Java Lead - API Developer

Spectraforce Technologies; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Spectraforce Technologies is seeking a Java Lead - API Developer for a 9-month engagement in Richmond, VA. You will design, build, and evolve scalable APIs and microservices with REST, GraphQL, OAuth/JWT, and modern tooling.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams, own API design from spec to deployment, and optimize performance with caching, load balancing, and CI/CD. Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, Kafka, and gRPC is preferred.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of software development experience.
• Proven track record of building scalable APIs.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).

Skills

Python

Java

Go

RESTful API Design

GraphQL

WebSockets

OAuth 2.0

JWT

API Keys

SAML

PostgreSQL

DynamoDB

Redis

Git/GitHub

Microservices

Event-driven

Service mesh

gRPC

GraphQL federation

Server-Sent Events

API security best practices

rate limiting

threat modeling

Load balancing

caching

CDN integration

ESB

Kafka

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

OpenAPI/Swagger

Postman

Job description

Job Title: Java Lead - API Developer

Duration: 9 Months

Location: Richmond VA 23238

We are looking for an API Developer

Required Skills

• Programming Languages: Proficiency in (Python, Java, Go)
• RESTful API Design: Deep understanding of REST principles, HTTP methods, status codes
• API Protocols: REST, GraphQL, WebSockets
• Authentication & Authorization: OAuth 2.0, JWT, API Keys, SAML
• Database Knowledge: SQL and NoSQL databases (PostgreSQL, DynamoDB, Redis)
• Version Control: Git/GitHub
• Architecture Design: Microservices, Event-driven, Service mesh
• Advanced Protocols: gRPC, GraphQL federation, WebSockets, Server-Sent Events
• Security: API security best practices, rate limiting, threat modeling
• Scalability & Performance: Load balancing, caching, CDN integration
• Enterprise Integration: ESB, message queues (Kafka)

Technical Competencies

• API documentation (OpenAPI/Swagger, Postman)
• Microservices architecture
• Containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)
• CI/CD pipelines
• Testing (unit, integration, end-to-end)
• Performance optimization and caching strategies

Soft Skills

• Problem-solving and analytical thinking
• Collaboration with cross-functional teams
• Clear technical communication
• Code review proficiency

Experience

• 5-7 years of software development experience
• Proven track record of building scalable APIs
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)