Lead Software Engineer

Lead Software Engineer About the TeamThe Group Benefits API Team is responsible for building and operating APIs and integrations that support Guardian’s Group Business. We enable core business capabilities such as Quote, Policy, Customer, Eligibility, and Claims through scalable, secure, and production‑ready APIs.Our APIs power end‑to‑end Group Business intake channels, including customer‑facing portal applications, call center platforms, IVR systems, and conversational interfaces such as chatbots—delivering a unified and seamless customer experience.Our team is growing, and we are seeking a Lead Software Engineer who is passionate about building robust platforms, enabling Agentic AI solutions, and creating meaningful impact through high‑quality software.You AreAn experienced backend Lead Java Engineer with a proven track record of leading high‑performing teams and delivering high‑quality software at speedA hands‑on technologist with a strong foundation in computer science fundamentals and software development lifecycle (SDLC) best practicesA collaborative leader who can work effectively across the enterprise with Architecture, Product, Platform, Security, and Production Support teams to deliver customer‑centric solutionsYou WillLead an agile delivery team as part of an Agile Release Train (ART)Design and build well‑engineered, scalable, and production‑ready integration solutionsDevelop and enable APIs, events, and messaging‑based integrations using modern integration patternsBuild and support robust MCP (Model Context Protocol) servers and API platforms that enable Agentic AI solutions within the insurance domainCollaborate closely with Business Partners and Solution Architects to align delivery with product roadmaps and architectural blueprintsMentor and coach engineers and analysts, assign work, conduct code reviews, and uphold engineering excellenceTriage and resolve end‑to‑end system and integration issues across applications, middleware, and infrastructureYou HaveBachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field15+ years of experience as a Java / J2EE software engineerStrong understanding of Agile and SAFe methodologiesExpertise in Java Spring Boot, GraphQL, and PythonHands‑on experience delivering Agentic AI applications, including building scalable and resilient MCP serversDeep experience with RESTful API design, data‑driven design, microservices architecture, event‑driven architecture, and enterprise integration patternsExperience designing intuitive and developer‑friendly APIs using OpenAPI / Swagger specificationsExperience integrating with messaging platforms such as ActiveMQ and IBM MQExperience with Docker and AWS Cloud services, including S3, Lambda, SQS/SNS, and RedisExperience working with both SQL and NoSQL databasesHands‑on experience with Apache Camel, TIBCO BusinessWorks, MuleSoft, or similar EAI frameworksExperience with rules engines such as OpenL, Drools, or BlazeStrong experience with version control and CI/CD automation tools, including Git, Bitbucket, Jenkins, and MavenExperience implementing API security and access control using OAuth 2.0, JWT, and token‑based authenticationExperience with monitoring and observability tools such as AppDynamics and ZenossSalary Range:$118,980.00 - $195,465.00The salary range reflected above is a good faith estimate of base pay for the primary location of the position. The salary for this position ultimately will be determined based on the education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate. In addition to salary, this role may also be eligible for annual, sales, or other incentive compensation.Our PromiseAt Guardian, you’ll have the support and flexibility to achieve your professional and personal goals. Through skill-building, leadership development and philanthropic opportunities, we provide opportunities to build communities and grow your career, surrounded by diverse colleagues with high ethical standards.Inspire Well-BeingAs part of Guardian’s Purpose – to inspire well-being – we are committed to offering contemporary, supportive, flexible, and inclusive benefits and resources to our colleagues. Explore our company benefits at . Benefits apply to full-time eligible employees. Interns are not eligible for most Company benefits.Equal Employment OpportunityGuardian is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, military or veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable law.AccommodationsGuardian is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. Guardian also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants (and employees) to accommodate the individual's known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. Please note: this resource is for accommodation requests only. For all other inquires related to your application and careers at Guardian, refer to the Guardian Careers site.Visa SponsorshipGuardian is not currently or in the foreseeable future sponsoring employment visas. In order to be a successful applicant. you must be legally authorized to work in the United States, without the need for employer sponsorship.Notice Regarding Guardian’s Use of Artificial Intelligence in RecruitmentAs part of Guardian’s job application process, Guardian may use artificial intelligence tools (“AI Tools") to automate the sorting and filtering of information provided by applicants as part of its preliminary screening. This preliminary screening may be used to help identify applicant materials and resumes relative to their indication that the applicant meets the requirements for the specific job for which they are applying, as specified in the listing posted on Guardian’s jobs website (Careers at Guardian at ). At Guardian, we do not use AI Tools to substantially assist or replace human judgment or discretionary decision making in our hiring process. All hiring decisions will be made by Guardian colleagues.Please be aware that if you apply for a specific position with Guardian, you will have the choice of opting out of Guardian’s use of AI Tools during the job application process. If you would like to request an alternative process that does not utilize AI Tools or would like to request a reasonable accommodation, within ten business days of your position application, you must email your request to View email address on click.appcast.io, making sure to provide your name and job requisition identification number. Guardian will retain your applicant materials and resume and all information therefrom in accordance with Guardian’s document retention policy, a copy of which you may request via View email address on click.appcast.io, at applicable times, Guardian will make public the most recent bias audit results for such AI tools, which may be found here. Current Guardian Colleagues: Please apply through the internal Jobs Hub in Workday.SummaryLocation: Holmdel; New YorkType: Full time