Senior Java Software Engineer (Backend Focus) – Java/AWS - Only W2 - Only USC or GC

Job Title: Senior Java Software Engineer (Backend Focus) – Java/AWSLocation: Chicago, IL - HybridDuration: 12 monthsPosition OverviewSenior IT Software Engineer to join the engineering team supporting cloud-native application development and modernization initiatives. This role will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing highly scalable Java-based backend systems leveraging AWS cloud technologies, microservices architecture, and modern engineering practices.The Senior Software Engineer will serve as a key technical contributor, driving solution design, service architecture, integration patterns, and development standards for distributed systems. The ideal candidate will bring strong hands-on experience with Java, Spring Boot, AWS, APIs, event-driven architectures, and cloud-native development. Key ResponsibilitiesDesign, develop, and maintain scalable backend services using Java, Kotlin, Spring Boot, and AWS cloud technologies.Build and enhance microservices-based architectures with a focus on scalability, reliability, availability, and security.Develop and implement RESTful APIs and event-driven services using modern integration patterns.Design service boundaries, data flows, and integration strategies for distributed systems.Work with AWS-native services including compute, storage, messaging, and database solutions.Implement asynchronous processing and messaging solutions using technologies such as Kafka.Perform database design, optimization, and troubleshooting across SQL and NoSQL platforms.Create and maintain CI/CD pipelines, automation processes, and deployment standards.Support production systems by troubleshooting defects, performance issues, and operational incidents.Drive code reviews, technical discussions, and engineering best practices across the team.Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior engineers.Collaborate with Product Owners, Engineering Managers, and cross-functional teams to deliver technical solutions.  Required Qualifications8+ years of professional software engineering experience.Strong experience designing and developing enterprise-scale applications.Hands-on experience building cloud-native applications using AWS.Advanced programming experience with Java and/or Kotlin.Strong experience with Spring Boot and microservices development.Experience designing and implementing REST APIs.Experience working with relational and non-relational databases.Experience with distributed systems, messaging, and event-driven architectures.Experience with CI/CD automation and production deployment processes.Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills in production environments. Required Technical SkillsAWS Cloud Development & ArchitectureCloud-native application designHighly available distributed systemsAWS managed servicesJava / Kotlin DevelopmentEnterprise application developmentObject-oriented designBackend service developmentSpring BootSpring MVC/WebDependency InjectionConfiguration managementActuator and health monitoringMicroservices & Distributed SystemsService designResiliency patternsFault toleranceScalability best practicesAPI DevelopmentRESTful API designOpenAPI / Swagger documentationDatabasesSQL databasesData modelingQuery optimizationNoSQL platforms such as DynamoDB, MongoDB, or CassandraMessaging & StreamingKafkaEvent-driven architectureAsynchronous processingDevOps & ObservabilityCI/CD pipelinesAutomated deploymentsLogging, monitoring, metrics, and tracingProduction incident troubleshootingSoft SkillsStrong technical communication skills with the ability to explain complex designs and trade-offs.Ability to collaborate across engineering teams and business stakeholders.Strong ownership mindset with the ability to drive technical decisions.Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.Ability to balance engineering quality with business priorities.Comfortable working in Agile/Scrum environments while remaining hands-on technically.EducationDegree is not required.Equivalent professional experience will be considered.