Java Backend Engineer, Sr. - Remote

## About the Role

CodeGuild is seeking a Senior Java Backend Engineer to join an agile development team with a DevOps mindset and help build a new high-traffic platform from scratch. You will work with modern backend technologies including Java 21, Spring Boot, RabbitMQ, Docker, and AWS while developing scalable microservices and event-driven systems designed to process large volumes of events.

This role offers significant technical ownership and influence. You will contribute to domain modelling, API design, distributed-system architecture, data consistency, clean coding standards, and test automation while sharing your experience with colleagues. You will also work at the intersection of AI and backend engineering and have opportunities to grow toward a Tech Lead role over time.

## Key Responsibilities

• Develop, scale, and optimize a new platform built from scratch without legacy systems.

• Build and maintain scalable microservices and event-driven systems processing high volumes of events.

• Contribute to domain modelling, API design, and data consistency within distributed systems.

• Help define engineering standards and promote clean code and test automation.

• Mentor and support colleagues by sharing technical experience and best practices.

• Use AI development tools to generate unit tests, identify edge cases, accelerate code reviews, and prototype features.

• Contribute to integrating AI capabilities into the platform, including anomaly detection, data-flow optimization, and smart automation.

• Expand technical influence across the codebase and engineering team.

• Develop toward potential future leadership responsibilities, including a Tech Lead role.

## Required Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience in Java backend development.

• Experience with Java 11 or later, preferably Java 17 or Java 21.

• Experience with Spring Boot.

• Understanding of software architecture, including microservices and event-driven systems.

• Experience with CI/CD.

• Experience with test automation.

• Knowledge of containerization using Docker.

## Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with AWS or other cloud environments.

• Strong interest in AI applications.

• Experience mentoring or coaching colleagues.

## Skills & Competencies

• Java backend development.

• Java 11+; preferably Java 17 or Java 21.

• Spring Boot.

• RabbitMQ.

• Docker and containerization.

• AWS and cloud environments.

• Microservices architecture.

• Event-driven architecture.

• Distributed systems.

• Domain modelling.

• API design.

• Data consistency.

• CI/CD.

• Test automation.

• Clean code and engineering standards.

• AI-assisted development.

• AI integration.

• Technical problem-solving.

• Mentoring and knowledge sharing.

• DevOps mindset.

• Technical leadership and influence.

## Education & Experience

Education:

No specific educational requirement is stated in the original job description.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of Java backend development experience.

• Experience with Java 11+ and Spring Boot.

• Experience with CI/CD, test automation, and Docker.

• Experience or understanding of microservices, event-driven systems, and distributed-system architecture.

• Preferred: AWS/cloud experience.

• Preferred: Mentoring or coaching experience.

## Work Arrangement & Schedule

• Work Arrangement: Remote, with 3 days per week remote work.

• Location: Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.

• Employment Type: Not specified in the original job description.

• Weekly Hours: Not specified.

• Schedule: Flexible hours.

• Weekend Requirements: Not specified.

## Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: €75,000–€90,000, depending on experience and impact.

• 3 days per week remote work and flexible hours.

• Travel allowance.

• Annual workation abroad.

• Choice of MacBook or Lenovo.

• Training budget.

• Conference attendance.

• Daily healthy lunch at the office.

• Opportunity to work on complex systems with real social relevance.

## Compliance / Additional Information

The platform is being built from scratch with a focus on scalability, high traffic, microservices, event-driven architecture, and AI integration. The role provides opportunities to expand technical influence and potentially progress toward a Tech Lead position over time.