Senior Lead Full Stack Java Developer (Backend & Architecture Focus)

Senior Lead Full Stack Java Developer (Backend & Architecture Focus)Location: Columbus, OH or Plano, TX Client: JPMorgan Chase Interview Process: 90-minute Technical & Behavioral PanelPayrate: $75/hr. on W2Job OverviewWe are seeking a Senior Lead Full Stack Java Developer with a strong emphasis on backend engineering, system architecture, and application design. This is not a maintenance or support-focused role. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience building enterprise applications from the ground up, leading architectural discussions, designing scalable distributed systems, and driving technical decisions across the development lifecycle.The candidate should be comfortable operating as a hands-on technical leader, contributing to both architecture and development while mentoring engineers and influencing best practices across teams.Required SkillsJavaSpring BootMicroservices ArchitectureApache KafkaCassandraKubernetesAWS CloudCI/CD PipelinesREST APIsSystem Design & ArchitectureKey ResponsibilitiesArchitect, design, and develop scalable, secure, and high-performance enterprise applications.Lead the design and implementation of cloud-native solutions using Java, Spring Boot, AWS, and Kubernetes.Define application architecture, microservices strategy, integration patterns, and data models.Design event-driven systems leveraging Kafka and distributed databases such as Cassandra.Build applications from concept through production, ensuring scalability, resiliency, and security.Drive technical decisions related to architecture, application design, performance optimization, and operational excellence.Establish and improve CI/CD pipelines and automation practices.Conduct design reviews, code reviews, and mentor development teams on engineering best practices.Collaborate with product owners, architects, and stakeholders to translate business requirements into technical solutions.Champion modern software engineering practices, including AI-assisted development tools, while ensuring security and quality standards.Required Qualifications8+ years of software development experience with strong expertise in Java technologies.Proven experience designing and building enterprise applications from scratch.Extensive hands-on experience with Spring Boot, Microservices, Kafka, Cassandra, Kubernetes, AWS, and CI/CD.Strong experience in system design, architecture, scalability, resiliency, and distributed systems.Deep understanding of Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and Agile methodologies.Experience leading technical initiatives and driving architectural decisions.Strong understanding of application security, performance tuning, and cloud-native development.Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.Preferred QualificationsFinancial Services or Banking domain experience.Experience with AI-assisted development tools such as GitHub Copilot.AWS Solutions Architect Certification.Experience leading engineering teams and enterprise modernization initiatives.Ideal CandidateLooking for a true builder and architect, not someone who has primarily worked on support or enhancement projects. The ideal candidate should have a proven track record of designing and building large-scale applications, defining architecture, making critical technical decisions, and delivering highly scalable cloud-native solutions in production environments.