Senior Java Developer (AI Backend Engineer)
About the role
As a Senior Java Developer (AI-First Backend Engineer), you will make an impact by designing and delivering scalable, cloud-native backend solutions that power mission-critical enterprise applications. You will be a valued member of the Engineering team and work collaboratively with architects, product owners, DevOps engineers, QA teams, business stakeholders, and cross-functional technology teams to build secure, high-performing, and innovative digital solutions.
In this role, you will:
· Design, develop, and maintain cloud-native microservices and enterprise applications using Java, Spring Boot, and modern software engineering practices.
· Build secure, scalable RESTful APIs and backend services that support complex business workflows, system integrations, and regulatory requirements.
· Leverage AI-assisted development tools to accelerate code delivery, improve code quality, reduce technical debt, and optimize engineering productivity.
· Collaborate with DevOps teams to implement automated CI/CD pipelines, containerized deployments, observability practices, and DevSecOps standards.
· Optimize application performance, database design, and data processing capabilities to support high-volume enterprise workloads while ensuring reliability, security, and compliance.
Work Model
We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring 3 days a week in a client or Cognizant office in New Jersey. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various wellbeing programs.
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
· 8+ years of experience developing enterprise applications with Java and Spring Boot.
· Strong expertise in Java 17 or newer, including modern language features and object-oriented design principles.
· Hands-on experience designing and building microservices architectures, REST APIs, and distributed systems.
· Experience with SQL Server or other enterprise relational databases, including performance tuning, query optimization, and data modeling.
· Proficiency with Spring ecosystem technologies including Spring MVC, Spring Security, Spring Data, Dependency Injection, and Transaction Management.
· Experience implementing automated testing using JUnit, Mockito, Test-Driven Development (TDD), and integration testing frameworks.
· Working knowledge of CI/CD pipelines, containerization technologies, DevOps practices, and cloud-native application delivery.
· Experience working in Agile environments and collaborating across product, engineering, QA, and operations teams.
· Strong understanding of application security, compliance requirements, and software development lifecycle best practices.
These will help you stand out
· Experience leveraging AI-assisted development tools such as GitHub Copilot or other generative AI coding platforms.
· Experience building solutions within highly regulated industries such as Healthcare, Financial Services, Insurance, Audit, Risk, or Compliance.
· Knowledge of healthcare interoperability standards, EDI/X12 transactions, HIPAA compliance, or other industry-specific regulatory frameworks.
· Experience with cloud platforms such as Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud Platform.
· Experience leading technical initiatives, mentoring developers, and driving engineering best practices across teams.
· Familiarity with OpenAPI/Swagger specifications, API governance, and enterprise integration patterns.
· Experience working with high-volume transactional systems requiring performance optimization and scalability considerations.
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 July 24, 2026.
The annual salary for this position is between $63,000 - $125,000 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, provincial or local laws.
