Job SummaryWe are seeking a highly skilled
Senior Backend Engineer (Java/Kotlin, Microservices) to design and build scalable, high-performance backend systems for enterprise applications. This role requires deep expertise in Java-based development, modern microservices architecture, and cloud-native design principles.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on engineer with strong experience in distributed systems, API development, and database engineering, combined with a passion for writing clean, efficient, and reliable code. Exposure to emerging technologies such as AI integrations and event-driven systems is highly valued.
About the RoleAs a Senior Backend Engineer, you will play a key role in building and evolving robust backend services that power critical business applications. You will work on designing and implementing microservices, developing high-quality APIs, and ensuring system scalability, resilience, and performance.
In this role, you will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including product, architecture, and data engineering to deliver end-to-end solutions. You will contribute to technical design decisions, promote best practices, and help drive innovation through the adoption of modern technologies and frameworks.
This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys solving complex technical challenges, and is passionate about building secure and scalable backend systems. Your expertise in Java, Kotlin, and distributed architectures will be essential in shaping next-generation enterprise platforms, with opportunities to integrate emerging AI capabilities into production systems.
*Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future*
In This Role You Will- Design, develop, and maintain scalable backend services using Java (17+) and Kotlin
- Build and evolve microservices architectures, ensuring high availability, resiliency, and performance
- Develop and maintain RESTful APIs following API-first design principles and enterprise integration standards
- Implement event-driven architectures using technologies such as Kafka
- Write clean, efficient, and secure enterprise-grade code, following best practices and coding standards
- Contribute to system design, including distributed systems, fault tolerance, and scalability strategies
- Optimize application performance, including JVM tuning, database performance, and caching mechanisms
- Design and work with SQL and NoSQL databases (PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis)
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver end-to-end backend solutions
- Participate in code reviews, testing, and CI/CD processes to ensure high-quality releases
- Integrate and explore AI-driven capabilities (LLMs, RAG, semantic search) within backend systems where applicable
- Contribute to technical documentation, architecture discussions, and continuous improvement initiatives
Work ModelAt Cognizant, we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible, and we are here to support a healthy work-life balance though our various wellbeing programs. Based on this role's business requirements, this is an onsite position requiring 5 days a week in a client or Cognizant office in Salt Lake City, UT.
*Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future*
Required Qualifications- Strong experience in backend development using Java (8-17+), with solid understanding of Core Java concepts (multithreading, collections, JVM)
- Hands-on experience with Spring Boot and microservices architecture
- Proficiency in building scalable, fault-tolerant APIs and distributed systems
- Experience with Kotlin or willingness to work with it in production environments
- Strong knowledge of event-driven systems and messaging (e.g., Kafka)
- Experience working with relational and NoSQL databases (PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis)
- Solid understanding of API design, security, and integration patterns
- Experience with build and testing tools (Maven/Gradle, JUnit)
- Familiarity with cloud-native development principles and scalable system design
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
Preferred Qualifications- Experience with reactive programming or frameworks (e.g., Vert.x)
- Exposure to cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)
- Familiarity with containerization and orchestration tools (Docker, Kubernetes)
- Experience with performance tuning and caching strategies
- Knowledge of AI/ML concepts, including LLMs, RAG, vector databases, or prompt engineering
- Experience with Python for scripting, automation, or data-related tasks
- Understanding of advanced design patterns for distributed systems (e.g., Circuit Breaker, Saga)
- Strong communication skills and ability to contribute to technical leadership discussions
Additional InformationWe welcome applicants who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Even if you don't meet every listed requirement, we encourage you to apply. Consider your transferable experience and unique skills that may bring fresh perspective to the role.
Salary and Other CompensationApplications will be accepted until
June 28 th , 2026.
The annual salary for this position ranges from
$70,000 - $120,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
This position is also eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to applicable plan terms.
BenefitsCognizant offers the following benefits for this role (subject to eligibility):
• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid Holidays & Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan with contributions
• Long-term/Short-term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
DisclaimerThe salary, benefits, and compensation information listed above is accurate as of the posting date. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, in accordance with applicable law.
