Java Backend Lead (Hybrid)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

401k Matching

Paid Holidays

PTO

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

EAP

Wellbeing Programs

Tuition Reimbursement

Career Development

Job summary

Cognizant in Sunnyvale, CA 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 and collaborate with PMs, leads, developers, and client stakeholders to translate requirements into reliable tech solutions.

The role is hybrid, located in Sunnyvale, CA, with a focus on scalable Java backend systems, Kafka messaging, and cloud deployments.

Qualifications

• 9+ years of software development experience with advanced Java, Spring Framework, Spring Boot, and Spring Data JPA.
• 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 CI/CD 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.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement scalable backend applications and analytics solutions deployed on cloud platforms.
• Analyse 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.

Skills

Java

Spring Framework

Spring Boot

Spring Data JPA

Apache Kafka

Cloud platforms

CI/CD

Kubernetes

Agile Scrum

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. You will work collaboratively with Technical Program Managers, technical leads, developers, and client stakeholders to translate business requirements into reliable technology solutions.

In this role, you will

• Design and implement scalable backend applications and analytics solutions deployed on cloud platforms.
• Analyse 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.

Work Model: Hybrid

This is an hybrid 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.

Please note that Cognizant cannot provide visa sponsorship now or in the future.

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.

Applications will be accepted until October 5th, 2026

Salary and Other Compensation

The annual salary for this position is $68,000 - $140,000, depending on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job‑related factors.

In addition to salary, this role is eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program, subject to individual and company performance.

Benefits

Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to eligibility requirements:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability Coverage.
• 401(k) Plan with Company Contributions.
• Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO).
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (where applicable).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Wellbeing and Mental Health Programs.
• Tuition Reimbursement and Learning Resources.
• Career Development and Certification Opportunities.