Principal Java Architect (Kafka / AWS)

About the Role

As a Principal Java Architect, you will make an impact by designing and delivering resilient, scalable, and secure cloud-native applications that power critical business capabilities across a global enterprise. You will be a valued member of the engineering team, working closely with architects, product managers, and cross-functional stakeholders to build high-performance microservices and event-driven solutions using modern technologies such as Java, Spring Boot, Kafka, and AWS.

Work model

This is a hybrid role based on business requirements in Atlanta, GA. Regardless of work arrangement, we support a healthy work–life balance through our 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.

Important Disclaimers:

**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**

In This Role, You Will:

• Design and develop scalable microservices using Java 11/17 and Spring Boot to support high-volume, business-critical applications.
• Build and optimize event-driven architectures using Kafka to enable reliable, real-time data processing and seamless system integration.
• Lead technical design decisions and establish engineering best practices that improve quality, performance, security, and maintainability.
• Develop secure, cloud-native solutions on AWS while implementing observability, monitoring, and automated deployment capabilities.
• Mentor engineers through code reviews, technical guidance, and adoption of modern software engineering practices, including test-driven development and domain-driven design.

What You Need to Have to Be Considered

• 15+ years of progressive software engineering experience building and supporting large-scale enterprise applications.
• Advanced expertise in Java (Java 11 and Java 17), including performance tuning, concurrency, and application optimization.
• Strong hands-on experience with Spring Boot and microservices architectures, including service resiliency, observability, and distributed systems design.
• Deep knowledge of Kafka and event-driven architectures, including streaming, messaging, and asynchronous processing patterns.
• Proven experience designing and deploying cloud-native solutions on AWS using modern software delivery practices.
• Experience implementing automated testing strategies, CI/CD pipelines, and software quality engineering practices.
• Strong understanding of relational and NoSQL database technologies, data modeling, and performance optimization.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with the ability to influence technical decisions across distributed teams.

These Will Help You Stand Out

• Experience creating reusable frameworks, engineering standards, and shared platform capabilities.
• Knowledge of containerization and orchestration technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes.
• Experience leading modernization initiatives involving microservices transformation and cloud migration.
• Expertise in application observability, monitoring, logging, and incident management practices.
• Demonstrated success mentoring engineers and driving technical excellence within high-performing engineering teams.

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 $102,000 – $175,000 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.

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.

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.

Over Cognizant  
Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) is een bouwer van AI-oplossingen en een leverancier van technologiediensten. Wij slaan de brug tussen AI-investeringen en ondernemingswaarde door het bouwen van full-stack AI-oplossingen voor onze klanten. Onze diepgaande kennis van sectoren, processen en engineering stelt ons in staat om de unieke context van een organisatie te verankeren in technologische systemen. Deze systemen versterken het menselijk potentieel, realiseren tastbare resultaten en geven wereldwijde ondernemingen een voorsprong in een snel veranderende wereld. Ontdek hoe op cognizant.ai of @cognizant.

Aanvullende arbeidsinformatie
De informatie over de beloning is correct op de datum van deze vacature. Cognizant behoudt zich het recht voor om deze informatie op elk moment te wijzigen, met inachtneming van de toepasselijke wetgeving.

Van sollicitanten kan worden verwacht dat zij gesprekken bijwonen, persoonlijk of via een videogesprek. Daarnaast kan van kandidaten worden gevraagd om tijdens elk gesprek een geldig, door de overheid uitgegeven identiteitsbewijs (zoals een identiteitskaart of paspoort) te tonen.

Cognizant is een werkgever die gelijke kansen biedt. Je sollicitatie en kandidatuur worden niet beoordeeld op basis van ras, huidskleur, geslacht, religie, levensovertuiging, seksuele geaardheid, genderidentiteit, nationale afkomst, handicap, genetische informatie, zwangerschap, veteranenstatus of enige andere eigenschap die wordt beschermd door federale, regionale of lokale wetgeving.