Sr Engineering Manager - Java Backend

NielsenIQ; Chennai District; On-site; INR 3,500,000 - 5,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working environment

Volunteer time off

LinkedIn Learning

Employee-Assistance-Program (EAP)

Job summary

NielsenIQ is seeking a Senior Engineering Manager within the NIQ Activate R&D organization to lead a high-performing software engineering team while driving scalable product solutions for a growing customer base. The role combines 50% engineering leadership activities with 50% hands‑on software engineering, including architecture, coding, reviews, and problem solving.

You will design and deliver scalable microservices, lead backend system design, and leverage AI-assisted development tools to

Qualifications

• 12+ years of backend development experience.
• 4+ years in team management or leadership.
• Strong server-side tech: Java, Spring Boot, SQL/NoSQL.
• Experience with React and large-scale databases.
• Familiarity with Docker, Kubernetes, and cloud environments.
• Agile with sprint planning and delivery ownership.
• Bachelor's degree in CS or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deliver scalable microservices from architecture to deployment.
• Lead backend system design for robust, secure, and maintainable solutions.
• Guide engineering teams with planning, reviews, and delivery oversight.
• Apply AI-assisted development tools to accelerate delivery and code quality.
• Own end-to-end lifecycle of new product features and components.
• Ensure performance, uptime, and scalable architecture.

Skills

Backend leadership

Team management

React

Agile methodologies

Sprint planning

Education

B.Sc. in computer science

Tools

Java

Spring Boot

SQL

NoSQL

SingleStore

Postgres

Docker

Kubernetes

Cloud environments

Agentic AI

Job description

NielsenIQ (NIQ) is a leader in data-driven solutions, partnering with the world’s largest brands to deliver insights that drive strategic decisions. With a global presence and deep expertise in analytics and technology, we ensure that companies stay ahead in a constantly changing marketplace. Our mission extends beyond understanding consumer behaviour; it also includes refining and optimizing our internal systems that support the NIQ company operations worldwide

The Senior Engineering Manager within the NIQ Activate R&D organization will report to the Director, Activate R&D and be responsible for leading a high-performing team of software engineers while driving the development of innovative product solutions for our rapidly expanding customer base. This role operates in an open, collaborative, and innovation-driven environment, leveraging modern client and server-side technologies to deliver scalable and impactful solutions.

This is a hands‑on leadership role requiring a balanced allocation of responsibilities, with approximately 50% focused on engineering leadership activities such as technical reviews, planning, stakeholder management, talent development, and delivery oversight, and 50% dedicated to hands‑on software engineering, including architecture, coding, design reviews, and technical problem solving.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deliver scalable microservices from architecture through production deployment.
• Lead backend system design and implementation, ensuring robust, secure, and maintainable solutions.
• Leverage GitHub Copilot and AI-assisted development tools to accelerate software delivery, improve code quality, and enhance engineering productivity.
• Take ownership of development, maintenance, testing strategy, design discussions, and operations of the team, with containerized API services
• Participate in all aspects of agile software development including design, implementation, and deployment.
• Responsible for the end‑to‑end lifecycle of new product features/components
• Ensuring application performance, uptime, and scale, maintaining high standards of code quality and thoughtful application design
• Work with a small, cross‑functional team on products and features to drive growth.
• Learning new tools, languages, workflows, and philosophies to grow
• Research and suggest new technologies for boosting the product.
• Have an impact on product development by making important technical decisions, influencing the system architecture, development practices and more.

• 12+ years as a Backend developer with at least 4+ years of experience in team management.
• Experience and knowledge of server‑side technologies: Java, Springboot, SQL, Agentic AI
• Strong experience in React
• Experience with large scale SQL / NoSQL databases (SingleStore, Postgres)
• Fluent with Relational databases.
• Good problem‑solving and analysis abilities
• Good to have experience with Docker containers, Kubernetes, and Cloud environments
• Experience working in agile methodologies and sprint planning
• Must have a B.Sc. in computer science or equivalent.

Our Benefits

• Flexible working environment
• Volunteer time off
• LinkedIn Learning
• Employee-Assistance-Program (EAP)

NIQ may utilize artificial intelligence (AI) tools at various stages of the recruitment process, including résumé screening, candidate assessments, interview scheduling, job matching, communication support, and certain administrative tasks that help streamline workflows. These tools are intended to improve efficiency and support fair and consistent evaluation based on job‑related criteria. All use of AI is governed by NIQ’s principles of fairness, transparency, human oversight, and inclusion. Final hiring decisions are made exclusively by humans. NIQ regularly reviews its AI tools to help mitigate bias and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. If you have questions, require accommodations, or wish to request human review were permitted by law, please contact your local HR representative. For more information, please visit NIQ’s AI Safety Policies and Guiding Principles: https://nielseniq.com/global/en/info/niqs-ai-safety-policies/

About NIQ

NIQ is the world’s leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. In 2023, NIQ combined with GfK, bringing together the two industry leaders with unparalleled global reach. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights—delivered with advanced analytics through state‑of‑the‑art platforms—NIQ delivers the Full View. NIQ is an Advent International portfolio company with operations in 100+ markets, covering more than 90% of the world’s population.

For more information, visit NIQ.com

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Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At NIQ, we are steadfast in our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace that mirrors the rich diversity of the communities and markets we serve. We believe that embracing a wide range of perspectives drives innovation and excellence. All employment decisions at NIQ are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. We invite individuals who share our dedication to inclusivity and equity to join us in making a meaningful impact. To learn more about our ongoing efforts in diversity and inclusion, please visit the https://nielseniq.com/global/en/news-center/diversity-inclusion