About This Role
This role involves supporting the design, development, modernization, migration, and ongoing support of scalable Java-based microservices and APIs within a modern cloud environment for the Department of Veterans Affairs. It suits an experienced developer with strong hands-on Java development expertise, advanced knowledge of the Spring ecosystem, and experience designing, building, deploying, and maintaining production-grade APIs.
Responsibilities
- Plan and execute the migration of monolithic applications into scalable, service-oriented Java microservices while minimizing disruption to live systems
- Define API specifications, endpoints, data models, and integration patterns using REST and, where applicable, GraphQL
- Write, test, debug, and maintain core Java services while remaining actively involved in the codebase
- Help transition shared databases toward service-specific data layers while preserving data integrity, consistency, and availability
- Identify and resolve bottlenecks through query tuning, indexing, connection pooling, caching, and appropriate migration strategies
- Build and maintain containerized applications on AWS using Docker, Kubernetes, Helm, and deployment manifests
- Support scaling, rollouts, and resource allocation
- Deliver reliable integrations with internal platforms, external systems, applications, and third-party services
- Implement authentication, authorization, encryption, OAuth-based access, and other appropriate application security controls
- Monitor API performance, scalability, and availability; troubleshoot production issues and implement corrective actions
- Encourage effective use of AI development tools, including GitHub Copilot, to support coding and development productivity
- Work with engineering and cross-functional teams to establish sound design patterns, resolve technical challenges, and support maintainable software delivery
- Use appropriate testing frameworks, Git, and established development practices to maintain code quality and release confidence
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field
- Five or more years of professional experience developing applications with Java, Spring Boot, and the Spring Batch framework
- Strong hands-on proficiency with modern Java, Spring Boot, Hibernate, and REST API development
- Demonstrated experience designing, building, deploying, and maintaining APIs in AWS cloud environments
- Experience developing and supporting Java-based microservices and integrating distributed systems
- Experience with relational databases such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, and AWS RDS
- Strong understanding of database performance optimization, including query tuning, indexing, connection pooling, and caching
