Tech Lead - Specialist Java Backend Developer

RBC; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Flexible benefits

Career development & training

Job summary

RBC Caribbean’s Digital Banking IT Group seeks a Lead Java Backend Developer to design and build mission-critical backend services powering internet and mobile banking. You’ll provide architectural direction, mentor teams, and drive modernization with a cloud-native, microservices-first approach.

You will lead technical design decisions, develop high-performance Java apps with Spring Boot, enforce coding standards, and guide DevOps practices across large-scale systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, IT Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of professional software development experience.
• Proven Java development experience (Java 11+).
• Strong knowledge of OOP and design patterns.
• Experience with microservices architecture and distributed systems.
• Spring Framework and Spring Boot experience.
• REST API design and API-first approaches.
• Cloud-native solutions (AWS, GCP, Azure).
• DevOps CI/CD pipelines experience (Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions).
• Containerization and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Messaging (Kafka, RabbitMQ).
• Relational and NoSQL databases (SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MongoDB).
• Security concepts including SSO, SSL/TLS, API security, OAuth/JWT, RBAC.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical design reviews for backend systems and microservices.
• Develop Java applications, REST APIs, and microservices with Spring Boot.
• Set and enforce coding standards and architectural patterns.
• Conduct feasibility studies and advise senior management on large projects.
• Design, code, test, and review application programs.
• Develop scalable API services with automated tests.
• Optimize performance, usability, and maintainability.
• Lead modernization and cloud-native transformations for legacy systems.
• Research new technologies and assess business impact.
• Participate in vendor evaluations and technical assessments.
• Drive DevOps and infrastructure-as-code initiatives.

Skills

Java development

Spring Boot

Microservices

Cloud-native

CI/CD

Docker

Kubernetes

REST APIs

Security concepts

Leadership

Agile/Scrum

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/Engineering

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Kafka

Jenkins

GitHub Actions

Job description

APPLICATION DEADLINE: AUGUST 18, 2026

This role can be located in the Caribbean Banking Market or in Canada where the successful candidate resides.

What is the opportunity?

The Lead Java Backend Developer for RBC Caribbean's Digital Banking IT Group designs, develops, and architects mission-critical backend services and APIs powering internet banking, mobile banking, and origination applications. As a technical leader, you'll provide architectural direction, mentor development teams, and drive modernization initiatives. You'll collaborate with solutions architects, infrastructure teams, and business stakeholders to deliver scalable, secure solutions that solve complex business problems. This role is pivotal in advancing RBC Caribbean's Digital Channel portfolio through a cloud-native, microservices-first approach.

What Will You Do?

• Lead technical design reviews and architectural decisions for backend systems and microservices
• Design and develop high-performance Java applications, REST APIs, and microservices using Spring Boot and Spring Framework
• Establish and enforce coding standards, design patterns, and architectural best practices across development teams
• Conduct feasibility studies and provide recommendations to senior management on complex, large-scale projects
• Design, code, and implement application programs; perform comprehensive testing and code reviews
• Develop and design scalable API services and ensure high code quality through automated units, integration, and functional testing
• Optimize applications for maximum performance, usability, and maintainability
• Review, analyze, and modify programming systems—including debugging, performance tuning, and deployment for large-scale systems
• Lead modernization efforts and cloud-native transformations for legacy systems (e.g., Netbank, Mobile Banking)
• Research emerging technologies and best practices; assess implications for business strategy
• Participate in vendor evaluation, technology assessments, and due diligence exercises
• Drive DevOps practices and infrastructure-as-code initiatives

What Do You Need to Succeed?

Must-Have

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Software Engineering, Computer Science, IT Engineering, or related field
• 10+ years of professional software development experience with proven expertise in:
• Java development (Java 11+ preferred) with deep knowledge of OOP and design patterns
• Microservices architecture and distributed systems design
• Spring Framework and Spring Boot application development
• REST APIs and API-first design
• Cloud-native solutions (AWS, GCP, or Azure) with hands‑on experience
• DevOps technologies and CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions, etc.)
• Containerization and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes)
• Message queues/event‑driven architectures (MQ, Kafka, RabbitMQ)
• Relational and NoSQL databases (SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, etc.)
• Comprehensive knowledge of enterprise‑level security concepts and methodologies, including: SSO, SSL/TLS, encryption, API security and authentication frameworks (Apigee, OAuth 2.0, JWT), and role‑based access control and entitlements management
• 5+ years of demonstrated leadership/facilitation experience managing cross‑functional development teams
• Proven ability to mentor engineers and foster a culture of continuous improvement
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with technical and non‑technical stakeholders
• Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments
• Experience with banking, financial services, or regulated industries is highly valued
• Understanding of digital banking platforms and customer‑facing applications

Nice‑to‑Have

• AWS, GCP, or Azure certifications
• Experience with event‑driven or event sourcing architectures
• Knowledge of API management platforms and gateway solutions
• Open‑source project contributions or community involvement
• Experience with performance monitoring and APM tools (New Relic, Datadog, Splunk)
• Familiarity with infrastructure‑as‑code tools (Terraform, CloudFormation)
• Banking domain certifications or regulatory compliance knowledge (PCI‑DSS, SOX)

Work Arrangement

This role requires four days per week on-site at our office, with flexibility for one day of remote work.

What's in It for You?

We thrive on the challenge to be our best, embracing progressive thinking and working together to deliver trusted advice that helps our clients and communities prosper.

• Comprehensive Total Rewards Program including performance bonuses and flexible benefits
• Leaders who actively support your professional development through coaching and career advancement opportunities
• Ability to make a lasting impact on digital banking innovation across the Caribbean region
• Work in a dynamic, collaborative, high‑performing team of technical experts
• Access to world‑class training and continuous learning programs
• Opportunities to tackle challenging, strategically important projects
• Leadership role in shaping technology strategy and architectural dec

Job Skills

Application Development, Application Integrations, Application Maintenance, Applications Architecture, Detail‑Oriented, Enterprise Application Delivery, Group Problem Solving, Programming Languages, Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), System Applications

Additional Job Details

Address: RBC WATERPARK PLACE, 88 QUEENS QUAY W:TORONTO

City: Toronto

Country: Canada

Work hours/week: 37.5

Employment Type: Full time

Platform: TECHNOLOGY AND OPERATIONS

Job Type: Regular

Pay Type: Salaried

Posted Date: 2026-06-29

Application Deadline: 2026-08-19

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the application deadline date above

Our Employment Opportunities

At RBC, we are guided by living shared values of Client First, Integrity, Collaboration, Respect and Excellence and winning together as One RBC. We believe an inclusive workplace that has diverse perspectives is core to our continued growth as one of the largest and most successful banks in the world. Maintaining a workplace where our employees feel supported to perform at their best, effectively collaborate, drive innovation, and grow professionally helps to bring our Purpose to life and create value for our clients and communities. RBC strives to deliver this through policies and programs intended to foster a workplace based on respect, belonging and opportunity for all.

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RBC is presently inviting candidates to apply for this existing vacancy. Applying to this posting allows you to express your interest in this current career opportunity at RBC. Qualified applicants may be contacted to review their resume in more detail.