Lead Java Developer - ITS5

Minnesota IT Services; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 84,000 - 144,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Paid holidays

Job summary

Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) is seeking a Lead Java Developer to lead large-scale application development for the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). The role focuses on Java engineering, cloud-based solutions, and cost-conscious delivery while working with agency leadership to optimize processes.

The position requires onsite work at the St. Paul site with telework eligibility and a strong emphasis on security, governance, and collaboration across teams.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of IT experience in designing, developing, testing, and implementing web applications.
• Experience with Java and related frameworks, with strong web security knowledge.
• Experience implementing cloud solutions (AWS or Azure).
• Familiarity with Agile software development methodology.
• Proficient in SQL and ORM technologies.
• DevOps concepts with CI/CD tooling.

Responsibilities

• Lead large and complex application development and support efforts for the division.
• Collaborate with senior management to analyze business processes and design automation.
• Provide cost-benefit analyses and estimates for design, development and deployment decisions.

Skills

Java development

AWS cloud

Agile methodology

SQL & ORM

CI/CD / DevOps

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT

Master’s degree substitution for experience

Tools

Maven

Gradle

.NET frameworks

Job description

Working Title: Lead Java Developer

Working Title: Lead Java Developer

Job Class: Information Technology Specialist 5

Agency: Minnesota IT Services

• Job ID: 96321
• Location: St. Paul
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 08/18/2026
• Closing Date: 08/26/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota IT Services
• Division/Unit: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $40.43 - $69.11 / hourly; $84,417 - $144,301 / annually
• Job Class Option: Object Oriented
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

• Job ID: 96321
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 08/18/2026
• Closing Date: 08/26/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota IT Services
• Division/Unit: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $40.43 - $69.11 / hourly; $84,417 - $144,301 / annually
• Job Class Option: Object Oriented
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Join the 2,800+ professionals of Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) who connect Minnesotans to services that will improve their lives. This position serves our partners at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). The MNIT MDH team provides services for over 250+ applications and delivers the information technology to drive one of the leading public health systems in the nation. You will support an agency that works to protect, maintain, and improve the health of all Minnesotans.

As a Lead Java Developer, with Amazon Web Services at Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), you will be responsible for leading the large and complex application development and support efforts for the division. You will work with agency senior management to analyze business processes and suggest and design automation procedures to make the work of the agency more efficient, as well as evaluate financial impacts and may be required to generate cost benefit analysis and estimates to provide management with decision points regarding design, development and deployment. Come be a part of something bigger than yourself, something to be inspired by; come to work for Minnesota IT Services and the Minnesota Department of Health!

This position requires an employee to work onsite at 625 Robert St. N, St. Paul, MN Minnesota at least 50% [or more or less if space limitations remain] of the time, with limited telework available. Telework eligibility depends on residence:

• Candidates living in Minnesota or within 50 miles of the worksite in a bordering state (Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin) may telework up to 50%.
• Minnesota residents living more than 50 miles from the worksite may be eligible to telework more than 50%.
• Candidates living 50 miles or more from the worksite in a bordering state may work onsite 100% or may be telework eligible if relocating within 50 miles.

Minimum Qualifications

​Candidates must clearly demonstrate all of the following qualifications in their resume.

This position requires a minimum of five (5) years of IT related experience in programming web applications design, development, test, and implementation.

• Designing and developing applications using Java and related framework with strong understanding of web application security and common attack vectors.
• Implementing solutions in the cloud technology (such as AWS or Azure)
• Agile software development methodology
• Working with SQL and ORM technologies
• DevOps concepts leveraging CI/CD tool
• Ability to deliver effective verbal or written messages that facilitate a mutual understanding on both parties.
• Customer service skills that include active listening, empathy, and problem-solving.

Education in Information Technology (IT) or an IT related field may substitute for experience as follows: a master’s degree for eighteen (18) months of experience; a bachelor’s degree for one (1) year; and an associate’s degree for six (6) months.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Build tools such as Maven or Gradle
• Experience with .NET web application development frameworks
• Excellent knowledge of SQL and ORM technologies
• Design of Software diagrams such as application architecture diagrams
• Experience with Cybersecurity domains
• Experience in establishing new standards and best practices to monitor, test, automate, and maintain IT components or systems.

Additional Requirements

It is the policy of Minnesota IT Services that a successful candidate must pass all legally required checks prior to employment which may consist of the following:

• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and past state employees only)
• Criminal History Check
• Reference Check
• Social Security and Address Verification
• Education Verification
• CJIS Background Check

Other Legally Required Checks

Minnesota IT Services does not participate in the federal E-Verify program. Minnesota IT Services is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas, including F-1 STEM OPT extensions, and cannot complete Form I-9 or any other documentation requiring employer participation in E-Verify. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application.

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.

Current State Employees

• Bidders: This vacancy is open for bids and all qualified applicants simultaneously. This vacancy will be filled in accordance with applicable union contract provisions. Current employees of Minnesota IT Services who are currently in an Information Technology Specialist 5/Object Oriented position and who are eligible to bid and apply within the seven (7) day bidding period will be considered prior to filling the position via other means.
• Current State Employees: Please note that employment provisions (including but not limited to seniority and leave accrual) vary among the three branches of Minnesota State government. When considering a job with another branch of state government, you are highly encouraged to explore these differences. For assistance, please direct questions to your current or anticipated Human Resources office.

About Minnesota IT Services

Minnesota IT Services is the information technology agency for the State of Minnesota. MNIT partners with agencies, boards, councils, and commissions to deliver secure, reliable technology solutions as we set IT strategy, direction, policies, and standards statewide. Work for MNIT and be part of a nation-leading IT organization that helps to create an innovative government that works for everyone. Our culture promotes collaboration, demands agility, and encourages us to embrace change. Be a part of something bigger than yourself, something to be inspired by; come to work for MNIT.