Software Engineer Lead - Back End / Java, Spring Boot, Kafka

PNC; Strongsville (OH); On-site; USD 86,000 - 144,000; Full time

Job summary

PNC is seeking a Lead Backend Software Engineer to design and deliver scalable Java-based backend services. The role focuses on leading technical delivery, mentoring engineers, and driving engineering excellence within the Retail Technology organization.

The position supports in-office work in Strongsville, OH or Pittsburgh, PA, with a strong emphasis on building distributed systems, secure software platforms, and robust CI/CD practices.

Qualifications

• Strong Java (11/17+), Spring Boot, and Kafka expertise.
• Experience designing microservices and RESTful APIs.
• Proficiency with relational databases (PostgreSQL, SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL).
• Hands-on experience with Docker and Kubernetes for containerized deployments.
• Familiarity with distributed systems, patterns, and system observability.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of enterprise backend applications and microservices.
• Architect event-driven systems using Kafka and modern distributed patterns.
• Develop RESTful APIs and backend services with Java and Spring Boot.
• Mentor engineers through code reviews, design reviews, and coaching.
• Drive architecture decisions for scalability, reliability, and performance.
• Collaborate with product and cross-functional teams to translate requirements into technical solutions.
• Define engineering best practices and CI/CD pipelines with DevOps partners.
• Resolve complex production issues and improve system observability and resiliency.
• Evaluate new technologies to improve the tech stack and development processes.

Skills

Java

Spring Boot

Kafka

Microservices

REST APIs

PostgreSQL

SQL Server

Oracle

MySQL

Git

Distributed systems

Code reviews

Education

Bachelor's

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Spring ecosystem

Job description

Position Overview

R231183

Job Profile

At PNC, our people are our greatest differentiator and competitive advantage in the markets we serve. We are all united in delivering the best experience for our customers. We work together each day to foster an inclusive workplace culture where all of our employees feel respected, valued and have an opportunity to contribute to the company’s success. As a Lead Software Engineer within PNC's Retail Technology organization, you will be based in Pittsburgh, PA or Strongsville, OH.

As a Lead Backend Software Engineer, you will design, develop, and lead the delivery of scalable, high-performance backend services that power mission-critical applications. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on technical leader with deep expertise in Java, Spring Boot, and Apache Kafka, with a passion for building distributed systems, mentoring engineers, and driving engineering excellence. In this role, you will collaborate with architects, product managers, and cross‑functional engineering teams to define technical solutions, establish best practices, and deliver highly reliable, secure, and scalable software platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of enterprise‑scale backend applications and microservices.
• Architect and build event‑driven systems using Apache Kafka and modern distributed system patterns.
• Develop RESTful APIs and backend services using Java and Spring Boot.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to software engineers through design reviews, code reviews, and coaching.
• Drive application architecture decisions, ensuring scalability, reliability, maintainability, and performance.
• Partner with product management and business stakeholders to translate requirements into technical solutions.
• Define and promote software engineering best practices, coding standards, and development processes.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex production issues while continuously improving system observability and resiliency.
• Collaborate with DevOps teams to implement CI/CD pipelines and cloud‑native deployment strategies.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend improvements to the overall technology stack.
• Participate in sprint planning, estimation, and technical roadmap development.
• Ensure security, compliance, and operational excellence across backend platforms.

Qualifications

• Strong expertise in Java (Java 11/17+).
• Extensive experience developing applications using Spring Boot and the Spring ecosystem.
• Hands‑on experience designing and implementing Kafka‑based event‑driven architectures.
• Strong understanding of microservices architecture and distributed systems.
• Experience building and consuming REST APIs.
• Proficiency with relational databases such as PostgreSQL, SQL Server, Oracle, or MySQL.
• Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes.
• Strong understanding of software design patterns, object‑oriented design principles, and clean coding practices.
• Experience with source control systems such as Git.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem‑solving skills.

