Java & AI Software Engineer

CLS Group; Woodbridge Township (NJ); On-site; USD 135,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Health benefits

Variable compensation

Job summary

CLS Group in Woodbridge Township is looking for a highly motivated Software Engineer to focus on Java and AI application development. In this role, you will design, develop, and deploy enterprise applications while also building AI-enabled solutions.

Key qualifications include a strong foundation in Java programming, experience with server-side technologies, and familiarity with AI applications. The expected salary range is between $135,000 and $150,000, plus benefits.

Qualifications

• Strong experience with Java and Object-oriented programming principles.
• Expertise in server-side Java including JDBC, JPA, and Spring.
• Knowledge of application maintainability and performance.
• Familiarity with emerging AI technologies and applications.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop enterprise-grade applications using Java.
• Build AI-enabled solutions including Generative AI and intelligent automation.
• Collaborate across teams for application development.
• Implement industry best practices and design patterns.

Skills

Java programming

AI technologies

SQL

Spring framework

Secure coding practices

Messaging (IBM MQ)

Python

UNIX scripting

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field

Tools

JIRA

GIT

Eclipse

Job description

• Functional title - Java & AI Application Development Software Engineer
• Report to - Director, Application Development Software Engineer
• Location – New Jersey
• Expected full-time salary range between $135,000 – 150,000 + variable compensation + 401(k) match + benefits

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated, self-driven, and intellectually curious Software Engineer with Java and AI expertise who is eager to learn and embrace new technologies. This role is ideal for someone who possesses a strong growth mindset, enjoys solving complex problems, and is passionate about leveraging AI to build next-generation solutions. Experience in the Payments Industry is a plus, particularly with real-time payment systems.

Duties, Responsibilities, and Deliverables

• Design, develop, test and deploy enterprise-grade applications using Java and related frameworks.
• Build AI-enabled solutions, including Generative AI, intelligent automation, and agent-based applications.
• Collaborate with Business Analysts, Application Architects, Developers, QA, Engineering, and Technology Vendor teams for design, development, testing, maintenance and support.
• Plan, implement and ensure that delivery milestones are met.
• Improve business processes and support critical business strategies by managing the development, implementation, and maintenance of business application systems.
• Provide solutions using design patterns, common techniques, and industry best practices that meet typical challenges and requirements of a financial application including usability, performance, security, resiliency, and compatibility.
• Proactively recognize system deficiencies and implement effective solutions.
• Participate in, contribute to, and assimilate changes, enhancements, requirements (functional and non-functional), and requirements traceability.
• Apply significant knowledge of industry trends and developments to improve CLS in-house practices and services.
• Provide Level‑3 support and application knowledge and training to Level‑2 support teams.
• Integrate AI/ML models, Generative AI solutions, and LLM‑based applications into existing platforms.
• Stay current with emerging AI technologies and industry best practices.

Experience Requirements

• Strong experience with Java and Object‑oriented programming principles.
• Expertise in server‑side Java including JDBC, JPA (e.g. Hibernate), JAXB, multithreading, exception handling, logging and Spring.
• Expertise with SQL and at least one DBMS such as IBM DB2 (preferred) or Oracle.
• Familiarity with AI technologies, LLMs, prompt engineering, or a strong desire to learn and work with AI‑driven applications.
• Hands‑on knowledge of application maintainability, resiliency, performance, and technology risk management.
• Strong knowledge and experience in secure coding practices.
• Hands‑on knowledge of messaging such as IBM MQ (preferred) or any JMS related.
• Knowledge of file manipulation, XML/DOM/SAX, transaction, JSON, reflection, date/time manipulation, JUnit/TestNG, XA and file watcher.
• Knowledge of Python, UNIX commands and UNIX shell scripting.
• Knowledge of Enterprise Best Practices, SDLC, SOA, UML, JEE patterns and design patterns.
• Hands‑on knowledge of Eclipse and certain DevOps tools such as JIRA, GIT, Maven/Ant.
• Knowledge of app security (e.g., digest/hash, AES, signature, certificate, key management, password protection, SSL, SFTP, SCP, truststore, keystore, keytool).
• Knowledge of setting failover/load balancing and disaster recovery.
• Hands‑on knowledge of MS Office toolset including Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Visio.
• Proven track record of successful application delivery to production and effective Level‑3 support.
• Experience with FIN/WIFE, SWIFT/SAA, payments processing, and FX business domain.
• Knowledge of payment products: RTGS connectivity packages (PayPlus, GM Plus, SAA or AMH).

Success Factors

• Have strong analytical, written and oral communication skills with a high self‑motivation factor.
• Possess excellent organization skills to manage multiple tasks in parallel.
• Be a team player.
• Have the ability to work on complex projects with globally distributed teams and manage tight delivery timelines.
• Have the ability to smoothly handle high‑stress application development and support environments.
• Strive continuously to improve stakeholder management for end‑to‑end application delivery and support.
• Self‑driven, highly motivated, hungry to learn and continuously improve.
• Adaptable and eager to explore new technologies, third‑party swift packages.
• Passionate about innovation and solving challenging problems.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information technology, or a related field.