About the roleWe are seeking a skilled
Java Backend Technical Lead with
8-12 years of experience to drive the development of scalable, cloud-enabled backend services and microservices. This is a hands-on leadership role where you will work with
Java (Spring Boot), Microservices, and REST APIs, while guiding a team of engineers to deliver high-quality, high-performance solutions.
You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate business requirements into robust backend solutions, drive engineering best practices, and oversee end-to-end service delivery. The role also involves working with
cloud platforms, containerization (Docker/Kubernetes), and CI/CD pipelines, ensuring efficient, reliable, and secure deployments.
This is an excellent opportunity for a strong technical leader who enjoys
coding, mentoring, and owning backend delivery in a fast-paced, agile environment.
Work modelWe strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role's business requirements, this position is Hybrid in Toronto, Ontario.
The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting and may evolve with client or business needs. We will always communicate expectations clearly.
Roles & Responsibilities (Day-to-Day Activities)- Design, develop, and own backend services by building scalable, high-performance Java-based microservices and APIs with clean, reusable, production-ready code.
- Lead backend architecture and design decisions, including service decomposition, API standards, and integration patterns for large-scale applications.
- Act as a hands-on Technical Lead, contributing to key components while driving best practices in coding, design, and quality.
- Collaborate within Agile teams to translate business requirements into scalable backend solutions.
- Mentor and guide engineers on Java, microservices, and cloud development, and conduct code reviews.
- Build and optimize cloud-native solutions using AWS, Azure, or OpenShift with Docker and Kubernetes.
- Drive CI/CD and automation using GitHub Actions.
- Leverage AI-assisted development tools (Copilot, Windsurf, Claude Code) to improve productivity.
- Ensure performance, scalability, security, and overall system quality.
- Monitor and troubleshoot production systems using Splunk or Dynatrace.
- Own delivery outcomes, manage dependencies, and ensure timely releases.
- Drive continuous improvement by reducing technical debt and introducing modern engineering practices.
Required Qualifications (Must-Have Skills & Experience)- 8-12 years of experience in backend/Java development.
- Strong expertise in Java, Spring Boot, Microservices, REST APIs, SQL, and Spring Security.
- Hands-on experience with cloud platforms: AWS, Azure, or OpenShift.
- Experience with Docker and Kubernetes.
- Strong knowledge of CI/CD pipelines, especially GitHub Actions.
- Familiarity with AI-assisted development tools (GitHub Copilot, Windsurf, Claude Code).
- Experience with Splunk or Dynatrace (or similar tools).
- Angular knowledge (Good to have).
Salary and Other Compensation: Applications will be accepted by 07/17/2026.We regularly assess market data to ensure we offer a competitive compensation package for our associates. The base salary for this position ranges between $71,100 CAD - $112,000 CAD per year.Where the successful candidate may fall within the range depends on relevant education, work and/or management experience and other business-related and job-necessary qualifications. This position is also eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual performance-based bonus, as well as benefits that support your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. At Cognizant, we're eager to meet people who believe in our mission and can make an impact in various ways. We encourage you to apply if you have most of the skills above and feel like you are strongly suited for this role. Consider what transferable experience and skills make you a unique applicant and help us see how you'd be beneficial to this role.Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in Canada without requiring employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future. 
