Senior Software Engineer - Java & Kafka

As a Senior Software Engineer - Java & Kafka at 3Pillar, your responsibilities include designing and developing scalable data pipelines, automating data workflows, and ensuring data integrity and compliance through quality control procedures. You'll be tasked with creating both batch and real-time data pipelines, implementing technical solutions based on business requirements, and mentoring junior engineers to encourage their growth and development.

To be considered for the Senior Software Engineer - Java & Kafka position at 3Pillar, candidates need a minimum of 5 years of experience in software engineering. Proficiency in Java 8+ and frameworks like Spring Boot, as well as experience with Kafka and Spark, is essential. Additionally, advanced SQL skills and experience with both relational and NoSQL databases are required, along with familiarity with data pipeline management tools like Airflow.

At 3Pillar, the work environment for a Senior Software Engineer - Java & Kafka is flexible and remote-first, enabling you to work from home, the office, or a hybrid of both. This global approach encourages collaboration across diverse teams and cultures while promoting employee well-being, career growth, and continuous learning.

In the role of Senior Software Engineer - Java & Kafka at 3Pillar, you will work primarily with Java, Kafka, and various big data technologies. Your work will involve managing and optimizing data pipelines in production environments, utilizing tools such as Airflow, and interacting with databases like MySQL and MongoDB. Experience with cloud technologies like AWS, Azure, or GCP is also advantageous.

3Pillar is committed to supporting the career development of its employees, including Senior Software Engineers - Java & Kafka. The company offers opportunities for professional growth across multiple projects and industries, mentorship programs, and a focus on well-being that encourages a healthy work-life balance, enabling team members to thrive in their careers.

When answering this question, be sure to highlight specific projects where you used Java, particularly Java 8+ and any frameworks like Spring Boot. Discuss your role in those projects, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them, demonstrating your technical proficiency and problem-solving skills.

Share your approach to data pipeline management, such as utilizing tools like Airflow for workflow management. Discuss best practices you've implemented, tools you've used, and how you ensure quality and performance in your data pipelines, emphasizing your understanding of scalable solutions.

Explain your understanding of data security and compliance requirements and any frameworks or protocols you employ to meet these. Provide examples from past experiences where you implemented security measures or maintained compliance, illustrating your commitment to data integrity.

Discuss your hands-on experience with NoSQL databases, particularly focusing on MongoDB. Explain specific projects where you utilized NoSQL, the benefits you found, and any challenges you faced in comparison to traditional SQL databases, showcasing your technical versatility.

Provide a detailed explanation of your experience with Kafka, including how you implemented it in a project. Discuss your responsibilities, how you transferred data efficiently, and what impact your solution had on the project outcomes, demonstrating your hands-on technical knowledge.

Be prepared to discuss various challenges such as data inconsistency, latency issues, or scaling problems. Share strategies you have implemented to overcome these challenges and how you ensure robust data handling throughout the pipeline process.

Share your philosophy on mentoring, providing examples of how you have guided junior colleagues in the past. Discuss methods you use to encourage their growth, such as code reviews or collaborative projects, showcasing your leadership skills and commitment to team success.

Think of specific projects where you encountered significant challenges. Describe the problems you faced, your thought process in finding solutions, and the positive results of your efforts, highlighting your analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

Discuss your strategies for continuing education, such as attending conferences, online courses, or participating in tech communities. Explain why staying updated is crucial, particularly in rapidly evolving fields like software engineering and big data.

Tailor your response to reflect your passion for innovation and your relevant experience. Connect your skills and accomplishments to the responsibilities outlined in the job description, emphasizing your enthusiasm for contributing to 3Pillar’s mission and values.