Java Backend Lead Developer

Cognizant; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

401(k)

Disability insurance

Parental leave

Stock purchase plan

Job summary

Cognizant is seeking a Java Backend Lead to design and deliver scalable, cloud-based backend applications and analytics solutions. You will provide hands-on technical leadership across the SDLC, translating business requirements into reliable technology solutions.

This on-site role is in Sunnyvale, CA, with flexibility for project needs and a focus on production readiness and observability. You will mentor developers, ensure robust unit testing, and collaborate with PMs, leads, and stakeholders

Qualifications

• 9+ years of software development experience with Java and Spring.
• Hands-on backend design and development experience.
• Experience with Kafka or similar messaging systems.
• Cloud platform experience (Azure or Google Cloud).
• CI/CD pipelines experience.
• Kubernetes or container orchestration experience.
• Agile Scrum experience.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement scalable backend applications and analytics solutions on cloud platforms.
• Lead technical discussions with program managers and stakeholders.
• Develop high-quality applications with unit tests and proper coverage.
• Provide technical direction and guidance to developers and fix specifications.
• Lead testing, release, and deployment of features to production.
• Implement monitoring and observability aligned with client requirements.
• Create clear documentation for designs, interfaces, and specs.

Skills

Java

Spring Framework

Spring Boot

Spring Data JPA

Cloud Platforms

CI/CD

Agile Scrum

Tools

Apache Kafka

Kubernetes

Job description

About The Role

As a Java Backend Lead, you will make an impact by designing and delivering scalable, cloud-based backend applications and analytics solutions. You will provide hands‑on technical leadership throughout the software development lifecycle, from requirements analysis and solution design through testing, deployment, and production monitoring.

About The Role

As a Java Backend Lead, you will make an impact by designing and delivering scalable, cloud-based backend applications and analytics solutions. You will provide hands‑on technical leadership throughout the software development lifecycle, from requirements analysis and solution design through testing, deployment, and production monitoring. You will work collaboratively with Technical Program Managers, technical leads, developers, and client stakeholders to translate business requirements into reliable technology solutions.

Work model

This is an on‑site role based on business requirements in Sunnyvale, CA. Regardless of work arrangement, we support a healthy work‑life balance through our wellbeing programs. The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you’re engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.

Important Disclaimer

• Please note: A few of our roles may require in‑person interviews at Cognizant offices or client locations, depending on project or client needs.**
• Candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future

In This Role, You Will

• Design and implement scalable backend applications and analytics solutions deployed on cloud platforms.
• Analyze business requirements, recommend effective technical solutions, and lead technical discussions with program managers, technical leads, and other stakeholders.
• Develop high‑quality applications using industry‑standard coding practices, including comprehensive unit testing that meets or exceeds project coverage requirements.
• Provide technical direction and guidance to developers, including support with functional specifications, technical specifications, and solution design.
• Lead the successful testing, release, and deployment of application features into production environments.
• Implement monitoring and observability solutions aligned with client and project requirements.
• Create and maintain clear documentation for application designs, services, interfaces, and technical specifications.

What You Need To Have To Be Considered

• 9+ years of software development experience with advanced Java, Spring Framework, Spring Boot, and Spring Data JPA.
• Strong hands‑on experience designing and developing Java‑based backend applications and services.
• Experience with Apache Kafka or another enterprise messaging or message‑queue technology.
• Experience designing applications for large‑scale or high‑volume environments.
• Practical experience with at least one major cloud platform, such as Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud Platform.
• Experience working with continuous integration and continuous delivery pipelines.
• Hands‑on experience with Kubernetes or related container orchestration technologies.
• Experience delivering software in an Agile Scrum environment, including partnering with technical and business stakeholders.

These will help you stand out

• Strong hands‑on experience with Microsoft Azure.
• Experience designing distributed, cloud‑native, or event‑driven architectures.
• Knowledge of application monitoring, logging, observability, and production‑support practices.
• Demonstrated experience leading technical conversations and mentoring software developers.
• Experience preparing functional specifications, technical specifications, and application design documentation.

We’re excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.

Salary And Other Compensation

The annual salary for this position is between $68,000 – $140,000 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

Benefits:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long‑term/Short‑term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Disclaimer

The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law. The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you’re engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations. Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.