📍 Job Overview

• Job Title: Kafka Platform Engineer
• Company: Bread Financial
• Location: Columbus, OH (with remote/hybrid options)
• Job Type: Full-Time
• Category: DevOps/Platform Engineer

🚀 Role Summary

• Key Responsibilities: Design, implement, and support scalable, secure Kafka-based messaging pipelines. Improve the resiliency, reliability, and operations of the Kafka platform in a highly regulated financial environment.
• Key Technologies: Apache Kafka, Cloud Services (AWS), Infrastructure as Code (Terraform/AWS CloudFormation), DevSecOps, Monitoring Solutions, CI/CD, Configuration Management, Security Management, Technical Communication, Cloud Deployment, Programming Languages (Java, Scala, Python).

💻 Primary Responsibilities

• Cloud Services Management (25%): Regularly check cloud services for performance issues, optimize as needed, configure and manage user permissions, develop and maintain backup strategies, and maintain detailed records of system configurations and changes.
• CI/CD Pipeline Management (25%): Write and maintain scripts for automated deployment processes, ensure automated tests are part of the CI/CD pipeline, track deployment progress, resolve deployment issues, and continuously improve deployment processes.
• Monitoring and Alerting (20%): Set up and configure tools to monitor cloud infrastructure and applications, develop dashboards for real-time monitoring, set up alerts for critical issues, regularly review monitoring data, and continuously improve monitoring solutions.
• Project Management and Collaboration (15%): Organize meetings to gather requirements from various teams for cloud projects, ensure alignment between development, network, and security teams, mediate and resolve conflicts or discrepancies, keep detailed records of discussions and decisions, and ensure agreed-upon actions are completed in a timely manner.
• Capacity Planning and Optimization (15%): Regularly review resource usage to identify areas for optimization, predict future resource requirements, create plans for scaling resources up or down based on demand, ensure resources are allocated efficiently, and continuously review and adjust capacity plans.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent relevant work experience.

Experience: At least 2 years of relevant experience working across areas of the platform engineering, with a focus on cloud services and infrastructure as code (IaC) tools like Terraform or AWS CloudFormation.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in cloud services management, CI/CD, configuration management, infrastructure as code (IaC), DevSecOps, monitoring solutions, IT capacity planning, security management, technical communication, and cloud deployment.
• Strong programming skills in Java, Scala, or Python for building Kafka producers, consumers, and stream processors.
• Experience with Kafka Connect, Schema Registry (Avro), and Kafka Streams.
• Hands-on experience with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and CI/CD pipelines.
• Familiarity with securing Kafka using Kerberos, SSL, ACLs, and integration with IAM systems.
• Solid understanding of financial transaction systems, messaging standards, and data privacy regulations (e.g., SOX, PCI-DSS, GDPR).

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5+ years of cloud engineering experience, particularly in designing and implementing cloud platform solutions.
• 3+ years of experience with Apache Kafka in highly regulated, mission-critical environments (preferably finance or banking).
• Strong understanding of Kafka internals and distributed systems.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A well-structured portfolio showcasing your experience with Apache Kafka, cloud services, and infrastructure as code (IaC) projects.
• Examples of your work in designing, implementing, and supporting scalable, secure Kafka-based messaging pipelines.
• Documentation of your approach to monitoring, alerting, and capacity planning for cloud infrastructure and applications.

Technical Documentation:

• Detailed documentation of your cloud infrastructure and application architecture, including diagrams and flowcharts.
• Code comments and inline documentation demonstrating your understanding of best practices and coding standards.
• Version control history and deployment processes, highlighting your commitment to collaboration and continuous improvement.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $97,900 - $177,400 USD per year (varies by location; see below for state-specific ranges).

Benefits:

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance, supplemental medical plans, short-term, and long-term disability.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Paid parental leave (6 weeks for eligible parents after a 180-day waiting period).
• Flexible Time Off (FTO) program and paid sick and safe time (80 hours per year, except for Illinois associates who receive 40 hours of PSST and 40 hours of Illinois Paid Leave).
• Annual incentive bonus based on individual and company performance.
• Competitive pay and a comprehensive selection of benefit options.

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with the option to work remotely or on a hybrid basis (3 to 4 days per month in the office if within 60 miles of a Bread Financial location).

Salary Range by State:

• California: $112,600 - $221,800
• Colorado: $97,900 - $186,300
• New York: $107,700 - $221,800
• Washington: $102,800 - $204,000
• Maryland: $102,800 - $195,200
• Washington DC: $112,600 - $204,000
• Illinois: $97,900 - $195,200
• New Jersey: $112,600 - $204,000
• Vermont: $97,900 - $177,400

🎯 Team & Company Context

Company Culture: Bread Financial promotes a culture where associates feel appreciated, accepted, valued, and fulfilled both personally and professionally. The company supports the overall wellness of its associates with a diverse suite of benefits and offers boundless opportunities for career development and non-traditional career progression.

