Software Engineer Lead - Back End / Java, Spring Boot, Kafka

About the role

The Lead Software Engineer within PNC's Retail Technology organization will be based in Pittsburgh, PA or Strongsville, OH. This role requires strong expertise in Java, Spring Boot, and Apache Kafka, with a focus on building scalable, high-performance backend services.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of enterprise-scale backend applications and microservices.
• Architect and build event-driven systems using Apache Kafka and modern distributed system patterns.
• Develop RESTful APIs and backend services using Java and Spring Boot.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to software engineers through design reviews, code reviews, and coaching.
• Drive application architecture decisions, ensuring scalability, reliability, maintainability, and performance.
• Partner with product management and business stakeholders to translate requirements into technical solutions.
• Define and promote software engineering best practices, coding standards, and development processes.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex production issues while continuously improving system observability and resiliency.
• Collaborate with DevOps teams to implement CI/CD pipelines and cloud-native deployment strategies.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend improvements to the overall technology stack.
• Participate in sprint planning, estimation, and technical roadmap development.
• Ensure security, compliance, and operational excellence across backend platforms.

Requirements

• Strong expertise in Java (Java 11/17+).
• Extensive experience developing applications using Spring Boot and the Spring ecosystem.
• Hands-on experience designing and implementing Kafka-based event-driven architectures.
• Strong understanding of microservices architecture and distributed systems.
• Experience building and consuming REST APIs.
• Proficiency with relational databases such as PostgreSQL, SQL Server, Oracle, or MySQL.
• Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes.
• Strong understanding of software design patterns, object-oriented design principles, and clean coding practices.
• Experience with source control systems such as Git.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• 3+ years of relevant / direct industry experience.
• Apache Kafka, Application Development, Back-End Development, Business Management, Customer Solutions, Design, Group Problem Solving, Java, Process Improvements, Release Management, Software Solutions, Spring Boot, User Experience (UX) Design.

Skills

• Apache Kafka
• Application Development
• Back-End Development
• Business Management
• Customer Solutions
• Design
• Group Problem Solving
• Java
• Process Improvements
• Release Management
• Software Solutions
• Spring Boot
• User Experience (UX) Design

Benefits

PNC offers a comprehensive range of benefits to meet your needs now and in the future. Depending on your eligibility, options include:

• Medical/prescription drug coverage (with a Health Savings Account feature)
• Dental and vision options
• Employee and spouse/child life insurance
• Short and long-term disability protection
• 401(k) with PNC match, pension and stock purchase plans
• Dependent care reimbursement account
• Back-up child/elder care
• Adoption, surrogacy, and doula reimbursement
• Education assistance, including select programs fully paid
• A robust wellness program with financial incentives

Pay

$86,250.00 – $143,750.00

Schedule

Full-time