Lead Java Backend Developer

Lead Java Backend Developer Location: Downtown Chicago, IL (Local only) Hybrid: 2-3 days onsite per week (Lead & one Sr role) Onsite: 5 days/week (one Senior role) Remote interview but can ask for onsite Java 11+, backend development with microservices & event-driven architecture, RESTful APIs, relational & NoSQL databases, Kafka/RabbitMQ/SQS, API Gateways (Apigee/AWS/Azure), CI/CD (Jenkins/GoCD/Azure DevOps), TDD/BDD (Selenium/Cucumber), and cloud platforms (AWS or Azure). Responsibilities Design, develop, and maintain Java backend applications using Java 11 or higher Build and support microservices, event-driven, and MVC-based architectures Develop and consume well-defined RESTful APIs Work with relational and NoSQL databases Implement batch and/or stream processing solutions Integrate applications with message queues and streaming platforms Participate in TDD/BDD practices using automated testing frameworks Support application deployment using CI/CD pipelines Deploy and maintain applications in cloud environments (AWS or Azure) Collaborate with architects, product owners, and cross-functional teams (Lead role) Provide technical guidance, code reviews, and mentorship to team members Required Skills & Qualifications 7+ years of experience for Senior Java Developer 9+ years of experience for Lead Java Developer Strong expertise in Java 11 or higher Hands-on experience with: Microservices & event-driven architectures RESTful API design and development Relational & NoSQL databases Experience with message brokers / streaming tools (at least one): Kafka, RabbitMQ, AWS SQS/SNS, ActiveMQ, Kinesis Experience with API Gateways / API Management tools : Apigee Edge, AWS API Gateway, or Azure API Gateway Familiarity with API documentation and testing tools : Swagger, Assertible Hands-on experience with testing frameworks : Selenium, Cucumber Experience with CI/CD tools : Jenkins, GoCD, Azure DevOps Cloud experience with AWS or Azure Nice to Have Financial services or large enterprise experience Strong understanding of application security and performance optimization Prior experience working in hybrid or onsite enterprise environments