Senior Java Engineer (Hybrid)

Cognizant; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognizant in Toronto, Canada, is hiring a Senior Java Engineer to develop high‑performance backend services in an event‑driven architecture. You will design, test, and support systems, focusing on robust Kafka integrations and automated tests.

You will instrument services with Dynatrace, document decisions in Confluence, review code, and drive best practices. Hybrid role with frequent collaboration across teams.

Qualifications

• 6–9 years of backend software development experience.
• Strong proficiency in Java and Spring (Spring Boot, Spring Cloud).
• Hands-on Kafka experience (producer/consumer, event-driven design).
• Experience creating automated tests with modern frameworks.
• Proficiency with Dynatrace or similar observability tools.
• Proven ability to document systems in Confluence.

Responsibilities

• Develop backend services and APIs using Java and Spring.
• Build and optimize Kafka producers/consumers and event workflows.
• Write and maintain automated test suites (unit/integration/regression).
• Use Dynatrace for monitoring, performance analysis and troubleshooting.
• Document architecture and runbooks in Confluence.
• Attend code reviews and promote engineering best practices.
• Troubleshoot production issues and perform root-cause analysis.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable solutions.
• Spend ~60% of time coding and contributing to development initiatives.
• Set technical standards and influence architectural decisions.
• Drive CI/CD improvements and automation.
• Mentor team members and promote innovation.

Skills

Java

Spring

Kafka

Automated testing

Observability

Confluence

Code reviews

Documentation

Tools

Dynatrace

Job description

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Java Engineer with strong hands‑on experience building backend services using Java, Spring, and Kafka. This role is deeply technical and requires someone who is comfortable spending at least 60% of their time coding, proactively identifying improvements, and delivering high‑quality solutions. The ideal candidate has strong experience with automated testing, observability tools such as Dynatrace, and producing clear, concise technical documentation in Confluence.

About the Role

As a Senior Java Engineer, you will design, develop, test, and support high‑performance backend services within an event‑driven architecture. You will be responsible for building and optimizing Kafka‑based integrations, ensuring robust automated test coverage, and instrumenting services for monitoring and reliability. You will document architectural decisions, designs, and operational procedures in Confluence, ensuring clarity and alignment within the team.
This is a highly hands‑on engineering role where your contributions directly influence service reliability, scalability, and development quality.

In This Role, You Will

• Develop backend services and APIs using Java and Spring frameworks.
• Build, maintain, and optimize Kafka producers and consumers, including topic design and event processing workflows.
• Write and maintain automated test suites (unit, integration, regression) to ensure high code quality and stability.
• Use Dynatrace for monitoring, performance analysis, observability, and troubleshooting.
• Create and maintain technical documentation in Confluence, including architecture diagrams, design documents, and runbooks.
• Participate in code reviews, ensure adherence to coding standards, and drive engineering best practices.
• Troubleshoot production issues and collaborate on root‑cause analysis and long‑term fixes.
• Work closely with cross‑functional teams to clarify requirements and deliver reliable, scalable solutions.
• Spend ~60% of your time coding and proactively contributing to development initiatives.
• Establish technical standards, communicate design goals, and influence architectural strategies.
• Drive CI/CD best practices, automation initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Mentor and coach team members while promoting innovation and adoption of modern technologies.

Work Model

We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring 2-3 days a week in a client or Cognizant office in Toronto ON, CAN.

Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work‑life balance through our various wellbeing programs.

*Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future*

Required Qualifications

• 6–9 years of experience in backend software development.
• Strong proficiency in Java and Spring (Spring Boot, Spring Cloud, etc.).
• Hands‑on experience with Kafka, including consumer/producer development and event‑driven design.
• Experience in creating and maintaining automated test cases with modern testing frameworks.
• Proficiency with Dynatrace or similar observability/APM tools for monitoring and troubleshooting.
• Strong technical writing skills and experience documenting systems in Confluence.
• Ability and willingness to spend most of the time coding and contributing directly to development work.
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Proactive, detail‑oriented, and committed to continuous improvement.

Salary and Other Compensation

Applications will be accepted until March 22nd, 2026.

We regularly assess market data to ensure we offer a competitive compensation package for our associates. The base salary for this position ranges between $70,000.00 – $110,000.00 per year. Where the successful candidate may fall within the range depends on relevant education, work and/or management experience and other business-related and job-necessary qualifications. This position is also eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual performance-based bonus, as well as benefits that support your physical, mental and financial wellbeing.