Lead Java Developer

Job Title: Lead Java DeveloperLocation: Chicago, IL - HybridDuration: 12+ monthsWe are seeking a Senior Java Developer specializing in Event-Driven Architecture and Enterprise Messaging to design, develop, test, and deploy scalable cloud-native applications on Azure. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in asynchronous processing, event streaming, distributed systems, and enterprise messaging platforms, enabling highly resilient and scalable solutions.Role:You will be responsible for designing and implementing event-driven microservices, messaging solutions, and cloud-native applications using Java, Spring Boot, and Azure services. You will collaborate with cross-functional Agile teams to build highly scalable, secure, and resilient systems leveraging Kafka, Solace, IBM MQ, and Azure messaging technologies.Required QualificationsCore Development8+ years of hands-on experience with Java (J2EE), Spring Boot, and MicroservicesProven experience developing and supporting cloud-native applications on Microsoft AzureStrong expertise in distributed systems, event-driven architectures, and asynchronous processingExperience working in Agile and onsite/offshore delivery modelsEvent Streaming & Messaging (Must Have)* Extensive hands-on experience with Apache Kafka, including:o Kafka Producers, Consumers, Topics, Partitions, and Consumer Groupso Kafka Streams and Event Processingo Message Ordering, Delivery Guarantees, and Scaling Strategieso Schema Registry and Event Versioning* Strong experience with enterprise messaging platforms such as:o Kafkao Solace PubSub+o IBM MQo Azure Service Buso Event Hubs* Deep understanding of:o Event-Driven Architecture (EDA)o Publish/Subscribe Patternso Event Sourcingo CQRSo Saga Patterno Message Reliability and Error Handlingo Dead Letter Queues (DLQ)o Event Replay and Recovery Strategies* Experience designing and implementing high-throughput, low-latency messaging systemsAPI & IntegrationStrong hands-on experience with REST APIs, SOAP Services, and Event-Based IntegrationsStrong understanding of API lifecycle management and service integrationsMandatory experience with API security, including:o OAuth 2.0o JWT Validationo Secure Service-to-Service CommunicationAzure Cloud* Hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure, including:o Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)o Azure Container Appso Azure Service Buso Azure Event Hubso Azure Functionso Azure Storage* Strong understanding of Azure networking and cloud-native architecture patternsDevOps & Automation* Experience with CI/CD pipelines using:o GitHub Actionso Jenkinso TerraformStrong experience integrating automated testing, security scanning, and deployment automationExperience provisioning Azure infrastructure using Infrastructure as Code (Terraform)DatabasesExperience with Azure SQL, Cosmos DB, PostgreSQL, or other Azure-hosted databasesUnderstanding of data consistency models and transactional patterns in distributed systemsAdditional Programming Experience* Backend development experience with:o Pythono Node.jsNice to HaveExperience with Confluent PlatformExperience implementing Event Mesh architecture using SolaceKnowledge of Domain-Driven Design (DDD)Experience with GraphQLExperience with observability and monitoring tools (Dynatrace, Azure Monitor, Log Analytics)Linux and Shell ScriptingUnderstanding of TDD and BDD practicesExperience with Control-M, SFTP, and Mainframe integration patternsKey ResponsibilitiesDesign and develop scalable event-driven microservices and messaging solutions.Build, enhance, and support enterprise-grade applications utilizing Kafka, Solace, IBM MQ, and Azure messaging services.Design event schemas, topics, queues, and integration patterns for highly distributed systems.Ensure reliability, scalability, observability, and security of messaging platforms and integrations.Develop and execute unit, integration, and performance testing for messaging-based solutions.Collaborate with architects and technical leads on event-driven solution design and implementation.Document architecture, event flows, message contracts, and operational procedures.Support production deployments and troubleshooting of messaging infrastructure and applications.Ensure non-functional requirements including security, performance, scalability, resiliency, and maintainability are incorporated into all solutions.Proactively identify risks, bottlenecks, and dependencies impacting project deliverables.