[Remote] Sr. Staff AI Architect at Confluent

United States

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$193,800 – $227,700Compensation

Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

TechnologyIndustries

Requirements

Minimum of 8+ years in enterprise data, software architecture, or related fields, with 5+ years of hands-on experience in Kafka and event-driven systems
Proven track record of designing and implementing large-scale, cloud-native solutions leveraging Kafka, Flink, and AI-driven tools
Hands-on experience with feature stores, vector databases, or retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) for real-time AI
Experience optimizing large-scale, real-time systems for low latency, high throughput, and cost efficiency
Demonstrated ability to leverage AI to build and deliver compelling data solutions
Strong understanding of event-driven architecture, stream processing (Kafka Streams, Flink), and distributed systems
Proficiency in microservices architecture, RESTful APIs, and modern DevOps practices (CI/CD pipelines)
Strong background in cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, or Azure), including infrastructure as code (e.g., Terraform)
In-depth knowledge of SQL and NoSQL database technologies
Familiarity with containerization and orchestration tools (Docker, Kubernetes)
Familiarity with TensorFlow, PyTorch, Hugging Face, or other ML libraries
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, manage dependencies across teams, and deliver enterprise-wide impact
Skilled in stakeholder engagement, aligning technical initiatives with strategic business objectives
Passion for exploring and implementing emerging technologies, particularly in AI and automation
Forward-looking perspective on market and technology trends
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences
Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset

Responsibilities

Incorporate AI technologies, such as machine learning models, natural language processing, or predictive analytics, into automation and event-driven workflows & data solutions
Contribute to the design, integrations and management of AI/ML solutions across SaaS platforms, systems, and databases, leveraging Confluent, AI-powered tools, and microservices patterns
Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to translate business needs into cohesive AI strategies and outcomes
Oversee and provide input on the design of microservices that align with modern cloud-native principles, enabling robust and reusable system components
Conduct technical design reviews, enforce best practices, and ensure the delivery of high-quality, secure, and maintainable solutions
Dedicate time to coach and mentor other team members

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Confluent CloudFlinkMachine LearningNatural Language ProcessingPredictive AnalyticsMicroservicesEvent-Driven ArchitectureCloud NativeData IntegrationAI/ML

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the salary range for the Sr. Staff AI Architect position?

The salary range is $193.8K - $227.7K.

Is this role remote?

Yes, the position is remote.

What key skills and experience are required for this role?

Candidates need 8+ years in enterprise data or software architecture, 5+ years hands-on with Kafka and event-driven systems, experience with Flink, AI-driven tools, feature stores, vector databases or RAG, plus proficiency in event-driven architecture, stream processing, microservices, and cloud platforms like AWS or GCP.

What is the company culture like at Confluent?

Confluent values team members who ask hard questions, give honest feedback, show up for each other, with no egos or solo acts—just smart, curious humans pushing toward something bigger together as one team.

What makes a strong candidate for this AI Architect role?

A strong candidate has a proven track record in designing large-scale cloud-native solutions with Kafka, Flink, and AI tools, hands-on experience with real-time AI like feature stores or RAG, and the ability to provide technical leadership, mentorship, and strategic partnership across teams.

Confluent

Data streaming solutions for real-time processing

About Confluent

Confluent specializes in data streaming solutions, focusing on helping businesses manage and process real-time data streams. Its main product is built on Apache Kafka, an open-source platform that allows users to create real-time data pipelines and streaming applications. Clients, including large enterprises and financial institutions, utilize Confluent's tools to collect, process, and analyze data streams, which helps them make quicker and more informed decisions. Unlike many competitors, Confluent offers a subscription-based model for its cloud platform, Confluent Cloud, and its on-premises software, Confluent Platform, ensuring a steady revenue stream. The company also provides professional services like training and consulting to assist clients in optimizing their data streaming solutions. Confluent's goal is to be a leader in the data streaming market, enabling organizations to leverage real-time data for improved operational efficiency.

Mountain View, CaliforniaHeadquarters

2014Year Founded

$443.5MTotal Funding

IPOCompany Stage

Data & Analytics, Enterprise SoftwareIndustries

1,001-5,000Employees

Benefits

Best Teammates on Planet Earth - Loving your job has a lot to do with the people around you. Luckily at Confluent, you will find some of the most genuine people who make you excited to come to work each day.

Adjustable Working Arrangements - While most of our employees work typical business hours, we encourage everyone to partner with their manager to make a schedule that works best for them and Confluent.

Robust Benefits - Health and wellness is important and Confluent is proud to offer a total benefits program that ranks in the top percentile of companies similar in size to our industry in our established geographies.

Rest and Recharge Days - Personal time off is great but it is even better when your whole team has the day. Each quarter, teams have three recharge days where the entire team logs off and refreshes before coming back to work.

Weekly Lunch Spend - At Confluent, we have a weekly lunch program called “No Pay Thursday.” On Thursdays, lunch is provided by Confluent at local restaurants and grocery stores, taxes may apply for some countries.

Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) - Confluent employees work really hard to meet the needs of our growing and scaling business. To make sure that we don’t burn out, we encourage everyone to balance their PTO in an adequate way.

Risks

CTO Chad Verbowski's retirement may lead to a temporary leadership vacuum.

WarpStream acquisition may present integration challenges, disrupting operations.

Participation in MongoDB AI Program exposes Confluent to competitive pressures.

Differentiation

Confluent's platform is based on Apache Kafka, a leading open-source data streaming technology.

The company offers a subscription-based model, ensuring steady recurring revenue streams.

Confluent's solutions cater to diverse industries, enhancing real-time data processing capabilities.

Upsides

Increased adoption of Apache Flink complements Confluent's existing Apache Kafka-based solutions.

Integration with MongoDB's AI Applications Program enhances AI-driven data processing capabilities.

The OEM Program launch can drive new partnerships and expand market presence.

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