POSITION: Senior Java Lead Engineer
JOB TYPE: W2, Hybrid, Full-time, 12-month contract. 1st Shift (Monday–Friday)
LOCATION: Chicago, IL (Hybrid – 2x/week onsite)
COMPENSATION: $95 - $98/hr.

Job Summary

We are seeking a Senior Java Lead Engineer to support the design, development, and deployment of a global leader’s digital platform in the industrial and heavy equipment space.

This role is a mix of hands-on backend development, technical leadership, and system-level problem solving, where you will lead development efforts while actively contributing to building scalable applications and APIs.

You will work heavily in AWS and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, high-quality software solutions. This role also includes mentoring developers, participating in architecture discussions, and supporting production systems when needed.

Ideal candidates are strong backend developers who are still hands-on with coding, have recent leadership experience, and are comfortable working on complex systems with minimal supervision.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy backend applications and services using Java
• Remain hands-on with coding while leading development efforts (not an architecture-only role)
• Build and support RESTful APIs and distributed systems
• Troubleshoot complex system and application issues, including production support
• Participate in architecture discussions and system design decisions
• Mentor junior developers and support team growth and best practices
• Perform integration testing and support user acceptance testing
• Work across the full software development lifecycle (design, development, testing, and deployment)
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality software solutions
• Monitor system performance, reliability, and scalability
• Help establish development standards, guidelines, and best practices

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field
• 10+ years of experience developing software applications in Java
• 3+ years of recent experience leading development teams
• Strong experience with Java (Java 17 preferred)
• Strong backend development experience (no UI/front-end focus)
• Experience building RESTful web services
• Hands-on AWS experience with services such as:
  • IAM
  • SQS / SNS
  • DynamoDB
  • Kinesis
• Experience with PostgreSQL or other relational databases
• Experience with DevOps practices and tools
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Experience working across the full software development lifecycle
• Experience with integration testing and end-to-end systems
• Must be hands-on with coding; this is not an architecture-only role
• Must be local to the Chicago area or willing to relocate prior to interview/start date

Preferred Qualifications

• Python experience
• Experience with system architecture or design
• AWS certifications
• Experience working on high-availability systems
• Experience working in large enterprise environments

Work Environment

• Hybrid work model based in Chicago (2 days onsite per week)
• Collaborative team environment with cross-functional teams
• Involvement in standups, architecture discussions, bug triage, and production support
• Fast-paced environment focused on delivering scalable, high-quality systems
• Opportunities to mentor and lead within a growing team