Java Modernization Lead

Java Developer Lead

Location: Richmond, VA (3 days a week onsite)

Duration: 6-12 Month Contract

Compensation: $75-85/hr. (DOE)

Application Deadline: 10/30/2026

About the role

Brooksource is partnering with a public sector client in Richmond to modernize a core, public-facing business application used by hundreds of thousands of people. The application is stable and fully functional, but it runs on a legacy Java stack and still depends on Internet Explorer compatibility mode.

We're looking for a hands-on Java Modernization Lead to assess the code base, set the upgrade approach and do a meaningful share of the engineering work. You'll work under the direction of the client's application team lead and alongside their experienced developers, who know the application deeply, and help bring it onto a modern, supported platform. This is a modernize-in-place effort, not a rewrite.

What you'll do

• Assess the application: inventory frameworks, libraries, the app server, front-end assets, IE-specific code, database touchpoints and integrations; run dependency and deprecated-API scans (e.g., jdeps, OWASP dependency-check).
• Size and plan the work: validate effort estimates and recommend sequencing and team size.
• Set the technical approach: recommend the target Java LTS (17 or 21) and compatible framework and app server versions; upgrade incrementally; fix compatibility at the framework level while preserving business logic; restructure the code into clearer modules where it reduces risk.
• Write code: lead the hardest upgrades hands-on, including application-side Oracle 19c fixes (SQL, PL/SQL, JDBC).
• Modernize the front end: remove Internet Explorer dependencies so the application runs fully in Edge and Chrome.
• Use modern tooling: apply approved AI coding assistants and automated refactoring tools to repetitive conversion work, with careful review of all changes.

What you bring

• 12+ years of enterprise Java development, with recent hands-on coding.
• Led at least 2 hands-on upgrades of legacy Java applications (Java 5/6/8 era) to Java 11/17/21 — removed APIs, dependency upgrades, javax ? jakarta.
• Experience with legacy Java web stacks: JSP/Servlets and frameworks such as Struts or older Spring.
• Strong Oracle experience from Java: SQL, PL/SQL, JDBC; ideally through a database version upgrade.
• Git, Maven or Gradle, and CI/CD.
• A collaborative style — you can lead and mentor while working as a peer with long-tenured developers, and explain technical decisions clearly to IT leadership.

Strongly preferred

• Experience upgrading an application server (e.g., WebLogic, Tomcat or JBoss).
• Experience migrating web front ends off Internet Explorer dependencies to standards-based HTML and JavaScript.

Nice to have

• Public sector experience, especially with state government.
• Experience with licensing, regulatory or case management systems.
• Automated upgrade tooling (e.g., OpenRewrite) and practical experience with AI coding assistants.
• Breaking a monolith into modules without a full rewrite.
• Writing characterization or regression tests around legacy code before refactoring.

Disclaimer: Brooksource, Medasource, and Calculated Hire are part of the Eight Eleven Group family of companies and operate under Eight Eleven Group, LLC. All employees receive the same benefits, policies, and terms of employment.

EEO:

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related conditions), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Benefits & Perks:

Brooksource offers competitive medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account, Dependent Care FSA, and supplemental coverage with plans that can fit each employee's needs. We offer a 401k plan that includes a company match and is fully vested after you become eligible, paid time off, sick time, and paid company holidays. We also offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that provides services like virtual counseling, financial services, legal services, life coaching, etc.

Pay Disclaimer:

The pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.