What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Java Architect position at Atika Tech?
Position: Principal Java Architect
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio, USA (Hybrid Onsite)
Experience: 15 Years
Role Overview
We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Java Backend Software Engineer to design, develop, and lead scalable backend solutions within an agile environment. This role involves hands-on development, architectural leadership, and mentoring responsibilities while ensuring adherence to engineering best practices and risk/compliance standards.
Key Responsibilities
Design, develop, and enhance backend features and applications with a focus on scalability, performance, and reliability
Define and drive the long-term technical vision and architecture across multiple services and systems
Act as a technical leader within agile squads, participating in all ceremonies from design to delivery
Develop high-quality, maintainable, and testable code following industry standards and metrics
Implement test-driven development (TDD) and promote engineering best practices
Lead and mentor developers by conducting code reviews, defining standards, and sharing knowledge
Architect and integrate distributed systems, microservices, and RESTful APIs
Collaborate with DevOps and operations teams to improve system performance and reliability
Automate processes to achieve operational excellence
Stay updated with emerging technologies and industry trends
Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues for internal and external stakeholders
Maintain documentation, operational procedures, and ensure audit/compliance readiness
Identify, assess, and manage risks in alignment with organizational policies
Required Skills & Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field
12 years of experience in backend software development
Strong expertise in Java and related technologies
Hands-on experience with Spring and Spring Boot frameworks
Experience building and consuming RESTful APIs
Proficiency with AWS cloud services
Experience with Git/GitHub and modern version control practices
Familiarity with DevOps tools such as Jenkins
Experience with Kafka or other messaging systems
Strong understanding of software design patterns (OOP and functional programming)
Knowledge of secure coding practices and application security
Excellent problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills
Preferred Skills
Experience with microservices architecture
Exposure to GitHub Copilot or AI-assisted development tools
Experience in financial services or fintech domain
Strong understanding of CI/CD pipelines
Role Expectations
Lead by example in coding standards and engineering excellence
Drive continuous improvement through communities of practice
Ensure delivery aligns with business goals and customer experience
Maintain high standards of compliance, documentation, and risk management