Software Engineer - Java, SpringBoot, Kafka

Kunai builds full-stack technology solutions for banks, credit and payment networks, infrastructure providers, and their customers. Together, we are changing the world’s relationship with financial services. At Kunai, we help our clients modernize, capitalize on emerging trends, and evolve their business for the coming decades by remaining tech-agnostic and human-centered.

We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer with expertise in Java, Spring Boot, and Kafka with a strong foundation in software architecture. In this role, you will work with a leading bank to build a modernized data platform that includes Data Standardization, Producer/Consumer Self-Service, APIs, Data Governance, and Core Services. The ideal candidate will be passionate about building performant, scalable, and maintainable systems and comfortable working in a modern, event-driven microservices environment. This role requires hands-on backend development skills, architectural insight, and the ability to navigate and improve large, complex codebases.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable backend services using Java and SpringBoot
• Implement and optimize event-driven architecture with Apache Kafka, ensuring reliable and asynchronous communication between services
• Collaborate with architects and senior engineers to review and enhance backend system architecture
• Review and refactor large codebases, ensuring best practices in software design and performance optimization
• Work with MongoDB and other data stores to manage persistence layers and ensure efficient query performance
• Partner with frontend developers to support dynamic user interfaces, primarily built in React
• Conduct code reviews, performance tuning, and troubleshoot issues across the stack
• Maintain high standards of code quality, security, scalability, and maintainability

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Java, Java Streams, and the SpringBoot framework
• Experience with Apache Kafka and building event-driven systems
• Deep understanding of distributed systems, caching strategies, and scalability challenges
• Experience with distributed caching technologies
• Strong understanding of software architecture, design patterns, and system design principles
• Comfortable working with large codebases, including reviewing and refactoring code

Preferred Skills:

• Advanced experience designing and deploying Kafka-based messaging systems
• Familiarity with containerization and orchestration tools like Docker and Kubernetes
• Familiarity with Node.js and React for supporting full-stack development when needed
• Experience working with MongoDB or other NoSQL databases

Salary Range: $125,000 - $165,000 annually

This range reflects the base salary that we reasonably expect to pay. Actual compensation may vary depending on relevant factors including experience, skills, and location.

Our success over the past 20 years is rooted in our exceptional team, which thrives in a culture of collaboration, creativity, and continuous learning.

We are proud to offer our employees a range of benefits, including competitive compensation, professional development opportunities, and flexible work arrangements, all designed to help them thrive. As we continue to expand, we remain committed to cultivating an environment where people feel valued, have a voice, and are given the tools to grow—both personally and professionally—while pushing the boundaries of innovation in the fintech industry.