Sr. Backend Engineer

OhioX; Cleveland (OH); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & Vision insurance

Matching 401K with immediate vesting

Subsidized lunches at Cleveland HQ

Unlimited PTO

Job summary

CHAMP is seeking a Senior Backend Engineer in Cleveland to join a distributed team delivering backend services and APIs for government-facing software. You will design, implement, and optimize scalable modules, collaborate across Product, QA, and backend services, and mentor junior engineers in an agile environment.

The role emphasizes RESTful API design, event-driven architectures using RabbitMQ, and integration with DMV platforms.

Qualifications

• 5+ years designing, testing, and implementing Java applications and microservices.
• Strong experience with Spring Boot and Spring Framework ecosystem.
• Experience with Apache Camel for integration and routing patterns.
• Proficiency in RESTful API design and development.
• Experience with message queues and event-driven architectures (preferably RabbitMQ).
• Knowledge of relational databases and SQL.
• Experience with multi-module Maven projects and dependency management.
• Experience mentoring/coaching other software engineers.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams, other developers, backend services, Product teams, and QA engineers.
• Understanding of cloud platforms, preferably AWS.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement backend services and APIs while continuously improving code quality, keeping scalability and maintainability in mind.
• Develop RESTful APIs and integrate with external systems including state DMV platforms.
• Implement message-driven architectures using RabbitMQ for inter-service communication.
• Design and develop Core modules, State plugins, and SDK components following CHAMP reference architecture.
• Create and maintain system documentation.
• Work with database design, optimization, and data modeling.
• Implement security best practices for sensitive government and financial data.
• Contribute to code reviews and establish coding standards.
• Mentor and coach junior developers on best practices.
• Lead technical design discussions and architecture decisions.
• Maintain code standards and development processes.
• Lead a team of engineers on feature projects.

Skills

Java

Spring Boot

Spring Framework

Apache Camel

RESTful APIs

Message queues

RabbitMQ

Relational databases

SQL

Maven

Mentoring

Communication

Cloud platforms

Tools

Jira

Confluence

GitHub

Slack

Job description

At CHAMP, we are redefining the technology used by Motor Vehicle Agencies and their stakeholders. We do so with innovative, cloud-based software that enhances efficiency, security, and interoperability. Our solutions replace outdated processes with modern, scalable platforms, enabling organizations to operate with greater speed and accuracy in an increasingly digital world.

Senior Backend Engineer

Location: Cleveland (Onsite - 4 days in office)

Department: Engineering

Travel: <10%

Sponsorship: This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship

Relocation: This position is not eligible for Relocation

Your Impact

As a Senior Backend Engineer, you will work in a distributed team on multiple backend services using Agile methodology to support our product suite. This is a highly interactive role that requires the skills of a team player who can analyze business requirements and handle technical challenges. You will need to be able to switch contexts based on business requirements. You will be involved in our application design and architecture. You will assist in the continuous improvement of our processes.

What You Bring

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds.

What You'll Do

• Design and implement backend services and APIs while continuously improving code quality, keeping scalability and maintainability in mind
• Develop RESTful APIs and integrate with external systems including state DMV platforms
• Implement message-driven architectures using RabbitMQ for inter-service communication
• Design and develop Core modules, State plugins, and SDK components following CHAMP reference architecture
• Create and maintain system documentation
• Work with database design, optimization, and data modeling
• Implement security best practices for sensitive government and financial data
• Contribute to code reviews and establish coding standards
• Mentor and coach junior developers on best practices
• Lead technical design discussions and architecture decisions
• Maintain code standards and development processes
• Lead a team of engineers on feature projects

Development Stack

• Programming languages: Java (including Java 21)
• Frameworks: Spring Boot 3.x, Apache Camel 4.4.x, Spring Security, JPA/Hibernate
• Architecture: Multi-module Maven projects, Message-driven architecture with RabbitMQ
• Build Tools: Maven, champ-parent-pom
• Testing: JUnit 5, Mockito, Spring Boot Test, Integration Testing
• Infrastructure: Docker, AWS, Terraform, GitHub Actions
• Collaboration Tools: Jira, Confluence, GitHub, Slack

Requirements Qualifications

• 5+ years designing, testing, and implementing Java applications and microservices
• Strong experience with Spring Boot and Spring Framework ecosystem
• Experience with Apache Camel for integration and routing patterns
• Proficiency in RESTful API design and development
• Experience with message queues and event-driven architectures (preferably RabbitMQ)
• Knowledge of relational databases and SQL
• Experience with multi-module Maven projects and dependency management
• Experience mentoring/coaching other software engineers
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams, other developers, backend services, Product teams, and QA engineers
• Understanding of cloud platforms, preferably AWS

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with offshore software engineers
• Experience with government or regulatory system integrations
• Knowledge of vehicle title and registration processes
• Experience with Apache Camel 4.x and modern integration patterns
• Docker containerization and orchestration
• Terraform infrastructure as code
• Experience with high-availability and fault-tolerant system design
• Knowledge of SOAP web services and legacy system integration

Why You'll Like Working Here

Competitive Salary

Annual Bonus Potential

Health, Dental & Vision Insurance

Unlimited PTO Policy

Matching 401K with immediate vesting

Subsidized Lunches at our Cleveland Headquarters

Fast Paced work environment in a growth company

Newly Renovated Office Space

Salary Range

The expected salary range for this position is $120,000 to $160,000 annually. This is a good faith estimate, and final compensation may vary based on experience and skills.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. If you need accommodations during the application or interview process, please let us know. We're here to help.

By joining CHAMP, you will be an integral member of our team with many opportunities for personal growth and upward mobility in a growing organization. We have a great culture that is flexible, collaborative and welcoming.