Senior Backend Engineer (Java/Python) — AWS, Kafka, AI

Motion Recruitment; Pasadena (CA); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job description

Senior Backend Engineer / Java, Kafka & AWS / Hybrid / Pasadena, CA

Our client is a large technology-driven organization developing scalable enterprise applications and data platforms. Based out of Pasadena, CA, they are looking to hire a Senior Backend Engineer on a contract basis.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced backend engineer who wants to work at the intersection of large-scale distributed systems, cloud engineering, and emerging AI technologies. The team is looking for a highly experienced, hands‑on engineer who can design complex backend solutions while providing technical leadership to other developers. You'll work with a modern Java, Kafka, Python, and AWS stack while gaining exposure to AI-powered applications, LLMs, and intelligent agents.

Contract Duration

• 9+ Months

Required Skills & Experience

• 10+ years of professional software development experience with a strong focus on backend engineering
• Extensive experience designing and building scalable backend applications and distributed systems
• Strong hands‑on development experience with Java 17/21
• Experience developing RESTful backend services using Spring Boot
• Strong experience with Apache Kafka and high-throughput, low-latency data pipelines
• Experience developing cloud-based applications using AWS
• Experience with AWS services such as Lambda, ECS/Fargate, API Gateway, CloudWatch, Secrets Manager, and IAM
• Professional development experience with Python
• Experience working with both SQL and NoSQL databases
• Experience providing technical leadership and helping engineering teams solve complex development challenges
• Strong understanding of software engineering development lifecycles
• Experience developing meaningful unit and integration tests
• Experience incorporating AI tools into day-to-day software engineering workflows
• Ability to work onsite in Pasadena three days per week

Desired Skills & Experience

• Experience developing AI-powered applications
• Hands‑on experience with LLMs, generative AI, AI agents, or conversational AI
• Experience with Databricks or comparable cloud data platforms
• Strong background designing distributed systems and large‑scale data solutions

What You Will Be Doing

Tech Breakdown

• Java 17/21 and Spring Boot
• Python
• Apache Kafka
• AWS cloud services
• RESTful APIs and microservices
• SQL and NoSQL databases
• Distributed and event‑driven systems
• AI/LLM technologies
• Databricks or similar data platforms

Daily Responsibilities

• Design and develop scalable backend applications and services
• Build RESTful services using Java and Spring Boot
• Develop and maintain high-volume, low-latency data pipelines using Apache Kafka
• Design cloud-based solutions leveraging AWS infrastructure and services
• Work with SQL and NoSQL data stores supporting enterprise applications
• Collaborate with engineers on backend architecture and distributed system design
• Provide technical guidance and leadership when solving complex engineering problems
• Develop unit and integration tests to improve application quality and reliability
• Participate throughout the software development lifecycle, including design, development, testing, deployment, and ongoing enhancement
• Apply AI-assisted development tools to improve engineering productivity and software delivery
• Work with the team onsite in Pasadena three days per week

You Will Receive The Following Benefits

• Medical Insurance - Four medical plans to choose from for you and your family
• Dental & Orthodontia Benefits
• Vision Benefits
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Voluntary Life Insurance, Long-Term & Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• 401(k) including match with pre and post-tax options
• Paid Sick Time Leave
• Legal and Identity Protection Plans
• Pre-tax Commuter Benefit
• 529 College Saver Plan

Motion Recruitment Partners (MRP) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants must be currently authorized to work on a full-time basis in the country for which they are applying, and no sponsorship is currently available. Employment is subject to the successful completion of a pre-employment screening. Accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process as required under MRP’s Employment Accommodation policy. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.

Posted By: Bill Derucki