Senior Backend Java Engineer (Microservices & Kafka)

About the role

This role focuses on developing event-driven, microservices-based architectures using modern Java frameworks and messaging technologies. The ideal candidate will bring strong hands-on experience in backend development, a solid understanding of distributed systems, and the ability to contribute to mission-critical platforms with high availability requirements.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop scalable backend services using Java 8+ (or Kotlin)
• Build reactive, microservices-based applications using frameworks such as Spring Boot, Vert.x, Micronaut, or Quarkus
• Develop and implement event-driven architectures leveraging Kafka, webhooks, and asynchronous APIs
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in an Agile environment to deliver high-quality software solutions
• Contribute to application design, architecture decisions, and technical best practices
• Ensure high availability, performance, and reliability of mission-critical platforms
• Work with cloud-based and distributed systems to support scalable solutions
• Participate in code reviews, testing, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders and provide constructive feedback and technical insights
• Take ownership of deliverables while working in ambiguous and fast-paced environments
• Promote a collaborative, team-first culture and continuously explore new technologies and approaches

Requirements

• Strong hands-on experience with Java 8+ (Kotlin is a plus)
• Proven experience building microservices-based architectures
• Hands-on experience with at least one modern framework: Spring Boot (preferred), Vert.x, Micronaut, or Quarkus
• Experience with event-driven systems and messaging technologies such as Kafka
• Solid experience designing and developing RESTful APIs
• Strong understanding of application design and software development best practices
• Experience working with relational databases (PostgreSQL, Oracle, or equivalent)
• Exposure to NoSQL databases such as Couchbase or similar
• Experience working in Agile development environments
• Proven ability to support high-availability, mission-critical systems
• Familiarity with cloud-based and distributed system architectures
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate and provide constructive feedback
• Self-motivated and able to work effectively in fast-paced, ambiguous environments

Qualifications

• Experience with reactive programming or frameworks (e.g., Vert.x)
• Exposure to cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)
• Familiarity with containerization and orchestration tools (Docker, Kubernetes)
• Experience with performance tuning and caching strategies
• Knowledge of AI/ML concepts, including LLMs, RAG, vector databases, or prompt engineering
• Experience with Python for scripting, automation, or data-related tasks
• Understanding of advanced design patterns for distributed systems (e.g., Circuit Breaker, Saga)
• Strong communication skills and ability to contribute to technical leadership discussions

Skills

• Reactive programming
• Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)
• Containerization and orchestration tools (Docker, Kubernetes)
• Performance tuning and caching strategies
• AI/ML concepts
• Python for scripting, automation, or data-related tasks
• Advanced design patterns for distributed systems

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid Holidays & Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan with contributions
• Long-term/Short-term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Pay

The annual salary for this position ranges from $70,000 – $120,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

This position is a hybrid role requiring 2-3 days a week in a client or Cognizant office in Phoenix, AZ.