Lead Java Engineer, Backend Development

Job Description Summary
We are seeking a hands-on, technically exceptional Lead Software Engineer to join our Enterprise Document Services engineering team. This is a unique opportunity to architect and build the next generation of document-processing services that power Raymond James' client communications, regulatory documents, statements, and tax reporting. The ideal candidate is a seasoned engineer and technical influencer who thrives in a modernization environment, is passionate about clean service architecture, and enjoys rolling up their sleeves to write code, solve complex data challenges, and improve legacy workflows. You will play a pivotal role in transforming long-standing .NET batch processes into scalable, resilient Java-based services that modernize the firm's document lifecycle.

Job Description

This position follows our hybrid-friendly schedule, balancing flexibility with collaboration. In-office expectations are 2-3 days per week, averaging 10-12 days per month in our St. Petersburg, FL Corporate Office.

Responsibilities:

• Lead by example as a hands-on engineer, writing production-grade Java code and driving engineering best practices.
• Design and develop modern Spring Boot and Spring Batch services that transform, validate, and orchestrate data pipelines.
• Build upstream services that integrate with enterprise document composition systems (OpenText Exstream, JasperSoft, MessagePoint).
• Reverse-engineer legacy .NET workflows and re-architect them into scalable, maintainable Java-based solutions.
• Develop and maintain RESTful APIs that support data ingestion, document creation requests, archival processes, and document retrieval.
• Engineer high-throughput data-processing pipelines capable of handling diverse file formats (fixed-width, Tandem, CSV, XML).
• Contribute to the team's longer-term shift from VM-based deployments toward microservice- and Kubernetes-ready architectures.
• Apply generative AI tools to improve developer productivity and integrate AI-driven classification/validation into document workflows.
• Implement robust logging, monitoring, and observability using Splunk, Datadog, and Dynatrace.
• Collaborate with business analysts, partner development teams, and enterprise architects in an Agile environment.
• Contribute to technical strategy, participate in design reviews, and support limited Tier-3 production troubleshooting.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Deep, hands-on expertise with Java, Spring Boot, and Spring Batch.
• Strong experience modernizing legacy systems and re-engineering complex workflows.
• Proficiency in data transformation and processing of fixed-width, CSV, XML, and similar structured data formats.
• Experience building high-volume data pipelines.
• Solid understanding of RESTful API design, integration patterns, and service-to-service communication.
• Experience using monitoring and observability tools (Splunk, Datadog, Dynatrace).
• Exposure to generative AI tools (GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, Gemini) for coding, classification, or enrichment.
• Background in financial services or regulated industries is a strong plus.
• Strong grasp of Agile practices and CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins).
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills, especially in modernization environments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with enterprise composition/ECM tools (OpenText Exstream, MessagePoint, JasperSoft).
• Experience with archival systems (e.g., Mobius) or similar document/records repositories.
• Familiarity with containerization and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Experience with DevOps tools (Jenkins, Git, Terraform, GitHub Actions).
• Proven ability to influence architectural direction and lead technical initiatives.

Education
Bachelor's: Computer and Information Science (Required), Bachelor's: Computer Engineering

Work Experience
General Experience - 6 to 10 years

Certifications

Travel
Less than 25%

Workstyle
Hybrid

At Raymond James our associates use five guiding behaviors (Develop, Collaborate, Decide, Deliver, Improve) to deliver on the firm's core values of client-first, integrity, independence and a conservative, long-term view.

We expect our associates at all levels to:
Grow professionally and inspire others to do the same
Work with and through others to achieve desired outcomes
Make prompt, pragmatic choices and act with the client in mind
Take ownership and hold themselves and others accountable for delivering results that matter
Contribute to the continuous evolution of the firm

At Raymond James - as part of our people-first culture, we honor, value, and respect the uniqueness, experiences, and backgrounds of all of our Associates. When associates bring their best authentic selves, our organization, clients, and communities thrive. The Company is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of merit and business needs.
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