American Electric Power

Senior Staff Engineer - Middleware Core Framework

American Electric Power$136K — $177K *
Information Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 8+ years software engineering experience; 4+ years in platform services or shared frameworks.
  • Expertise in Spring Boot 3.X (including Security, Data, Cloud).
  • Experience designing enterprise-grade Java frameworks with multiple team adoption.
  • Strong knowledge of distributed systems patterns and event-driven architecture.
  • Experience with Kubernetes/OpenShift and cloud platforms (Azure preferred).
  • Deep understanding of REST API design and OpenAPI specifications.
  • Hands-on experience with observability tools and secure coding practices.

Responsibilities

  • Design and implement the middleware framework using Spring Boot 3.X and Java 21+.
  • Develop libraries for OAuth2 security and Azure Key Vault management.
  • Build integration clients for APIs and Kafka event streaming.
  • Implement resilience patterns like circuit breakers and retries.
  • Create CI/CD pipeline templates and design for blue/green deployments.
  • Provide documentation and training materials for developers.
  • Collaborate with teams for requirements and framework design reviews.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package to support employee well-being.
  • Opportunity to work in a forward-thinking organization.
  • Engagement in a mission-driven company focused on innovative energy solutions.
Full Job Description
Job Posting End Date
06-07-2026
Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced platform engineer to architect and build the foundational framework for our next-generation middleware platform. This role will design and implement the shared runtime, integration libraries, resilience patterns, and developer tooling that all domain service teams will inherit. The ideal candidate has proven experience building enterprise-grade Spring Boot frameworks that accelerate delivery while ensuring operational excellence, security, and observability.

Job Description

What You'll Do:

Essential Job Functions & Tasks
  • Design and implement the core middleware framework built on Spring Boot 3.X+ and Java 21+.
  • Develop standardized libraries for OAuth2 security, Azure Key Vault secrets management, structured JSON logging with correlation IDs.
  • Build reusable integration clients for z/OS Connect (MACSS), GigaWatt REST APIs, and Kafka event streaming.
  • Implement resilience patterns including circuit breakers (Resilience4j), retries, bulkheads, and timeout strategies.
  • Create the Hybrid CIS Routing Engine with Redis-backed account/capability-level routing and instant rollback support.
  • Establish OpenAPI 3.0 enforcement and REST API standards for all domain services.
  • Build Gradle-based common build system with centralized dependency management.
  • Create CI/CD pipeline templates (GitLab/Jenkins) and Helm chart standards.
  • Design blue/green deployment patterns for zero-downtime releases.
  • Provide documentation, code samples, and developer onboarding materials.
  • Integrate observability tooling: Splunk logging, Dynatrace APM, Prometheus/Grafana metrics, Jaeger distributed tracing.
  • Implement centralized patching strategy where framework updates propagate to all services on next build.
  • Establish SLO/SLA monitoring patterns and runbook templates.
  • Design for Kubernetes/OpenShift deployment with horizontal scaling and resource management.
  • Partner with domain service teams to understand requirements and gather feedback.
  • Conduct framework design reviews and establish governance standards.
  • Mentor engineers on framework usage, best practices, and troubleshooting.
  • Collaborate with security, infrastructure, and architecture teams on enterprise standards.


Required Skills & Experience:
  • 8+ years software engineering experience with 4+ years building shared frameworks or platform services.
  • Deep expertise in Spring Boot 3.X ecosystem (Spring Security, Spring Data, Spring Cloud).
  • Proven track record designing and shipping enterprise-grade Java frameworks adopted by multiple teams.
  • Strong understanding of distributed systems patterns: circuit breakers, retries, caching, event-driven architecture.
  • Experience with container orchestration (Kubernetes/OpenShift) and cloud platforms (Azure preferred).
  • Expertise in REST API design, OpenAPI specifications, and API versioning strategies.
  • Hands-on experience with observability tools (APM, logging aggregation, distributed tracing, metrics).
  • Strong knowledge of OAuth2/OIDC, secrets management, and secure coding practices.


