Lead Java Full Stack Developer

About the role

As a Lead Java Full Stack Developer, you will make an impact by designing, building, and scaling API-first, cloud-native applications and integrations using modern Java, AWS, React, and AI-assisted technologies. You will work collaboratively with product, design, data, architecture, and risk and control stakeholders to deliver secure, scalable, and reliable technology solutions.

In this role, you will:

• Design, build, and scale cloud-native, API-first applications using Java, Spring Boot, microservices, REST APIs, and event-driven architecture.
• Develop end-to-end capabilities across the technology stack using React, TypeScript/JavaScript, and Node.js on the front end and Java/Spring Boot on the back end.
• Build and operate scalable solutions on AWS using technologies such as Docker, Kubernetes, ECS/EKS, serverless computing, Kafka, SNS, and SQS.
• Integrate AI capabilities using technologies and approaches such as agentic AI, LLMs/SLMs, MCP, RAG, agent orchestration frameworks, and AI-assisted automation.
• Establish strong engineering practices across CI/CD, automated and performance testing, infrastructure as code, observability, security, and application performance.

Work model

At Cognizant, we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible, and we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various wellbeing programs. Based on this role's business requirements, this is an onsite position requiring 5 days a week in a client or Cognizant office in New York City, New York.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you're engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.

What you need to have to be considered

• 10+ years of professional software engineering experience, including 3+ years designing or architecting cloud-native services on AWS.
• Strong hands-on expertise with Java 11/17/21, Spring Boot, microservices, REST APIs, JSON, OpenAPI, asynchronous messaging, and API integration patterns.
• Full-stack development experience with React, TypeScript/JavaScript, Node.js, and Java/Spring Boot, including scalable API and microservices development.
• Experience designing and deploying cloud-native applications on AWS using Docker, Kubernetes, ECS/EKS, serverless technologies, Kafka, SNS/SQS, SQL, and NoSQL databases.
• Strong engineering experience with CI/CD, infrastructure as code such as Terraform or CloudFormation, automated testing, observability, performance tuning, and application security.

These will help you stand out

• Hands-on experience integrating generative or agentic AI technologies, including LLMs/SLMs, RAG, MCP, agent orchestration frameworks, or similar AI capabilities.
• Python experience supporting LLM engineering, data processing, automation, evaluation frameworks, or lightweight services.
• Experience with micro frontends, CEN/XFS APIs, WebSockets, Redis, DynamoDB, DocumentDB, PostgreSQL, MySQL, or Aurora.
• Experience with observability and monitoring platforms such as Splunk, Dynatrace, Datadog, CloudWatch, OpenTelemetry, or Grafana.
• Knowledge of AI-assisted development tools such as GitHub Copilot or Claude, prompt engineering, and/or experience within commercial banking.

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

Applications will be accepted until November 13th, 2026

The annual salary for this position is between $75,000 - $123,500 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