Lead Java Developer [AQ-11086]

Aquent Talent is partnering with a leading financial services firm to find a Lead Java Developer for a critical core data technology team. This role offers the opportunity to shape customer and advisor experiences by building the next generation of a core client data platform.

About the role

You will design, deliver, and support sophisticated systems that power segmentation, client preferences, and experiences through event-driven architecture, APIs, batch processing, and eligibility frameworks. Your work will establish resilient and scalable solutions crucial for the firm’s future capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Understand business needs, conduct research on potential options, and recommend optimal solutions based on context.
• Identify gaps and mitigate risks related to delivery, scalability, performance, security, compliance, and operational readiness; respond to or advocate for prioritization.
• Create efficient, easy-to-follow architectural diagrams/documents, develop software code, and write automated test scripts.
• Architect and develop effective solutions that align with the organization’s vision.
• Deliver work on time and with high quality.
• Review team’s planning to ensure understanding of work breakdown and dependencies when considering sequencing and prioritization.
• Lead and coach a team on engineering excellence and practices.
• Foster a culture of engineering excellence and challenge the status quo.
• Identify gaps in processes and services across environments.
• Cultivate a culture of open feedback that promotes accountability for continuous improvement.
• Facilitate discussions to ensure everyone has an opportunity to share their opinion and be heard, and that discussion outcomes tie to stated goals.
• Support the team on critical production issues.
• Build relationships with adjacent domains and teams.

Requirements

• 6+ years of experience with Java, Java Spring framework, cloud development, and Web Services (REST, SOAP) supporting high-volume transactions in a highly available environment.
• Demonstrated or hands-on experience with AI coding assistants used across day-to-day engineering workflows in the SDLC—design, implementation, refactoring, unit testing, regression support, code reviews, scripting/automation, troubleshooting, and documentation—while applying engineering judgment and validation.
• Practical familiarity with AI coding assistants (e.g., GitHub Copilot, Claude Code).
• 2+ years of experience working with modernized batch solutions (e.g., Spring Batch, Spring Cloud Data Flow).
• 3+ years of experience with modern databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, Aerospike) or relational databases that are cloud compatible.
• 3+ years of experience in cloud deployment in a continuous integration and continuous delivery model (CI/CD).
• 3+ years of experience with continuous build process using modern version control and build automation tools (e.g., Git-based systems, CI/CD pipelines).
• 2+ years of experience with major cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP).
• 3+ years of experience in messaging technologies (e.g., RabbitMQ, Kafka).
• Experience in Test Driven Development, QA Automation, and a quality mindset and behaviors.
• Demonstrated ability in solution discovery and crafting designs based on engineering principles.
• 5+ years of experience demonstrating exceptional written, verbal, and people skills with proven experience communicating effectively at all levels.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders including offshore teams.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems creatively.
• Ability to create delivery roadmap/plans and ensure adherence.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Knowledge of Agile methodology and experience in an Agile working environment.
• Experience in IT Transformations and system modernization initiatives from legacy to distributed platforms (e.g., Mainframe to modern Java/database systems).
• 2+ years of Python experience.
• Experience with collaboration and project management tools (e.g., JIRA, Confluence).
• Experience in the Financial Services industry.

Benefits

Eligible talent get access to:

• Subsidized health, vision, and dental plans.
• Paid sick leave.
• Retirement plans with a match.
• Free online training through Aquent Gymnasium.