Lead Java Developer – AI

Zenith System Solutions; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Zenith System Solutions is seeking a highly experienced Lead Java Developer to architect and deliver scalable microservices in a cloud-native environment. You will lead teams, promote best practices, and drive modernization across enterprise-scale systems, with emphasis on telecommunications domain requirements.

The role requires deep technical expertise, strategic leadership, and a proven track record in delivering secure, scalable solutions.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of Java development in enterprise-scale microservices.

Responsibilities

• Architect and lead Java-based microservices design using Spring Boot.
• Mentor engineering teams and promote best practices in software design and DevOps.
• Lead cloud-native deployments on AWS, Kubernetes, and Docker.
• Design event-driven systems with Kafka and Camel.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align tech with business goals.
• Drive monolith-to-microservices modernization and legacy integrations.
• Improve CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and observability.
• Lead initiatives around identity, billing, and customer self-service platforms.
• Ensure secure coding, performance, scalability, and production readiness.
• Maintain thorough technical documentation and promote knowledge sharing across teams.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Team mentorship

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in CS/Engineering

Tools

Spring Boot

GraphQL

Node.js

Kafka

Apache Camel

Docker

Kubernetes

Istio

Zuul

NGINX

OAuth2

SAML

GitLab

Jenkins

DataDog

Sumo Logic

Distributed tracing

Job description

Work Mode: Onsite – Client Interview and Worksite Preferred

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Lead Java Developer to architect, lead, and deliver scalable microservice-based solutions in a cloud-native environment. This role requires deep technical expertise, strong leadership, and a proven track record in enterprise-scale systems—preferably within the telecommunications industry.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Architect and lead the development of robust Java-based microservices using Spring Boot and related frameworks.
• Guide and mentor engineering teams, promoting best practices in software design, testing, and DevOps.
• Lead cloud-native solution design and deployment using AWS, Kubernetes, and Docker.
• Design and implement event-driven systems using Apache Kafka and messaging frameworks such as Apache Camel.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align technical solutions with business goals and customer needs.
• Drive application modernization, including monolith-to-microservices transformations and legacy system integrations.
• Implement and improve CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and observability practices.
• Lead initiatives involving identity management, billing systems, and customer self-service platforms.
• Ensure secure coding practices, performance optimization, scalability, and production readiness.
• Maintain technical documentation and promote knowledge sharing across engineering teams.

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of professional experience in Java development, including enterprise-scale microservices.
• 5+ years of experience with cloud platforms, preferably AWS, including architecture and deployment.
• Proven experience with Spring Boot, GraphQL, and Node.js in backend development.
• Strong background in event-driven architectures and messaging systems, including Kafka and Apache Camel.
• Experience leading application modernization and digital transformation projects.
• Expertise in containerization and orchestration using Docker and Kubernetes.
• Familiarity with service meshes such as Istio, API gateways such as Zuul and NGINX, and authentication protocols such as OAuth2 and SAML.
• Proficiency in CI/CD tools such as GitLab and Jenkins, observability tools such as DataDog and Sumo Logic, and distributed tracing.
• Strong understanding of telecommunications systems, including identity, billing, and device management.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Telecommunications industry experience, including customer identity, billing systems, and network equipment management.
• Full-stack development experience using React or Angular for internal tools.
• Familiarity with Agile/Scrum methodologies and SAFe frameworks.
• Experience in cloud-native tool development and internal platform engineering.