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Java Full Stack Technical Lead

00068098744

Java Full Stack Technical Lead

About the Role

We’re seeking a hands-on Java Full Stack Technical Lead who can architect, build, and scale API-first platforms and integrations. You’ll lead design and delivery of high-volume APIs, craft cloud-native microservices on AWS, and guide teams on best practices for reliability, security, and observability. This role blends deep back-end expertise (Java, Spring) with front-end fundamentals (React/TypeScript) to deliver end-to-end features and integration experiences.

*Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future*

Key Responsibilities

Architecture & API Design

· Own end-to-end API architecture (REST/GraphQL), including resource modeling, error schemas, versioning strategy and contract testing.

· Design domain-aligned microservices (DDD), event-driven patterns (Kafka/SNS/SQS) and distributed workflows.

· Define integration patterns (webhooks, event streaming, async queues, batch, CDC) and BFF (Backend-for-Frontend) layers for client needs.

· Delivery & Engineering

· Build Java 17+ / Spring Boot services; implement JPA/Hibernate, Spring Security, WebFlux, and Resilience4j for reliability.

· Establish and enforce API standards (OpenAPI/Swagger), linting, and SDK generation where appropriate.

Cloud & DevOps (AWS)

· Architect, implement, and operate workloads on AWS:

· Compute: ECS/Fargate, EKS, Lambda

· Networking: VPC, ALB/NLB, PrivateLink, API Gateway, Route 53

· Data: RDS/Aurora, DynamoDB, ElastiCache/Redis, S3, OpenSearch

· Integration: SNS/SQS, EventBridge, Step Functions, Kinesis

· Security: IAM, KMS, Secrets Manager, WAF, Shield, Cognito/OIDC

· Build secure CI/CD pipelines (GitHub Actions/Azure DevOps/Jenkins), IaC with Terraform/CloudFormation, and implement blue/green or canary deployments with automated rollbacks.

· Implement observability: distributed tracing, structured logging, metrics and SLOs via CloudWatch/Prometheus/Grafana.

Leadership & Collaboration

· Mentor engineers, lead code/design reviews, and foster engineering excellence.

· Collaborate with Product, Architecture, and Security on roadmaps, discovery, and prioritization.

· Champion documentation: API specs, runbooks, postmortems, and playbooks.

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 2-3 days a week in a client or Cognizant office in Plano, TX. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance though our various wellbeing programs.

*Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future*

Required Qualifications

· 10+ years professional software engineering experience; 3+ years architecting cloud-native services on AWS.

· Expert in Java 11+/17, Spring Boot, REST, JSON, OpenAPI, and asynchronous messaging (SNS/SQS/Kafka).

· Strong with integration patterns (sync/async), API versioning, backwards compatibility, schema evolution, and contract testing (Pact/WireMock).

· Proficient with SQL (PostgreSQL/MySQL/Aurora) and at least one NoSQL (DynamoDB/DocumentDB); caching with Redis.

· Proficient in CI/CD, IaC (Terraform/CloudFormation), Docker, and container orchestration (ECS/EKS).

· Solid observability (logs, metrics, traces) and performance tuning (JVM, DB, API latency, throughput).

· Security-first mindset: IAM, KMS, Secrets Manager, WAF, CORS, CSP, input validation.

· Front-end capability with React + TypeScript (or Angular), including state mgmt (Redux/RTK/React Query), routing, and component design.

· Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and mentoring skills.

Preferred Qualifications

· Event-driven architectures with EventBridge/Kinesis, CDC (Debezium), and saga patterns (Step Functions/temporal-like orchestration).

· GraphQL (Apollo/Federation) and BFF patterns; API monetization and developer portal experience.

· Multi-account AWS strategy, landing zones, network segmentation, and service mesh (App Mesh/Istio).

· Kubernetes (EKS), Helm, service autoscaling, pod disruption budgets, and cost optimization (Graviton/Spot).

· Experience in regulated environments (PCI, SOC 2, HIPAA) and data privacy (PII, GDPR).

Tools & Tech Stack (Example)

· Back End: Java 17, Spring Boot, Spring Cloud, WebFlux, JPA/Hibernate, Resilience4j

· APIs: REST, GraphQL, OpenAPI/Swagger, Pact

· Messaging & Events: Kafka/SNS/SQS, EventBridge, Kinesis

· Data: PostgreSQL/Aurora, DynamoDB, Redis, S3, OpenSearch

· Front End: React 18, TypeScript, Vite/Webpack, Jest, Cypress/Playwright

· DevOps & Cloud: AWS (ECS/EKS/Lambda, API Gateway, ALB, Route 53, CloudFront), Docker, Terraform/CloudFormation, Jenkins, CloudWatch, Grafana/Prometheus

Additional Information

We welcome applicants who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Even if you don’t meet every listed requirement, we encourage you to apply. Consider your transferable experience and unique skills that may bring fresh perspective to the role.

Salary and Other Compensation

Applications will be accepted until April 12th, 2026.
The annual salary for this position ranges from $90,000 – $130,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to applicable plan terms.

Benefits

Cognizant offers the following benefits for this role (subject to eligibility):
• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid Holidays & Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan with contributions
• Long‑term/Short‑term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Disclaimer

The salary, benefits, and compensation information listed above is accurate as of the posting date. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, in accordance with applicable law.

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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