Lead Backend Engineer: Java, Spring Boot, Kafka, Mentorship

PNC; Strongsville (OH); On-site; USD 86,000 - 144,000; Full time

Job summary

PNC is seeking a Lead Backend Software Engineer to design and deliver scalable Java-based backend services. The role focuses on leading technical delivery, mentoring engineers, and driving engineering excellence within the Retail Technology organization.

The position supports in-office work in Strongsville, OH or Pittsburgh, PA, with a strong emphasis on building distributed systems, secure software platforms, and robust CI/CD practices.

Qualifications

• Strong Java (11/17+), Spring Boot, and Kafka expertise.
• Experience designing microservices and RESTful APIs.
• Proficiency with relational databases (PostgreSQL, SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL).
• Hands-on experience with Docker and Kubernetes for containerized deployments.
• Familiarity with distributed systems, patterns, and system observability.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of enterprise backend applications and microservices.
• Architect event-driven systems using Kafka and modern distributed patterns.
• Develop RESTful APIs and backend services with Java and Spring Boot.
• Mentor engineers through code reviews, design reviews, and coaching.
• Drive architecture decisions for scalability, reliability, and performance.
• Collaborate with product and cross-functional teams to translate requirements into technical solutions.
• Define engineering best practices and CI/CD pipelines with DevOps partners.
• Resolve complex production issues and improve system observability and resiliency.
• Evaluate new technologies to improve the tech stack and development processes.

Skills

Java

Spring Boot

Kafka

Microservices

REST APIs

PostgreSQL

SQL Server

Oracle

MySQL

Git

Distributed systems

Code reviews

Education

Bachelor's

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Spring ecosystem

Job description

PNC is seeking a Lead Backend Software Engineer to design and deliver scalable Java-based backend services. The role focuses on leading technical delivery, mentoring engineers, and driving engineering excellence within the Retail Technology organization.

The position supports in-office work in Strongsville, OH or Pittsburgh, PA, with a strong emphasis on building distributed systems, secure software platforms, and robust CI/CD practices.