Java Development Lead / Architect

Job Title: Java Development Lead / Architect

Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Work Model: Hybrid

Position Type: Contract

Job Summary:

We are looking for an experienced Java Development Lead / Architect with strong expertise in Java 17/21, Spring Boot, GraphQL, and distributed systems. The ideal candidate will be responsible for leading backend development, designing scalable and high-performance applications, and driving technical architecture decisions.

The candidate should have hands-on experience with messaging platforms, distributed caching, microservices, cloud-native technologies, and AI-assisted development tools such as Devin or Claude Code.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead backend development and provide technical direction to the development team.
• Design and implement scalable, high-performance applications using Java 17/21 and Spring Boot.
• Define application architecture, design patterns, coding standards, and technical best practices.
• Develop GraphQL APIs using SPQR, including WebSocket subscriptions.
• Implement secure authentication and authorization using OAuth2 and JWT.
• Design and optimize distributed data solutions using GridGain/Ignite.
• Manage messaging and event-driven integrations using Solace, Kafka, and IBM MQ.
• Oversee database design, SQL Server development, and database migrations using Flyway.
• Drive application performance optimization, including JVM tuning, heap management, and garbage collection.
• Lead code reviews, testing strategies, and technical troubleshooting.
• Work with Kubernetes and GitHub Actions for deployment automation and CI/CD.
• Encourage AI-assisted development using Devin or Claude Code.

Mandatory Technical Skills:

• Java 17/21 (Java 21 preferred).
• Spring Boot and Microservices Architecture.
• GraphQL (SPQR) and WebSocket subscriptions.
• OAuth2 and JWT.
• GridGain/Ignite.
• Solace or Kafka and IBM MQ.
• SQL Server and Flyway.
• JUnit, Mockito, and Cucumber.
• Kubernetes and GitHub Actions.
• AI coding tools: Devin or Claude Code.

Good to Have:

• GridGain/Ignite performance tuning.
• JVM optimization, heap management, and GC tuning.
• High-performance Java programming and concurrency.
• Solace administration and operations.
• Experience building AI development skills, workflows, and validators.

Candidate Profile:

• Strong hands-on Java development and architecture experience.
• Proven ability to lead backend engineering teams.
• Excellent problem-solving, system design, and performance optimization skills.
• Experience working with distributed and high-throughput systems.