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CognizantVerified Job Source

Senior Java Backend Engineer

Design and implement robust backend services and Kafka-based event streaming solutions using Java and Spring Boot. Architect cloud-native components on AWS and optimize SQL databases to ensure high availability and scalability.

  • Hybrid
  • Toronto, ON
  • Posted Jul 29, 2026
  • Apply by Aug 28, 2026
  • 1 position

Job summary

a { text-decoration: none; color: #464feb; } tr th, tr td { border: 1px solid #e6e6e6; } tr th { background-color: #f5f5f5; } Senior Java Backend Engineer (Hybrid) We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Java Backend Engineer with deep expertise in Java, Spring Boot, Kafka, AWS, and SQL to join our growing engineering team. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of designing, developing, and supporting large-scale enterprise applications while driving technical excellence across distributed systems and cloud-native architectures. In this role, you will be responsible for building resilient backend services, optimizing event-driven solutions, and delivering secure, scalable applications that support critical business functions. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams in a hybrid work environment to create innovative solutions that generate meaningful value for customers and the organization. Key Responsibilities Design and implement robust backend services using Java and Spring Boot that deliver reliable business capabilities and provide a scalable foundation for critical enterprise applications. Develop, optimize, and maintain Kafka-based event streaming solutions that enable real-time data processing and support event-driven architectures. Architect cloud-native components on AWS, including compute, storage, networking, and security services, to support highly available and scalable solutions. Create and optimize complex SQL queries, database schemas, and data models to ensure performance, scalability, and data integrity. Collaborate with cross-functional product and engineering teams to translate business requirements into scalable technical solutions. Enhance system reliability through unit testing, integration testing, and automated quality assurance processes. Drive performance tuning initiatives across services, databases, and messaging platforms to improve application efficiency and user experience. Implement secure coding practices, authentication and authorization frameworks, data protection standards, and logging strategies. Contribute to CI/CD pipelines and deployment automation to accelerate release cycles while maintaining platform stability. Provide technical guidance and mentorship to development teams, promoting engineering excellence and best practices. Investigate and resolve complex production issues through troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and preventive improvements. Create and maintain technical documentation, system architecture diagrams, API specifications, and operational runbooks. Evaluate emerging technologies, frameworks, and cloud services to improve scalability, reliability, security, and developer productivity. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field. 10–13 years of backend software engineering experience delivering enterprise-grade applications and distributed systems. Strong hands-on expertise in Java and Spring Boot, including Microservices Architecture and enterprise integrations. Extensive experience with Apache Kafka, including topic design, consumer groups, stream processing, and event-driven architectures. Deep understanding of AWS Cloud Services, including compute, storage, networking, security, and cloud-native application development. Strong expertise in SQL, including schema design, indexing, query optimization, performance tuning, and database troubleshooting. Experience designing and supporting scalable, secure, and highly available distributed systems. Strong knowledge of software engineering best practices including version control, code reviews, testing methodologies, CI/CD, and documentation. Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments. Excellent communication, analytical, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. Preferred Qualifications Experience with Microservices and Event-Driven Architecture patterns. Experience with Docker and Kubernetes. Familiarity with monitoring, observability, and logging platforms. Experience supporting large-scale mission-critical enterprise applications. Preferred Certifications AWS Certified Developer – Associate AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate Confluent Certified Developer for Apache Kafka Work Model Hybrid – Candidates must be comfortable working in a hybrid environment and collaborating with distributed teams across multiple locations. Why Apply? We’re excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don’t hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role. Salary And Other Compensation The annual salary for this position is between $84,000 – $135,000, depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans. Benefits Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance Paid Holidays plus Paid Time Off 401(k) Plan and Contributions Long-term/Short-term Disability Paid Parental Leave Employee Stock Purchase Plan Disclaimer The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law. Important Disclaimers Application Deadline Applications for this position will be accepted until August 12, 2026. Candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible, as the posting may close sooner if a sufficient pool of qualified applicants is identified. Please note: A few of our roles may require in-person interviews at Cognizant offices or client locations, depending on project or client needs. Candidate must be legally authorized to work in Canada without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.

What you’ll do

Design and implement robust backend services and Kafka-based event streaming solutions using Java and Spring Boot. Architect cloud-native components on AWS and optimize SQL databases to ensure high availability and scalability.

Requirements

Requires a Bachelor's degree and 10–13 years of experience in backend software engineering with deep expertise in Java, Spring Boot, Kafka, and AWS. Candidates must be proficient in SQL and have a strong background in designing secure, scalable distributed systems.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance • Dental Insurance • Vision Insurance • Life Insurance • Paid Holidays • Paid Time Off • 401(k) Plan and Contributions • Long-term Disability • Short-term Disability • Paid Parental Leave • Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

  • Java
  • Spring Boot
  • Apache Kafka
  • AWS
  • SQL
  • Microservices Architecture
  • Event-Driven Architecture
  • Distributed Systems
  • Cloud-Native Development
  • CI/CD
  • Unit Testing
  • Integration Testing
  • Agile
  • Scrum
  • Docker
  • Kubernetes

Job areas

  • Software
  • Technology
  • Engineering
  • Consulting
  • Data & Analytics

Additional details

Minimum education
Bachelor’s degree
Minimum experience
10+ years
Apply by
Aug 28, 2026
Posting language
English
Working hours
40 hours per week
Seniority
Mid-Senior level