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Technical Lead Java Full Stack Engineer ( Java, Kafka, AWS)

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About the Role

We are seeking a Technical Lead Java Full Stack Developer to architect, build, and scale API-first platforms and integrations. This role requires deep expertise in Java and Spring Boot, combined with front-end proficiency in React/TypeScript, to deliver end-to-end solutions. You will lead the design and delivery of high-volume APIs, cloud-native microservices on AWS, and guide teams on best practices for reliability, security, and observability.

Work model

This is a hybrid role based on business requirements in Columbus, OH & Plano, Texas . Regardless of work arrangement, we support a healthy work–life balance through our wellbeing programs. Working arrangements may change based on project or client needs.

Please note: A few of our roles may require in-person interviews at Cognizant offices or client locations, depending on project or client needs.

Candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future

Key Responsibilities

  • Architecture & API Design
    • Own end-to-end API architecture (REST/GraphQL), including resource modeling, error schemas, versioning, and contract testing.
    • Design domain-driven microservices, event-driven patterns (Kafka/SNS/SQS), and distributed workflows.
    • Define integration patterns (webhooks, event streaming, async queues, CDC) and Backend-for-Frontend (BFF) layers.
  • Delivery & Engineering
    • Build Java 17+ / Spring Boot services with JPA/Hibernate, Spring Security, WebFlux, and Resilience4j.
    • Establish and enforce API standards (OpenAPI/Swagger), SDK generation, and automated testing.
  • Cloud & DevOps (AWS)
    • Architect and operate workloads using ECS, EKS, Lambda, API Gateway, Route 53, RDS/Aurora, DynamoDB, and Redis.
    • Implement secure CI/CD pipelines (GitHub Actions/Azure DevOps/Jenkins) and IaC (Terraform/CloudFormation).
    • Drive observability with distributed tracing, structured logging, metrics, and SLOs.

Required Qualifications

  • 8+ years of professional software engineering experience; 3+ years architecting cloud-native services on AWS.
  • Expertise in Java 11+/17, Spring Boot, REST, JSON, OpenAPI, and asynchronous messaging (SNS/SQS/Kafka).
  • Strong knowledge of integration patterns, API versioning, schema evolution, and contract testing.
  • Proficiency in SQL (PostgreSQL/MySQL/Aurora), NoSQL (DynamoDB/DocumentDB), and caching (Redis).
  • Skilled in CI/CD, IaC, Docker, and container orchestration (ECS/EKS).
  • Solid observability and performance tuning experience.
  • Security-first mindset with IAM, KMS, WAF, and input validation.
  • Front-end capability with React + TypeScript (or Angular).
  • Excellent communication and mentoring skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with event-driven architectures (EventBridge/Kinesis, CDC, saga patterns).
  • GraphQL (Apollo/Federation), API monetization, and developer portal experience.
  • Multi-account AWS strategy, service mesh (App Mesh/Istio), and Kubernetes (EKS/Helm).
  • Knowledge of regulated environments (PCI, SOC 2, HIPAA) and data privacy (GDPR, PII).

Salary and Other Compensation:

The annual salary for this position is between $95,000 – $140,000 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

What we offer

  • The chance to work with impact. Here, you’re empowered to bring your biggest thinking to help our company and clients improve everyday life.
  • Ownership over your career. Stay at the top of your game through our award-winning learning and development ecosystem. And when your ambitions change or we offer new opportunities, we help you pivot by providing reskilling, on-the-job learning and guidance to find new roles that might be a better fit.
  • The opportunity to thrive on a high caliber team with heart. We celebrate each other’s experiences and perspectives and promote a sense of belonging through our affinity groups and diversity and inclusion initiatives.
  • A comprehensive total rewards package, including a competitive salary and a pension plan with matching contributions.
  • Flexible health and financial benefits to support you and your eligible dependents—from day one.
  • True work-life balance. Be at your best through paid time off, flexible work arrangements, volunteering opportunities, social events, and so much more.  

About us
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, building the bridge 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, realize tangible returns and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at www.cognizant.com or @cognizant.

Other employment-related information
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.

If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email [email protected] with your request and contact information.

Language requirements vary depending on roles, but we ask that all candidates have basic English proficiency for company-wide communications purposes. For roles based in Quebec, professional English proficiency is required, as you’ll deliver services to and collaborate with stakeholders outside the province who may not speak French.

Your path to Cognizant

Wondering what to expect after you apply? Here’s a peek at our recruitment process—and keep in mind that not all candidates advance through every step and the process may vary depending on your role and location.

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Step 1: Application

Find an open role that aligns with your skills and career goals and show us why you’re the person for the job. Consider joining our Talent Community if you don’t find the right opportunity.

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Step 2: Recruiter call

If one of our recruiters sees a fit, they’ll set up a short introductory call to learn more about you and how your experiences and skills align with the role.

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Step 3: Interview(s)

If you and our team would like to continue the process, you’ll meet with one of our hiring managers. Some roles may also require technical assessments and/or client interviews.

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Step 4: Final decision

Our hiring team will then review each candidates’ potential to succeed in the role. This process may take some time because we want to get it right—but you can count on us to keep you updated.

Benefits that help you thrive and grow

Our teams achieve incredible things when they feel fully supported. That’s why our benefits program is built around the diverse needs of our people—so they can enjoy a fulfilling, balanced and healthy life.

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Financial wellbeing

Financial wellbeing

We regularly review market data to ensure compensation is competitive and reflects the value you bring. Your benefits extend beyond pay and may include retirement plans, financial education, discount programs, etc.

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Physical and mental wellbeing

Physical and mental wellbeing

We empower you to prioritize your wellbeing through paid time off, flexible working where possible, healthcare plans, counselling, our Mental Health Allyship program and more. 

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Your career, your way

Your career, your way

With 90% of our associates building skills through GenAI training, job shadowing, industry certifications and more, you have everything you need to build a full career.

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Real-world impact

Real-world impact

Think about the biggest brands you rely on. Chances are, they rely on us to help strengthen their business. Here, you’ll turn bold ideas into solutions that improve lives everywhere.

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"Cognizant has one of the best learning ecosystems you can ask for. From sponsored certifications to training platforms to mentorship, we have all that we need to grow.”
Debashish Mishra SAP MM Developer
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"Cognizant offers me more than a job; it offers a community. We support each other, collaborate across borders and celebrate wins together. If you’re looking for a culture that values flexibility, diversity and growth, this is the place to be."
Laura Reynaud Lead Counsel
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“I’ve had the chance to work on impactful projects and shadow colleagues, all while getting involved in internal initiatives. The world is your oyster at Cognizant—you just need to take advantage of it!”
Lucas Hoffman Consultant
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“When I first joined, I was quiet and hesitant to share my thoughts. The leadership programs and the mentoring I’ve received have helped me find my voice and grow as a leader.”
Sujatha Gopalakrishnan Portfolio Delivery Lead
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"Nobody here says ‘that’s not my job.’ People just help. That’s the entrepreneurial culture that makes me stay at Cognizant.”
Paulo Miguel Epili Sr. Process Executive

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