Lead Software Engineer

Empower; United States; Remote; USD 114,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) with match

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

Empower in the United States is seeking a Lead Software Engineer with strong backend expertise to design, develop, and deliver scalable enterprise applications.

You will lead microservices using Spring Boot, architect real-time streaming with Kafka, and drive SDLC, TDD/BDD, and DevOps practices while mentoring engineers.

The role requires 7+ years in software development and 2+ years in a leadership role; a CS/Engineering degree is preferred; a professional office setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years software development with 2+ years in a lead/mentorship role.
• Strong Java 11+ and Spring Boot experience.
• Experience with microservices, RESTful services, Kafka.
• Experience with SQL/NoSQL databases.
• Strong problem-solving and mentoring skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead microservices design and development using Spring Boot.
• Architect real-time streaming apps with Kafka.
• Define technical strategy and oversee the full SDLC.
• Mentor engineers and conduct design reviews.
• Champion TDD/BDD and CI/CD practices.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable software.
• Drive best practices in DevOps and system architecture.
• Ensure high availability and performance.

Job description

Our vision for the future is based on the idea that transforming financial lives starts by giving our people the freedom to transform their own. We have a flexible work environment, and fluid career paths. We not only encourage but celebrate internal mobility. We also recognize the importance of purpose, well-being, and work-life balance. Within Empower and our communities, we work hard to create a welcoming and inclusive environment, and our associates dedicate thousands of hours to volunteering for causes that matter most to them.

Chart your own path and grow your career while helping more customers achieve financial freedom. Empower Yourself.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time, including CPT/OPT.

We are looking for a highly skilled Lead Software Engineer with strong expertise in backend technologies and modern architectures to design, develop, and deliver scalable, high-performance enterprise applications. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in Java 11+, SQL/NoSQL databases, Spring ecosystem, microservices, and real-time streaming applications with Apache Kafka, along with a solid understanding of TDD and BDD practices. This role also requires proven leadership capabilities to guide engineering teams and influence technical direction.

What you will do:

• Lead the design and development of microservices-based architectures using Spring and Spring Boot.
• Architect and build real-time streaming applications using Apache Kafka.
• Define technical strategy and oversee the full software development lifecycle, from requirements to deployment.
• Mentor and guide engineers, conducting design and code reviews to ensure high standards.
• Champion TDD and BDD practices, ensuring code quality and maintainability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver secure, reliable, and scalable software.
• Drive adoption of best practices in system design, testing, DevOps, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Optimize performance of applications and resolve complex technical issues.
• Ensure systems are built for high availability, scalability, and maintainability.
• Contribute to architectural decisions and align technical initiatives with business goals.

What you will bring:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of professional software development experience, including 2+ years in a lead/mentorship role.
• Strong expertise in Java (Java 11 or later).
• Solid hands-on experience with Spring, Spring Boot, and RESTful web services.
• Deep understanding of microservices architecture and distributed systems.
• Proven experience in building real-time streaming applications with Apache Kafka.
• Strong experience in SQL (MySQL, PostgreSQL, or similar) and NoSQL databases (MongoDB, Cassandra, etc.).
• Proficiency in Hibernate, JPA, and ORM concepts.
• Strong understanding and application of TDD and BDD methodologies.
• Solid understanding of software design patterns and system architecture.
• Experience with version control (Git) and CI/CD practices.
• Excellent problem-solving, debugging, and leadership skills

What will set you apart:

• Knowledge of gRPC for high-performance service-to-service communication.
• Knowledge of AWS technologies (EC2, RDS, S3, Lambda, etc.).
• Experience with containerization tools (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Familiarity with Agile/Scrum methodologies.

This job operates in a professional office environment.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications of the job. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. You will be evaluated in part based on your performance of the responsibilities and/or tasks listed in this job description. You may be required to perform other duties that are not included on this job description. The job description is not a contract for employment, and either you or the employer may terminate employment at any time, for any reason, as per terms and conditions of your employment contract.

What we offer you

We offer an array of diverse and inclusive benefits regardless of where you are in your career. We believe that providing our employees with the means to lead healthy balanced lives results in the best possible work performance.

• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• Retirement savings – 401(k) plan with generous company matching contributions (up to 6%), financial advisory services, potential company discretionary contribution, and a broad investment lineup
• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250/year
• Business-casual environment that includes the option to wear jeans
• Generous paid time off upon hire – including a paid time off program plus ten paid company holidays and three floating holidays each calendar year
• Paid volunteer time — 16 hours per calendar year
• Leave of absence programs – including paid parental leave, paid short- and long-term disability, and Family and Medical Leave (FMLA)
• Business Resource Groups (BRGs) – BRGs facilitate inclusion and collaboration across our business internally and throughout the communities where we live, work and play. BRGs are open to all.

Base Salary Range

$114,000.00 - $165,300.00

The salary range above shows the typical minimum to maximum base salary range for this position in the location listed. Non-sales positions have the opportunity to participate in a bonus program. Sales positions are eligible for sales incentives, and in some instances a bonus plan, whereby total compensation may far exceed base salary depending on individual performance. Actual compensation offered may vary from posted hiring range based upon geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer.

Equal opportunity employer Drug-free workplace

We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age (40 and over), race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, religion, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law.

For remote and hybrid positions you will be required to provide reliable high-speed internet with a wired connection as well as a place in your home to work with limited disruption. You must have reliable connectivity from an internet service provider that is fiber, cable or DSL internet. Other necessary computer equipment, will be provided. You may be required to work in the office if you do not have an adequate home work environment and the required internet connection.

Job Posting End Date at 12:01 am on:

09-10-2026