Lead Backend Java Developer

Raymond James, Inc.; Florida; Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Raymond James is seeking a Lead Backend Java Developer to shape architecture and deliver mission-critical applications. You will own SDLC stages, emphasizing performance, reliability, and scalable design.

The role requires 10+ years in software engineering, strong Java 8+ and Spring experience, and a blend of on-site and hybrid work at our St. Petersburg office. Programming leadership and financial services familiarity are highly valued.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of software engineering experience with a backend focus.
• Strong experience with Java 8+ and the Spring ecosystem.
• Proven ability to design for performance, reliability and architecture.
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Financial services experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead backend development on the Enterprise Services team.
• Design and deliver technical solutions powering critical applications across the organization.
• Own SDLC activities with emphasis on performance, reliability, and architectural excellence.
• Mentor junior developers and offshore team; review quality of deliverables.
• Optimize API performance, resiliency, caching, and streaming/messaging (Kafka, MQ).

Skills

Java 8+

REST

SOAP

Microservices

Spring

Spring Boot

Architecture & Design Patterns

SQL

NoSQL

Redis

Apache Ignite

Kafka

MQ

Jenkins

AWS

Datadog

Dynatrace

Splunk

AI/ML/NLP

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Lead Backend Java DeveloperThis website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By clicking ‘Accept’, you accept all cookies by default and exit the banner. If you choose Decline, site functionality may be limited. Manage Preferences### Lead Backend Java DeveloperApply: Saint Petersburg, Florida - United States: Full time: Posted Today: R-0013851**Job Description Summary**As a Lead Developer on our Enterprise Services team, you will play a pivotal role in designing and delivering technical solutions that power critical applications across the organization. This is not just a coding role—it’s an opportunity to shape architecture, influence technology strategy, and solve complex challenges that impact millions of transactions daily. You will own activities across all stages of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), with a strong focus on performance, reliability, and architectural excellence.**Job Description****This position follows a hybrid work model, with an expectation to be in the office 3 days per week at the St. Petersburg, FL Corporate Office location.** ***Please note: This role is not eligible for Work Visa sponsorship, either currently or in the future.*** **Skills and Responsibilities:*** Overall 10+ years of experience in Software Engineering discipline* Extensive (7+ years of hands-on) experience working with Java 8+. REST, SOAP, Micro Services and Service Oriented and Even Driven Architectures* Extensive (7+ years of hands-on) Experience working with Spring, Spring Boot, Solution Architecture, Design Patterns, Integration Frameworks, SQL, NOSQL* Experience with near/distributed caches and strategies e.g. Redis, Apache Ignite* Experience taking rotations for production support and addressing issues on time* Experience mentoring junior developers and offshore team including reviewing quality of deliverables (design, code and timelines)* Experience optimizing API performance – API resiliency, caching frameworks and streaming/messaging platforms Kafka and MQ* Deep understanding of software engineering practices, object-oriented analysis & design, design patterns, Coding modularity, Prototypes and algorithms.* Excellent communication skills, analytical ability, strong judgment skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.* Experience with monitoring tools like Datadog, Dynatrace, Splunk* Experience with CI/CD using Jenkins* Experience with AWS is a is a plus* Experience with AL, ML, NLP is a plus* Financial services experience highly preferred.**Education**Bachelor’s - Completed (Required)**Work Experience**General Experience – 10 to 15 years**Certifications****Travel****Workstyle**HybridThe total compensation for this position includes base salary or wages, and may include components such as additional compensation (cash or equity), discretionary bonuses, or commissions. This position is eligible for a benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision; life insurance; critical illness insurance and accident insurance; disability benefits; retirement savings; paid time off (including vacation, holidays, and sick leave); and parental leave. Eligibility for benefits and specific offerings may vary based on position and employment status. To view more details of the benefits offered, visit Myrjbenefits.com.At Raymond James our associates use five guiding behaviors (Develop, Collaborate, Decide, Deliver, Improve) to deliver on the firm's core values of client-first, integrity, independence and a conservative, long-term view. We expect our associates at all levels to: • Grow professionally and inspire others to do the same • Work with and through others to achieve desired outcomes • Make prompt, pragmatic choices and act with the client in mind • Take ownership and hold themselves and others accountable for delivering results that matter • Contribute to the continuous evolution of the firmAt Raymond James – as part of our people-first culture, we honor, value, and respect the uniqueness, experiences, and backgrounds of all of our Associates. When associates bring their best authentic selves, our organization, clients, and communities thrive. The Company is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of merit and business needs.