Java Technical Lead
As a Java Technical Lead, you will design, develop, and maintain scalable backend services that power high-performance, customer-facing banking applications. You will work within an Agile squad, contributing to distributed cloud-based systems while ensuring reliability, performance, scalability, and security. This role is ideal for an experienced backend professional who combines strong Java engineering expertise with architecture knowledge, hands-on technical leadership, and mentoring capabilities.
Key Responsibilities
· Design, develop, and maintain scalable Java-based microservices and APIs, ensuring clean, reusable, and production-ready code aligned with enterprise standards.
· Lead architecture and design decisions for cloud-native backend solutions, including service decomposition, API standards, and integration patterns.
· Act as the technical anchor for the team by contributing to critical components and guiding engineers on design patterns, coding standards, and best practices.
· Collaborate with Product Owners, architects, and cross-functional Agile teams to translate technical requirements into scalable backend solutions.
· Mentor engineers on Java, microservices, cloud development, and engineering best practices through code reviews and technical guidance.
· Build and deploy services on AWS, Azure, or OpenShift using Docker and Kubernetes to support scalability, resilience, and high availability.
· Design, implement, and enhance CI/CD pipelines using GitHub Actions to improve build, testing, and deployment automation.
· Use AI-assisted development tools such as GitHub Copilot, Windsurf, or Claude Code to accelerate delivery and improve code quality.
· Ensure quality, performance, scalability, and security through robust testing practices, monitoring, troubleshooting, and production support.
· Drive continuous improvement by reducing technical debt, improving system performance, and introducing modern engineering practices.
Required Qualifications
· 12+ years of professional experience in backend software engineering and technical leadership.
· Strong hands-on experience with Java, Spring Boot, Microservices, REST APIs, SQL, and Spring Security.
· Experience designing and developing scalable, cloud-native backend services for enterprise applications.
· Cloud experience with Azure, AWS, or OpenShift.
· Hands-on experience with Docker, Kubernetes, and GitHub Actions for CI/CD automation.
· Experience with AI-assisted development tools such as GitHub Copilot, Windsurf, or Claude Code.
· Strong understanding of coding standards, design patterns, application security, performance, and reliability best practices.
· Ability to mentor engineering teams, conduct code reviews, and support delivery in an Agile environment.
Preferred Qualifications
· Good-to-have experience with Angular or frontend technologies.
· Experience with monitoring and troubleshooting tools such as Splunk or Dynatrace.
· Prior experience working in banking, financial services, or high-volume customer-facing application environments.
Location: RBC - 88 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON
- We're excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don't hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.
Salary and Other Compensation:
The annual salary for this position is between $71K – $112K depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.
This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.
Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
- Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
- Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
- 401(k) plan and contributions
- Long-term/Short-term Disability
- Paid Parental Leave
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law
About Cognizant:
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.
Additional employment information
Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
