Senior API Developer

Senior API DeveloperI am looking for a Senior API Developer with the below expertise. This needs to be a very senior role, expectations are hands on as well as a leadership role.Tech Stack:Java/SpringBootRest APIOpenShiftELKGitLabSystem Architecture & Technical DesignOwn and define the overall architecture of the application.Choose technology stack components: database, messaging, caching, API gateway, security framework, etc.Design APIs (RESTful, possibly GraphQL) with scalability, consistency, and security in mind.Create architectural decision records (ADRs) to document and justify key technical decisions.Hands-on DevelopmentWrite high-quality, production-grade code using Java + Spring Boot.Set up and structure the initial codebase using best practices (layered architecture, DTOs, config management).Build CI/CD-friendly microservices or modular monoliths depending on architecture choice.Lead the development of MVP components, defining reusable patterns and common services.DevOps & Deployment StrategyWork closely with DevOps to define a deployment pipeline (Docker + Jenkins/GitHub Actions + Helm/Kubernetes preferred).Own environment configurations (dev, QA, staging, prod) and secrets management.Ensure proper logging, health checks, metrics, and monitoring are integrated from the start (e.g., Prometheus + Grafana, ELK stack).Team Leadership & CollaborationEstablish coding standards, code review practices, and version control strategies (e.g., GitFlow).Mentor junior engineers and support onboarding of future team members.Collaborate with Product Owners, UX, and QA to refine requirements and deliver high-quality features.Act as the technical face of the team in architecture discussions, demos, and stakeholder meetings.Security & ComplianceDefine and implement authentication (OAuth2, JWT, or enterprise SSO).Ensure data security, secure endpoints, and follow secure coding practices.Be proactive in identifying security vulnerabilities and remediating them (OWASP awareness is expected).Documentation & Knowledge TransferMaintain living documentation including:API specifications (OpenAPI/Swagger)Architecture diagrams and integration mapsDeployment and runbooksFacilitate knowledge transfer to new team members and support operational readiness.Initial Deliverables (First 60–90 Days)Technology stack recommendation finalized and documented.Application architecture (incl. service boundaries, database models, integration points).CI/CD pipeline defined and integrated for basic services.MVP-level Spring Boot microservices scaffolding completed and deployed to dev/test.Setup of unit tests, integration tests, and static code analysis tools.Knowledge base started (Confluence, Git repo docs,)Please provide responses for ALL of the questions below to confirm you have ALL of the required skills/experience:Are you currently under contract w/ an employer where you require C2C only?If hired, can you work as a W2 employee of our company, Globalquest, for the contract duration (required, no exceptions)?Do you reside in or near the Buffalo, NY area, or open to relocation out of pocket to be onsite from day 1 in a hybrid role (3 days onsite/2 days remote - mandatory, no exceptions)?If relocating, are you able to relocate within 2 weeks' of offer acceptance?Skill / Category - Experience (Years) - Relevant Project(s) - Commentary / HighlightsOverall IT experienceSenior API Developer (min. of 8 to 10 yrs. required)Own and define the overall architecture of the application (required)Banking and/or Financial domains (ideal)Java (required)Spring Boot (required)Rest API (required)OpenShift (required)ELK (required)GitLab (required)