Senior Java Backend Engineer

Job summary

Design, build, and scale backend services powering external APIs for a major media and technology client. Focus on improving system reliability, strengthening access controls, and supporting high-scale production environments.

Job details

Toptal is an exclusive network of the world’s top freelance software developers, designers, finance experts, marketing professionals, product managers, and project managers. We offer freelance opportunities strictly on an independent contractor basis* For one of our clients — a major name in the media and technology industry — we are currently looking for Senior Java Backend Engineers (API & Distributed Systems) to help design, build, and scale backend services powering external APIs. The role focuses on improving system reliability, strengthening access controls, and supporting both new and existing client applications in a high-scale production environment. Key requirements:Strong expertise in Java backend developmentProven experience building and operating web-scale systems, ideally serving millions of usersStrong understanding of multithreading and concurrent backend processingSolid experience designing, building, and securing APIsHands-on experience with cloud platforms, preferably Google Cloud (GCP) or similarFamiliarity with Kubernetes for deploying and scaling applications This is a contract opportunity with an expected duration of 6 to 12 months. The role is fully remote, with some overlap required with the PST time zone. While the client’s preference is a full-time (40 hours/week) commitment, they are also open to part-time candidates who could gradually transition into full-time. If this opportunity aligns with your experience and interests, we encourage you to apply. *Please note that we are unable to support C2C (Corp-to-Corp), C2H (Contract-to-Hire), or any engagements through third-party employers.

What you’ll do

Design, build, and scale backend services powering external APIs for a major media and technology client. Focus on improving system reliability, strengthening access controls, and supporting high-scale production environments.

Requirements

Requires strong expertise in Java backend development and experience operating web-scale systems serving millions of users. Proficiency with GCP, Kubernetes, and concurrent processing is essential.

Listed skills

• Software · Preferred
• Kubernetes · Preferred
• Production · Preferred
• Organization · Preferred
• Reliability · Preferred
• Attention to detail · Preferred
• Client · Preferred
• Development · Preferred
• Time · Preferred
• Java · Preferred
• Google Cloud · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Java
• Backend Development
• API Design
• Distributed Systems
• Multithreading
• Concurrent Processing
• Google Cloud Platform
• Kubernetes
• Web-scale Systems
• Access Controls

Job areas

• Software
• Technology
• Engineering