> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3866958-lead-software-developer-hybrid-enterprise-connect](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3866958-lead-software-developer-hybrid-enterprise-connect). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Lead Software Developer - Hybrid Enterprise Connect - **Company:** IBM - **Location:** Armonk, NY, United States (Remote available) - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), Agile Methodology, Amazon Web Services, User Authentication, Microsoft Azure, Software as a Service, Cloud Computing, Databases, Data Integration, DevOps, Distributed Systems, Network Security, Software Engineering, Software Systems, Data Streaming, Backend, Event Driven Architecture, Kubernetes, Information Technology, Low Latency, Apache Kafka, Front End Software Development, Cloud Optimization, Service Stack, Confluent - **Published:** October 22, 2026 - **Apply:** https://arc.dev/remote-jobs/j/redirect/pthoy12fc4 ## About the Role Master's Degree Required Technical And Professional Expertise * 7+ years of relevant software development experience * Proven track record of leading the delivery of large-scale, secure, highly available, low latency, high quality systems * Proven experience in leading and mentoring technical teams * Deep hands-on technical expertise in hyper-scale distributed systems engineering * Experience running production services in the cloud and being part of on call rotation * Expertise in cloud-native technology, including networking & security * Experience with Java, Kubernetes, and cloud platforms is highly valued * Strong collaboration skills and a growth mindset are essential, given the team's cross-functional nature and focus on mentorship and operational excellence * Prior experience working on AWS, GCP, or Azure and a deep understanding of cloud best practices * Ability to influence the team, peers, and management using effective communication and collaborative techniques * Drive results by removing friction and improving the development stack with urgency and prioritization skills * BS Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent experience. An advanced degree in computer science is preferred Preferred Technical And Professional Experience * Leading-Edge Technologies: Experience with designing, developing, and delivering software solutions using leading-edge technologies, including back-end and front-end development, and DevOps engineering. * Agile Collaboration: Experience working in an Agile environment, collaborating with stakeholders to understand requirements and deliver high-quality software solutions. * Automated CI/CD Pipelines: Experience contributing to automated CI/CD pipelines, ensuring seamless integration and delivery of software solutions. ## Description As a Senior Software Developer/Architect, you will contribute to several key initiatives for the Connect Platform Team at Confluent. The Connect Platform team's mission is to design, build, and operate critical components that bridge Apache Kafka with the wider ecosystem - making it seamless, secure, and scalable for enterprises to move data between Kafka and external systems, both on-premises and in Confluent Cloud. The team is responsible for both self-managed (on-prem) and fully managed (cloud) connectors, ensuring organizations can confidently integrate, govern, and manage streaming data flows to power event-driven architectures. Confluent Connect is the industry-standard integration and ingestion framework for Kafka, enabling organizations to stream data between Kafka and hundreds of external systems (databases, SaaS, storage, legacy apps). The Team Delivers Key Primitives Such As * Single Message Transforms (SMTs) * Authentication, security, tenant isolation, role-based access, and network controls * Support for both self-managed and fully managed connectors What You Will Do * Work with distributed systems, cloud-native development, and secure, scalable data integration * Architect a complex engineering system from end to end * Partner across engineering and other key stakeholders to create and execute the overall roadmap for delivering a top-notch Data Streaming Platform for our customers * Evaluate and enhance the efficiency of our platform's technology stack, keeping pace with industry trends and adopting state-of-the-art solutions * Solve complicated technical projects with high quality and provide technical guidance to the team in specialized areas * Enhance the stability, performance, scalability, and operational excellence across multiple critical systems * Lead and mentor a team of developers