Industry: Bread Financial is a tech-forward financial services company that provides simple, personalized payment, lending, and saving solutions to millions of U.S. consumers. The company delivers growth for some of the most recognized brands in travel & entertainment, health & beauty, jewelry, and specialty apparel through its private label and co-brand credit cards and pay-over-time products, providing choice and value to shared customers.

Company Size: Bread Financial has approximately 2,500 employees and is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, with additional offices in Plano, Texas; Draper, Utah; New York, New York; and Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania.

Founded: 1993 (as a division of Capital One), with the current iteration of the company (Bread Financial) founded in 2021.

Team Structure: The Kafka Platform Engineer role is part of the Information Technology department, working closely with engineering, platform, and product teams to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance of the Kafka platform.

Development Methodology: Bread Financial uses Agile methodologies for software development, with a focus on iterative improvement, collaboration, and customer value delivery.

Company Website: https://www.breadfinancial.com/

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Mid-level to senior-level platform engineer role, focusing on designing, implementing, and supporting scalable, secure Kafka-based messaging pipelines in a highly regulated financial environment.

Reporting Structure: The Kafka Platform Engineer reports directly to the Manager and above, working closely with engineering and platform teams to ensure the successful migration from on-prem to AWS and seamless integration across systems.

Technical Impact: This role has a significant impact on the reliability, scalability, and performance of the Kafka platform, enabling real-time communication between critical systems such as credit, loan applications, and fraud services. The Kafka Platform Engineer plays a crucial role in ensuring the platform's resiliency, security, and compliance with financial regulations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Leadership: As the Kafka platform continues to evolve and expand, there are opportunities for the Kafka Platform Engineer to take on more senior roles, such as a Senior Platform Engineer or Technical Lead, focusing on strategic decision-making, architecture design, and team management.
• Emerging Technologies: With the increasing adoption of cloud-native technologies and the growing importance of real-time data processing, there are opportunities for the Kafka Platform Engineer to gain experience with emerging technologies, such as Apache Kafka Streams, KSQL, and event-driven architecture patterns.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: By working closely with various teams, such as engineering, product, and data science, the Kafka Platform Engineer can develop a deep understanding of the business and expand their skill set to take on more cross-functional roles, such as a Solutions Architect or Technical Product Manager.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (remote or on-site), with 3 to 4 days per month required in the office if within 60 miles of a Bread Financial location.

Office Location(s): Columbus, Ohio (with additional offices in Plano, Texas; Draper, Utah; New York, New York; and Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania).

Workspace Context:

• Collaboration: The hybrid work environment encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing between team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Tools and Resources: Bread Financial provides its employees with the necessary tools and resources to perform their jobs effectively, including multiple monitors, testing devices, and access to relevant software and documentation.
• Cross-functional Interaction: The Kafka Platform Engineer works closely with various teams, such as engineering, product, and data science, to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance of the Kafka platform.

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with the option to work remotely or on a hybrid basis (3 to 4 days per month in the office if within 60 miles of a Bread Financial location).

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

1. Phone Screen (30 minutes): A brief phone call to discuss your experience, qualifications, and career goals.
2. Technical Phone Screen (60 minutes): A deeper dive into your technical skills, focusing on your experience with Apache Kafka, cloud services, and infrastructure as code (IaC).
3. On-site or Virtual Technical Assessment (2-3 hours): A hands-on assessment of your ability to design, implement, and support scalable, secure Kafka-based messaging pipelines, as well as your problem-solving skills and understanding of cloud infrastructure and application architecture.
4. Behavioral Interview (60 minutes): An in-depth discussion of your problem-solving approach, teamwork, and communication skills, as well as your cultural fit with Bread Financial.
5. Final Interview (60 minutes): A meeting with the hiring manager and other key stakeholders to discuss your qualifications, career aspirations, and any remaining questions you may have about the role or company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight your experience with Apache Kafka, cloud services, and infrastructure as code (IaC) projects.
• Include examples of your work in designing, implementing, and supporting scalable, secure Kafka-based messaging pipelines.
• Showcase your ability to monitor, alert, and capacity plan for cloud infrastructure and applications.
• Demonstrate your understanding of financial transaction systems, messaging standards, and data privacy regulations.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

• Brush up on your Apache Kafka, cloud services, and infrastructure as code (IaC) skills, focusing on the specific technologies and tools used by Bread Financial.
• Familiarize yourself with the latest trends and best practices in cloud-native architecture, real-time data processing, and event-driven design patterns.
• Prepare for scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

1. Kafka Fundamentals (30 minutes): Questions focusing on your understanding of Apache Kafka internals, distributed systems, and event-driven architecture patterns.
2. Cloud Services and Infrastructure as Code (30 minutes): Questions assessing your proficiency in cloud services management, infrastructure as code (IaC), and deployment automation.
3. Problem-Solving and Architecture Design (60 minutes): Scenario-based questions that test your ability to design, implement, and support scalable, secure Kafka-based messaging pipelines, as well as your understanding of cloud infrastructure and application architecture.

