Backend Software Engineer III

Elsevier; Amsterdam; On-site; EUR 49,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

N/A

Job summary

Elsevier is seeking a backend software engineer to design, develop, test, and maintain scalable backend services and APIs. You will work in a cross-functional squad with PMs, Architects, QE, SRE, and other squads to deliver reliable software.

The role requires strong Java and Spring Framework expertise, OO design, and a proactive ownership mindset. You will contribute to production incident response, code reviews, and architectural improvements while helping advance research analytics platforms.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of backend software engineering to build production systems.
• Strong hands-on experience with Java and Spring Framework.
• Experience in Agile environments and collaborating across cross-functional teams.
• BS/MS in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent.
• Experience mentoring junior engineers is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and maintain backend services and APIs.
• Participate in Agile ceremonies including refinement, planning, reviews, and retrospectives.
• Deliver high-quality software within agreed timelines.
• Troubleshoot and resolve production issues with ownership.
• Contribute to production incident response and post-incident improvements.
• Perform code reviews and ensure adherence to engineering standards.
• Collaborate with Product Managers, Architects, QE, SRE, and other squads to deliver business value.
• Drive proactive maintenance and technical debt reduction initiatives.
• Improve application reliability, performance, scalability, and security.
• Document technical designs, decisions, and operational procedures when necessary.
• Contribute reusable engineering solutions that benefit Scopus teams broadly.

Skills

Java backend

OOP/OOD

API design

Scalable backend

CI/CD pipelines

SQL queries

Relational DBs

Spring Framework

Agile

Code reviews

Education

BS/MS in Computer Science or equivalent

Tools

N/A

Job description

Are you passionate about building scalable backend systems and shaping the future of intelligent software solutions?

Do you enjoy solving complex technical challenges while collaborating with talented teams to deliver meaningful customer impact?

About Team

The team works on the product which is a search engine and analytics platform for researchers, including academicians, research organizations, and international bodies like the UNDP, providing research data and analytics capabilities.

About The Role

Acts as a backend software engineer and technical contributor within a cross-functional squad. Contributes to the design, development, testing, deployment, and operational stability of scalable backend systems and APIs. Works collaboratively with Product Managers, Architects, QE, SRE/Platform Engineering, and other squads to deliver reliable, secure, observable, and maintainable software solutions.

This role requires strong technical expertise, ownership mindset, and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and maintain backend services and APIs
• Participate actively in Agile ceremonies including refinement, planning, reviews, and retrospectives
• Deliver high-quality software solutions within agreed timelines
• Troubleshoot and resolve production issues with urgency and ownership
• Contribute to production incident response and post-incident improvements
• Perform code reviews and ensure adherence to engineering standards
• Collaborate with Product Managers, Architects, QE, SRE, and other squads to deliver business value
• Drive proactive maintenance and technical debt reduction initiatives
• Improve application reliability, performance, scalability, and security
• Document technical designs, decisions, and operational procedures when necessary
• Contribute reusable engineering solutions that benefit Scopus teams broadly

Requirements

• Expertise in Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and Object-Oriented Design (OOD)
• Strong expertise in Java backend development
• Openness to learn and contribute using new technologies when required
• Strong understanding of API and service development principles
• Experience designing and implementing scalable and resilient backend services
• Strong knowledge of data structures and algorithms
• Strong knowledge of agentic programming
• Understanding of software architecture and design principles
• Strong debugging and problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to write clean, maintainable, and testable code
• Understanding of concurrency, resiliency, and performance optimization concepts
• Strong understanding of testing strategies including unit testing, mocking, and integration testing
• Experience with automated testing frameworks and CI/CD pipelines
• Experience conducting code reviews and maintaining engineering quality standards
• Good understanding of relational databases and database management tasks
• Experience writing optimized SQL queries
• Understanding of database performance tuning and indexing concepts

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in backend software engineering building and supporting production systems
• Strong hands‑on experience developing scalable backend applications using Java and Spring Framework
• Demonstrated experience working within Agile development environments
• Experience collaborating across cross‑functional teams and stakeholders
• BS/MS in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent practical experience
• Experience contributing to production support, incident resolution, and operational improvements
• Experience mentoring or supporting junior engineers is preferred

Work in a Way That Works for You

We promote a healthy work/life balance across the organisation. We offer an appealing working prospect for our people. With numerous wellbeing initiatives, shared parental leave, study assistance, and sabbaticals, we will help you meet your immediate responsibilities and your long‑term goals.

Working Pattern

Working flexible hours - flexing the times when you work in the day to help you fit everything in and work when you are the most productive.

About The Business

A global leader in information and analytics, we help researchers and healthcare professionals advance science and improve health outcomes for the benefit of society. Building on our publishing heritage, we combine quality information and vast data sets with analytics to support visionary science and research, health education and interactive learning, as well as exceptional healthcare and clinical practice. At Elsevier, your work contributes to the world's grand challenges and a more sustainable future. We harness innovative technologies to support science and healthcare to partner for a better world.

Primary Location Base Pay Range: NLD Amsterdam (Radarweg) €49,000 - €81,700. This role is covered by the Collective Labor Agreement Publishing Industry.

We know your well-being and happiness are key to a long and successful career. We are delighted to offer country specific benefits. Click here to access benefits specific to your location.