PNC is an in‑office company that fosters a supportive culture where employees can thrive and achieve balance. We encourage candidates to connect with their recruiter and hiring manager to understand workplace expectations and ensure the role aligns with their goals.

PNC will not provide sponsorship for employment visas or participate in STEM OPT for this position.

Job Description

• Creates and leads the technical design and development of software solutions.
• Proposes & designs software solutions to address complex business needs. Prepares technical and procedural documentation required.
• Facilitates complex problem resolution.
• Provides technical guidance and support to colleagues. Reviews coding, testing, and documentation of software.
• Applies modern principles, methodologies and tools to advance business initiatives and capabilities.

PNC Employees take pride in our reputation and to continue building upon that we expect our employees to be:

• Customer Focused - Knowledgeable of the values and practices that align customer needs and satisfaction as primary considerations in all business decisions and able to leverage that information in creating customized customer solutions.
• Managing Risk - Assessing and effectively managing all of the risks associated with their business objectives and activities to ensure they adhere to and support PNC's Enterprise Risk Management Framework.

Qualifications

Successful candidates must demonstrate appropriate knowledge, skills, and abilities for a role. Listed below are skills, competencies, work experience, education, and required certifications/licensures needed to be successful in this position.

Preferred Skills

Apache Kafka, Application Development, Back‑End Development, Business Management, Customer Solutions, Design, Group Problem Solving, Java, Process Improvements, Release Management, Software Solutions, Spring Boot, User Experience (UX) Design

Competencies

Application Delivery Process, Application Design, Architecture, Application Development Tools, Application Testing, Packaged Application Integration, System Development Life Cycle, Technical Troubleshooting

Work Experience

Roles at this level typically require a university / college degree, with 3+ years of relevant / direct industry experience. Certifications are often desired. In lieu of a degree, a comparable combination of education, job specific certification(s), and experience (including military service) may be considered.

Education

Bachelors

Certifications

No Required Certification(s)

Licenses

No Required License(s)

Pay Transparency

Base Salary: $86,250.00 – $143,750.00

Salaries may vary based on geographic location, market data and on individual skills, experience, and education. This role is incentive eligible with the payment based upon company, business and/or individual performance.

Application Window

Generally, this opening is expected to be posted for two business days from 07/30/2026, although it may be longer with business discretion.

Benefits

PNC offers a comprehensive range of benefits to help meet your needs now and in the future. Depending on your eligibility, options for full‑time employees include: medical/prescription drug coverage (with a Health Savings Account feature), dental and vision options; employee and spouse/child life insurance; short and long‑term disability protection; 401(k) with PNC match, pension and stock purchase plans; dependent care reimbursement account; back‑up child/elder care; adoption, surrogacy, and doula reimbursement; educational assistance, including select programs fully paid; a robust wellness program with financial incentives.

In addition, PNC generally provides the following paid time off, depending on your eligibility: maternity and/or parental leave; up to 11 paid holidays each year; 9 occasional absence days each year, unless otherwise required by law; between 15 to 25 vacation days each year, depending on career level; and years of service.

To learn more about these and other programs, including benefits for full time and part‑time employees, visit pncthrive.com.

Disability Accommodations Statement

If an accommodation is required to participate in the application process, please contact us via email at [e-mail]. Please include “accommodation request” in the subject line title and be sure to include your name, the job ID, and your preferred method of contact in the body of the email. Emails not related to accommodation requests will not receive responses. Applicants may also call 877‑968‑7762 and say "Workday" for accommodation assistance. All information provided will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

At PNC we foster an inclusive and accessible workplace. We provide reasonable accommodations to employment applicants and qualified individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to perform the essential functions of their positions.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

PNC provides equal employment opportunity to qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or other categories protected by law.

This position is subject to the requirements of Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA) and, for any registered role, the Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 (SAFE Act) and/or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), which prohibit the hiring of individuals with certain criminal history.

California Residents

Refer to the California Consumer Privacy Act Privacy Notice to gain understanding of how PNC may use or disclose your personal information in our hiring practices.