Company and Culture Questions (30 minutes):

• Questions about your understanding of Bread Financial's business, culture, and values.
• Questions assessing your fit within the company's collaborative and customer-focused environment.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Present a well-structured portfolio showcasing your experience with Apache Kafka, cloud services, and infrastructure as code (IaC) projects.
• Highlight your ability to design, implement, and support scalable, secure Kafka-based messaging pipelines.
• Demonstrate your understanding of cloud infrastructure and application architecture, as well as your approach to monitoring, alerting, and capacity planning.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies: N/A (not applicable for this role)

Backend & Server Technologies:

• Apache Kafka (core technology)
• Cloud Services (AWS, with a focus on managed services like EKS, RDS, and DynamoDB)
• Infrastructure as Code (Terraform and AWS CloudFormation)
• Containerization (Docker and Kubernetes)
• CI/CD Pipelines (Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD)
• Monitoring Tools (Prometheus, Grafana, CloudWatch)

Development & DevOps Tools:

• Version Control (Git)
• Collaboration Tools (Jira, Confluence)
• Communication Tools (Slack, Microsoft Teams)
• Documentation Tools (Confluence, GitHub Wikis)

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

• Customer Focus: Bread Financial prioritizes customer satisfaction and strives to deliver value to its customers through innovative and personalized financial solutions.
• Collaboration: The company fosters a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing, encouraging team members to work together to achieve common goals.
• Continuous Learning: Bread Financial emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and professional development, providing its employees with the resources and opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.
• Innovation: The company encourages its employees to think creatively and challenge the status quo, driving innovation and improvement in its products and services.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Bread Financial encourages collaboration between its various teams, such as engineering, product, and data science, to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance of its products and services.
• Code Review Culture: The company promotes a culture of code review and peer programming, ensuring that its software is of high quality and meets its customers' needs.
• Knowledge Sharing: Bread Financial fosters a culture of knowledge sharing, with regular team meetings, training sessions, and mentoring opportunities to help its employees grow and develop their skills.

🛡 Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

• Scalability and Performance: Designing and implementing Kafka-based messaging pipelines that can handle high volumes of data and maintain optimal performance in a highly regulated financial environment.
• Security and Compliance: Ensuring the security and compliance of the Kafka platform, as well as its integration with other systems, in accordance with financial regulations and industry best practices.
• Monitoring and Alerting: Developing and maintaining monitoring and alerting solutions that provide real-time visibility into the health and performance of the Kafka platform and its underlying infrastructure.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Skill Development: Expanding your knowledge of Apache Kafka, cloud services, and infrastructure as code (IaC) tools, as well as emerging technologies and best practices in real-time data processing and event-driven architecture patterns.
• Leadership and Mentoring: Developing your leadership and mentoring skills by working with junior team members and contributing to the growth and development of the Kafka platform and the broader technology organization.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Gaining experience in other areas of the business, such as product management, data science, or engineering, to expand your skill set and take on more cross-functional roles within the organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

1. Kafka Fundamentals (30 minutes): Questions focusing on your understanding of Apache Kafka internals, distributed systems, and event-driven architecture patterns.
2. Cloud Services and Infrastructure as Code (30 minutes): Questions assessing your proficiency in cloud services management, infrastructure as code (IaC), and deployment automation.
3. Problem-Solving and Architecture Design (60 minutes): Scenario-based questions that test your ability to design, implement, and support scalable, secure Kafka-based messaging pipelines, as well as your understanding of cloud infrastructure and application architecture.

Company and Culture Questions (30 minutes):

• Questions about your understanding of Bread Financial's business, culture, and values.
• Questions assessing your fit within the company's collaborative and customer-focused environment.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Present a well-structured portfolio showcasing your experience with Apache Kafka, cloud services, and infrastructure as code (IaC) projects.
• Highlight your ability to design, implement, and support scalable, secure Kafka-based messaging pipelines.
• Demonstrate your understanding of cloud infrastructure and application architecture, as well as your approach to monitoring, alerting, and capacity planning.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for the Kafka Platform Engineer position at Bread Financial, follow these steps:

1. Review the Job Description: Thoroughly read and understand the job description, ensuring that your skills, experience, and career goals align with the role's requirements.
2. Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight your relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments, focusing on your work with Apache Kafka, cloud services, and infrastructure as code (IaC).
3. Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that showcases your experience with Apache Kafka, cloud services, and infrastructure as code (IaC) projects, emphasizing your ability to design, implement, and support scalable, secure messaging pipelines.
4. Research the Company: Learn about Bread Financial's business, culture, and values, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience make you a strong fit for the role and the company.
5. Prepare for Technical Interviews: Brush up on your Apache Kafka, cloud services, and infrastructure as code (IaC) skills, and practice problem-solving and architecture design questions to ensure you're well-prepared for the technical assessments.
6. Apply: Submit your application through the provided link, and follow up as needed to ensure your application is received and considered.

Good luck with your application!