Cloud, Load Balancing, Kubernetes, Information Technology, Apache Kafka, Confluent, Golang, Programming Languages, Microservices - **Published:** June 23, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.apply4u.co.uk/jobs/x/39762199/ ## About the Role BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent work experience. 8+ years of software engineering industry experience. Strong fundamentals in distributed systems design and development. Experience in building and operating large-scale systems. Solid understanding of networking primitives and protocols. Self-starter with the ability to work effectively in teams. Proficiency in C++, Go, Python, or other programming languages. What Gives You an Edge: Experience with Kubernetes. Experience with network proxies and/or load balancers. Experience with public clouds (AWS, Azure, or GCP). Ready to build what's next? Let's get in motion. ## Description We are looking for a staff level technical leader to help us build the next-generation network data plane to enable our Confluent Cloud platform to achieve 10x the current scale. This is a hybrid engineering role, blending deep software development expertise with hands-on operational excellence. Cloud networking is a strategic investment area with significant potential to impact the company's growth. The Traffic team is responsible for the network platform of Confluent Cloud with a focus on performance, security, reliability, and cost optimizations for all network traffic that ingresses and egresses a customer's Kafka and DSP deployments as well as all internal service to service traffic on Confluent Cloud. You will architect, design and lead cross-team initiatives to deliver highly scalable, cost efficient, networking data plane solutions, while also ensuring these systems are reliable, observable, and resilient in production. You'll work across engineering, security, product, and platform orgs to deliver building blocks that empower product teams to integrate networking seamlessly. What You Will Do: Design, develop, and operationalize high-performance, scalable, reliable, and resilient systems for the Confluent Cloud network data plane platform. Independently drive the execution of ambiguously scoped cross-team software projects, ensuring the delivery of complex projects in production with a focus on quality. Leverage cloud providers to deliver impactful business solutions. Troubleshoot and improve operations for a complex technical stack that spans across AWS, Azure, and GCP, including microservices, containers, and virtualization. ## Related Videos - [Let's Get Started With Apache Kafka® for Python Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/565-let-s-get-started-with-apache-kafka-for-python-developers) - [Go with the Flow: Stop the Leaks Before Your Memory's a Waterfall!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100073-go-with-the-flow-stop-the-leaks-before-your-memory-s-a-waterfall) - [Understanding Kubernetes in a visual way](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100085-understanding-kubernetes-in-a-visual-way) - [Shipping Faster with Less: Render on Cloud Hosting, AI Workloads, and the Future of DevOps](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1894-shipping-faster-with-less-render-on-cloud-hosting-ai-workloads-and-the-future-of-devops) - [Inside Bitpanda's Tech Stack: Scaling a European Fintech Leader - Markus Dorner](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1979-inside-bitpanda-s-tech-stack-scaling-a-european-fintech-leader-markus-dorner) - [Retooling and refactoring - an investment in people.](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/371-retooling-and-refactoring-an-investment-in-people) ## Related Articles - [Best Countries for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/267-best-countries-for-software-engineers) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [The Ultimate Software Engineer Career Path Guide for 2023](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/146-the-ultimate-software-engineer-career-path-guide-for-2023) - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers) - [Software Engineer Career: Things You Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/143-software-engineer-career-things-you-should-know) - [How Much Does a Software Engineer Make? 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