Principal Backend Lead (Java)

Principal Backend Lead (Java)

Required Skills & Experience

Java Expertise:

• 8+ years of hands-on experience with Java (preferably Java 8 or newer), Spring Framework (Spring Boot, Spring Data, etc.), and related JVM technologies.
• Demonstrated competence in building enterprise-grade applications using proven Java methodologies.

Backend Design & Architecture:

• Solid track record designing robust microservices and RESTful APIs.
• Familiarity with well-structured database architectures (SQL/NoSQL).
• Experience optimizing high-availability, mission-critical systems in a production environment.

Leadership & Mentorship:

• Past success in leading or managing engineering teams, focusing on team growth and code quality.
• Willingness to provide direct, honest feedback while maintaining professional decorum.
• Ability to simplify complex technical concepts and keep the team focused on essential tasks.

Healthcare & Compliance Awareness (Preferred):

• Knowledge of healthcare regulations (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR) and the ability to implement compliant backend solutions.
• Experience working in regulated industries (healthcare, finance) is a plus.

Tooling & Infrastructure (Nice to Have):

• Exposure to container technologies (Docker, Kubernetes) and Infrastructure as Code (Terraform).
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI, Azure DevOps) for automated testing and deployments.

Experience in Software Craftsmanship and XP Practices

• We are looking for a developer with solid experience in software craftsmanship principles, including strong proficiency in Extreme Programming (XP) practices. The ideal candidate should have hands-on experience with Test-Driven Development (TDD), Continuous Integration, Pair Programming, and Refactoring. Familiarity with Domain-Driven Design (DDD), Clean Code, and a deep understanding of design principles and SOLID practices is highly valued. The ability to write maintainable, well-tested, and self-documenting code is essential, as well as a mindset focused on continuous improvement and collaborative development.

Real-World Experience in Code Testing and Automation Tools

• Hands-on experience designing and maintaining test suites in real-world Java projects. Skilled in unit and integration testing using JUnit, Mockito, and Testcontainers. Capable of building reliable automated tests as part of the development lifecycle, with a focus on code quality, stability, and early bug detection.