Technical Environment:
  • Languages/Frameworks: Java 21+, Spring Boot 3.X, Gradle
  • Cloud/Infrastructure: Azure, Kubernetes, OpenShift, Helm
  • Integration: z/OS Connect, REST APIs, Kafka, SFTP, Oracle GoldenGate CDC
  • Data Stores: Oracle, Redis, Kafka
  • Observability: Splunk, Dynatrace, Prometheus, Grafana, Jaeger
  • Security: Azure Key Vault, OAuth2, OIDC
  • DevOps: GitLab/Jenkins, Helm, blue/green deployments


Nice to Have
  • Previous experience building middleware frameworks that bridge legacy mainframe (z/OS) and cloud systems.
  • Experience with Redis, Kafka, Oracle databases in high-throughput environments.
  • Familiarity with MACSS, GigaWatt, or other CIS (Customer Information Systems).
  • Background in CI/CD automation, GitOps, and blue/green deployment strategies.
  • Experience with API management platforms (Azure APIM preferred).
  • Knowledge of Resilience4j, Hystrix, or similar fault tolerance libraries.


Desired Certified Credentials
  • Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE Programmer
  • Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) or Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD)
  • Spring Professional Certification
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert


What We're Looking For

Education requirements are listed below:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or related technical field is required.


Work Experience requirement listed below:
  • 10 years of relevant work experience is required. An equivalent combination of education and related experience may be considered.


What You'll Get:

Base Salary from $136,539.00 - $177,503.00 /year. In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.

At AEP, we're more than just an energy company - we're a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-010

Compensation Range:

$136,539.00 - $177,503.00

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S - Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

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About American Electric Power

American Electric Power generates, transmits, and distributes electricity, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers nationwide. AEP serves millions of customers across 11 states. It operates in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, providing power to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. AEP generates electricity using diverse sources, including coal, natural gas, nuclear, and renewable energy like wind and solar. The company maintains a vast transmission network that delivers electricity from power plants to local distribution systems, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply. AEP is actively involved in renewable energy initiatives, investing in wind farms and solar facilities to diversify its energy portfolio and reduce its environmental impact. Additionally, the company engages in community outreach, supporting education, environmental conservation, and various social initiatives.

American Electric Power Careers

Join the dynamic team at American Electric Power (AEP), one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, and ignite your career with a company known for its commitment to innovation and leadership in the energy sector.

Opportunities Await

At AEP, we offer a multitude of job opportunities that cater to a variety of skills and professional interests. Whether you're seeking an entry-level position or a more senior role, our diverse range of employment options ensures that there's a place for every ambitious individual in our team.

Grow and Innovate

Embark on a journey of growth and professional development with AEP. Our company is at the forefront of the energy industry’s transformation, integrating sustainable and innovative practices that not only lead the market but also contribute to a greener planet. Engage in work that challenges the status quo, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the energy sector.

Culture and Benefits

AEP is dedicated to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, where every team member’s contribution is valued. We offer competitive benefits that support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees and their families. From comprehensive health benefits to professional development programs and diversity training, AEP ensures that our team is equipped for both personal and professional success.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with an AEP internship. Our programs provide invaluable industry experience and networking opportunities that pave the way for future employment. Interns at AEP work on real projects, learn from seasoned professionals, and gain the hands-on experience necessary to succeed in the fast-paced world of energy.

Leadership and Development

Leadership at AEP means more than guiding teams – it involves inspiring change and driving innovation. With leadership development programs, employees are prepared to take on challenging roles that shape the future of the company and the industry. Our focus on leadership and continuous improvement creates an environment where ambitious professionals can thrive.

Join Our Team

Explore the career possibilities at American Electric Power today. Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are constantly hiring new talent and look for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Prepare your resume, ace the interview, and join a company where your career can flourish.

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Explore American Electric Power Jobs

Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the industry, AEP offers a dynamic work environment where innovation, leadership, and growth are part of everyday life. Join us in powering a new and brighter future for everyone.
Learn more about American Electric Power
Size
16,688 employees
Market Cap
$48.8 billion
Industry
Net Income
$2.2 billion
Founded
1906
5 Year Trend
+0.5%
Revenue
$14.9 billion
NASDAQ

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