Senior / Lead SDE Java with GCP (relocation to Krakow)

We are looking for a Senior or Lead Software Development Engineer to join a cloud data platform initiative focused on managed Kafka connectors. The role centers on accelerating onboarding of first-party connectors, improving reliability and launch readiness, and helping expand a managed connector ecosystem used in data-intensive cloud services. Tasks Accelerate onboarding of new first-party managed Kafka connectors; Improve connector quality, reliability, and operational readiness; Integrate authentication and platform-specific cloud requirements; Translate connector behavior into implementation details, UI specs, and documentation inputs; Support launch gates such as probers, load testing, playbooks, and launch reviews. Requirements Responsibilities Strong Java experience, as the core workers and connectors are implemented in Java; Practical Go experience for API-facing changes and service integration work; Practical experience with GCP cloud; Experience integrating, debugging, and improving connector-based or data integration systems; Ability to work across performance, stability, authentication, and network-compatibility concerns; Strong engineering ownership across delivery, launch readiness, and operational quality. Nice to Have: Experience with Kafka Connect ecosystems; Experience with CDC-oriented connectors or sink/source integrations; Exposure to cloud data systems such as BigQuery, Spanner, Bigtable, Iceberg, or Debezium-based workflows. Engagement Type B2B contract. Location / Timezone Priority location is Krakow, Poland; On-site presence at the Akvelon office