AI Architect - Confluent

We’re not just building better tech. We’re rewriting how data moves and what the world can do with it. With Confluent, data doesn’t sit still. Our platform puts information in motion, streaming in near real-time so companies can react faster, build smarter, and deliver experiences as dynamic as the world around them.

It takes a certain kind of person to join this team. Those who ask hard questions, give honest feedback, and show up for each other. No egos, no solo acts. Just smart, curious humans pushing toward something bigger, together.

One Confluent. One Team. One Data Streaming Platform.

About the Role

Confluent is seeking a highly skilled and experienced AI Architect to join our Business Systems team. This role is pivotal in modernizing our core business platforms by integrating practical AI solutions that automate manual workflows and enhance data accessibility for our internal teams. As an AI Architect, you will be at the forefront of designing, developing, and deploying AI-driven tools that revolutionize how we operate.

This is a hybrid role, combining the responsibilities of a software architect, lead engineer, and technical partner to the business. You will be instrumental in transforming vague business problems into reliable and secure AI software solutions, defining the architecture, and writing the code that runs in production.

A Day in the Life

As an AI Architect at Confluent, your day-to-day activities will be diverse and challenging. You will collaborate with various stakeholders to understand their needs, design innovative AI solutions, and implement them with precision. Here’s a glimpse into what your typical day might look like:

• Morning: Start your day by reviewing project updates and addressing any immediate technical challenges. Collaborate with the Sales, Marketing, and Support teams to gather requirements for new automation opportunities.
• Mid-Day: Dive into the technical aspects of your role. Design system architecture and integration strategies, focusing on secure data flow between external LLM providers (Google, Anthropic, OpenAI) and internal data. Write production-ready code using modern agent frameworks like ADK and LangChain.
• Afternoon: Focus on implementing Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) pipelines. Manage vector databases and optimize search strategies to ensure the accuracy of AI responses. Work on setting up CI/CD pipelines and infrastructure for cloud deployment.
• Late Afternoon: Dedicate time to quality and governance. Implement automated testing frameworks to measure response accuracy, latency, and costs. Ensure strict handling of PII and adherence to enterprise security standards.
• End of Day: Participate in team meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and future plans. Document your work and prepare for the next day’s tasks.

Why Remote United States?

Confluent embraces remote work, understanding the importance of flexibility and work-life balance. Being a remote employee in the United States offers several advantages:

• Flexibility: Work from anywhere in the United States, allowing you to balance personal and professional commitments.
• Access to Talent: Confluent can tap into a diverse talent pool across the country, ensuring we have the best people on our team.
• Cost-Effective: Remote work reduces overhead costs, allowing Confluent to invest more in employee benefits and development.
• Improved Work-Life Balance: Remote employees often report higher job satisfaction and better work-life balance, leading to increased productivity and retention.

Career Path

At Confluent, we are committed to the growth and development of our employees. The AI Architect role offers a clear career path with opportunities to advance within the company. Potential career trajectories include:

• Senior AI Architect: Lead more complex projects and mentor junior team members.
• Principal AI Architect: Drive architectural vision and strategy for AI initiatives across the company.
• AI Engineering Manager: Manage a team of AI engineers and architects, overseeing the development and deployment of AI solutions.
• Director of AI: Lead the AI department, setting the strategic direction and ensuring alignment with business goals.

Salary and Benefits

Confluent offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package to attract and retain top talent. The estimated salary range for the AI Architect role in the United States is $180,000 to $260,000 per year. This range is based on industry standards and the candidate's experience and qualifications.

In addition to a competitive salary, Confluent provides a robust benefits package that includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Paid parental leave
• 401(k) plan with employer matching
• Employee assistance program
• Professional development opportunities
• Wellness programs
• Employee resource groups
• Flexible work arrangements
• Company-sponsored events and activities
• Commuter benefits
• Home office stipend

Confluent Culture

Confluent’s culture is built on collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. We value individuals who are curious, driven, and passionate about solving complex problems. Our culture is characterized by:

• Collaboration: We believe in the power of teamwork and encourage open communication and knowledge sharing.
• Innovation: We are constantly seeking new and better ways to solve problems and improve our products and services.
• Customer Focus: We are dedicated to providing exceptional value to our customers and building long-term relationships.
• Integrity: We conduct business with the highest ethical standards and treat each other with respect and fairness.
• Diversity and Inclusion: We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

How to Apply

If you are a talented and experienced AI Architect looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity, we encourage you to apply. To apply for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter through the Confluent careers page. Be sure to highlight your relevant experience and qualifications, and explain why you are a good fit for our team.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is Confluent's mission?

   Confluent's mission is to set data in motion. Our platform puts information in motion, streaming in near real-time so companies can react faster, build smarter, and deliver experiences as dynamic as the world around them.

2. What are the key responsibilities of an AI Architect at Confluent?

   The key responsibilities include designing AI integrations, architecting the integration layer between LLM providers and internal data, writing production-ready code, implementing RAG pipelines, and ensuring data privacy and security.

3. What skills and qualifications are required for this role?

   The required skills and qualifications include 8+ years of software development experience, strong proficiency in Python and API design, experience with agent frameworks and RAG pipelines, knowledge of data privacy, and excellent communication skills.

4. What is the career path for an AI Architect at Confluent?

   The career path includes opportunities to advance to Senior AI Architect, Principal AI Architect, AI Engineering Manager, and Director of AI.

5. What is the salary range for this position?

   The estimated salary range for the AI Architect role in the United States is $180,000 to $260,000 per year.

6. What benefits does Confluent offer to its employees?

   Confluent offers comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, generous paid time off, paid parental leave, a 401(k) plan with employer matching, and various other benefits.

7. What is Confluent's culture like?

   Confluent's culture is built on collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. We value individuals who are curious, driven, and passionate about solving complex problems.

8. How does Confluent support remote employees?

   Confluent supports remote employees by providing flexible work arrangements, a home office stipend, and access to the tools and resources they need to be successful.

9. What is the interview process like at Confluent?

   The interview process typically involves a phone screening, technical interview, and interviews with hiring managers and team members.

10. How can I prepare for an interview at Confluent?

    To prepare for an interview at Confluent, research the company, understand our mission and values, and be prepared to discuss your relevant experience and qualifications.