Staff Engineer (Java)

Contract to hire role with 4 days onsite in Wilmington, DE; Urbandale, IA; or Manassas, VA.

About the role

The selected Staff Engineer is a senior individual-contributor role focused on designing and scaling enterprise engineering solutions. This role is responsible for leading API-first architecture initiatives, defining best practices, and guiding the evolution of software systems across multiple subsidiaries. The position balances hands-on development with strategic architectural leadership, ensuring long-term scalability, maintainability, and integration across a complex application ecosystem.

Approximate focus:

• API architecture & design – 35%
• Solving complex enterprise challenges – 35%
• Code review and enforcement of architectural patterns – 25%
• Mentoring and documentation – 10%

Responsibilities

• Design and implement scalable API architectures and integration patterns across multiple applications and business units.
• Lead code reviews ensuring adherence to architectural patterns, best practices, and API governance.
• Solve complex business and technical challenges leveraging modern and legacy technologies.
• Contribute to system documentation and define standards for reusable components and services.
• Partner with stakeholders and subsidiaries to define strategic technology directions and system evolution.
• Mentor junior team members.
• Promote innovation and challenge established norms.
• Identify and reduce technical debt in both code and processes.
• Ensure product quality through attention to security, performance, and observability.
• Test, approve, and refine software solutions; provide consultation for solving business problems leveraging current technology.
• Provide occasional production system support as part of a rotating on-call schedule.

Travel required: ~5–10%.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of experience in Java (preferred) or object-oriented programming.
• 3+ years of API architecture or system integration experience (REST API).
• 2+ years of experience working in an agile environment, delivering iteratively.
• Demonstrated ability to design scalable systems and make architectural decisions for complex enterprise ecosystems.
• Experience mentoring junior developers and influencing technical direction.
• Strong communication skills to translate complex technical ideas into actionable implementation requirements.
• Proven track record of solving complex business challenges through technology.
• Ability to operate independently in a fast-paced environment and thrive under ambiguity.

Skills

• Deep understanding of API-first design principles and scalable enterprise architecture.
• Proficiency in Java and object-oriented programming with modern development frameworks.
• Experience with integration across multiple systems and legacy modernization projects.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, able to evaluate trade-offs and recommend solutions.
• Hands-on experience with software development lifecycle (SDLC) best practices.
• Ability to influence technical strategy and enforce architectural standards across teams.