What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Java Developer position at Cognizant?
About The Role
As a Lead Java Developer, you will make an impact by designing, building, and scaling high‑quality backend solutions for enterprise‑grade applications. You will be a valued member of a cross‑functional delivery team and work collaboratively with architects, product owners, and global stakeholders to drive technical excellence and business outcomes.
Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring company sponsorship now or at any time in the future.
In This Role, You Will
Design and develop reusable, scalable components and frameworks using modern Java technologies.
Lead the development of high‑performance microservices using Java, Spring Boot, and related frameworks.
Architect and implement robust, high‑quality solutions, ensuring clean code, maintainability, and best practices.
Build and consume RESTful APIs supporting JSON and XML message formats.
Optimize application performance, reliability, and security across cloud‑based environments.
Collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams to ensure seamless integration across systems.
Mentor and guide offshore and junior team members, providing technical direction and code reviews.
Contribute to CI/CD pipelines and support deployment best practices in cloud environments.
Work model
We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring time onsite in a client or Cognizant office in Minneapolis, MN. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work‑life balance through our various wellbeing programs.
The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting and may change based on business or client needs. We will always be transparent about expectations.
What You Need To Have To Be Considered
8 years of extensive hands‑on experience with Java and Spring Boot in enterprise application development.
Strong experience building microservices and RESTful APIs.
Experience With Kafka Or Other Messaging Platforms.
Solid knowledge of AWS cloud services and cloud‑native application design.
Experience with SQL and NoSQL databases (MySQL, MongoDB).
Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices.
Knowledge of modern authentication and authorization mechanisms, including JSON Web Tokens (JWT).
Strong Problem‑solving Skills With Clear, Effective Communication Abilities.
These will help you stand out
Experience with GraphQL.
Exposure to frontend technologies such as JavaScript or Spring MVC.
Proven ability to work across teams and influence technical decisions.
Please note: This role will require an in-person meet and greet at our Cognizant offices or client location.
Applications will be accepted until April 3rd, 2026.
Salary And Other Compensation
The annual salary for this position is between $81,337 to $141,500 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.
This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.
Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
As a Lead Java Developer, you will make an impact by designing, building, and scaling high‑quality backend solutions for enterprise‑grade applications. You will be a valued member of a cross‑functional delivery team and work collaboratively with architects, product owners, and global stakeholders to drive technical excellence and business outcomes.
Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring company sponsorship now or at any time in the future.
In This Role, You Will
Design and develop reusable, scalable components and frameworks using modern Java technologies.
Lead the development of high‑performance microservices using Java, Spring Boot, and related frameworks.
Architect and implement robust, high‑quality solutions, ensuring clean code, maintainability, and best practices.
Build and consume RESTful APIs supporting JSON and XML message formats.
Optimize application performance, reliability, and security across cloud‑based environments.
Collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams to ensure seamless integration across systems.
Mentor and guide offshore and junior team members, providing technical direction and code reviews.
Contribute to CI/CD pipelines and support deployment best practices in cloud environments.
Work model
We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring time onsite in a client or Cognizant office in Minneapolis, MN. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work‑life balance through our various wellbeing programs.
The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting and may change based on business or client needs. We will always be transparent about expectations.
What You Need To Have To Be Considered
8 years of extensive hands‑on experience with Java and Spring Boot in enterprise application development.
Strong experience building microservices and RESTful APIs.
Experience With Kafka Or Other Messaging Platforms.
Solid knowledge of AWS cloud services and cloud‑native application design.
Experience with SQL and NoSQL databases (MySQL, MongoDB).
Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices.
Knowledge of modern authentication and authorization mechanisms, including JSON Web Tokens (JWT).
Strong Problem‑solving Skills With Clear, Effective Communication Abilities.
These will help you stand out
Experience with GraphQL.
Exposure to frontend technologies such as JavaScript or Spring MVC.
Proven ability to work across teams and influence technical decisions.
Please note: This role will require an in-person meet and greet at our Cognizant offices or client location.
Applications will be accepted until April 3rd, 2026.
Salary And Other Compensation
The annual salary for this position is between $81,337 to $141,500 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.
This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.
Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
- Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
- Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
- 401(k) plan and contributions
- Long-term/Short-term Disability
- Paid Parental Leave
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Salary : $81,337 - $141,500