Software Engineer - Java (Aviation Systems) (LOCAL CANDIDATES ONLY)

Software Engineer - Java (Aviation Systems)

Location: Annapolis, MD (Local candidates only)
Work Model: Hybrid - 4 days onsite / 1 day remote
Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire
Industry: Aerospace & Defense

IMPORTANT - READ BEFORE APPLYING

This is a Java development-first role.

• Candidates must have strong, hands-on Java enterprise development experience to be considered.
• Messaging / MQ experience is a major plus and strongly preferred, but it does not replace Java development experience.
• All candidates must be local to Annapolis, MD and able to work on-site four days per week.

About the Opportunity

This role focuses on core Java software development supporting mission-critical aviation systems that process tens of millions of aviation data messages every day.
You'll work on large-scale, high-reliability Java applications used by more than 1,500 aviation customers worldwide. These systems are foundational to airline operations and the uninterrupted movement of passengers globally.

What You'll Do

• Design, develop, and maintain enterprise Java applications
• Work on high-throughput, highly reliable systems supporting aviation data flows
• Refactor and modernize applications, including upgrades to newer versions of OpenJDK
• Collaborate with Architects and Senior Engineers on core platform enhancements
• Participate across the full Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)
• Contribute to CI/CD pipelines and production stability initiatives

MUST-HAVE REQUIREMENTS (Non-Negotiable)

Java development experience is required for consideration.

• 2+ years of hands-on Java development experience in enterprise or large-scale systems
• Demonstrated experience supporting production-grade Java applications
• Experience working across the full SDLC
• Strong object-oriented programming fundamentals
• Strong verbal communication and technical documentation skills
• Ability to work on-site in Annapolis, MD four days per week

Strongly Preferred / Huge Plus

These skills are not required, but candidates with this experience will stand out.

• Hands-on experience with enterprise messaging / MQ technologies, such as:
  • Java Message Service (JMS)
  • IBM MQ
  • RabbitMQ
  • ActiveMQ
• Experience integrating Java applications with message-oriented middleware
• Background in regulated, high-reliability environments (Aerospace, Defense, Banking)
• Experience working in Linux/Unix environments
• Familiarity with OSGi
• Experience working in an Agile development environment

Education / Experience Guidelines

• Bachelor's degree with 2+ years of relevant experience
• OR advanced degree with 1+ year of experience
• OR 7+ years of relevant professional experience in lieu of a degree

Why This Role Matters

This is core Java development, not a support or light integration role. The systems you'll work on operate at massive scale, where uptime and data integrity are critical. Your work directly supports airline operations and impacts the movement of millions of passengers worldwide.

Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Annapolis, MD.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $48.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Annapolis,MD.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 27, 2026.

About TEKsystems

We're partners in transformation. We help clients activate ideas and solutions to take advantage of a new world of opportunity. We are a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 clients, including 80% of the Fortune 500, across North America, Europe and Asia. As an industry leader in Full-Stack Technology Services, Talent Services, and real-world application, we work with progressive leaders to drive change. That's the power of true partnership. TEKsystems is an Allegis Group company.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

About TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services

We're a leading provider of business and technology services. We accelerate business transformation for our customers. Our expertise in strategy, design, execution and operations unlocks business value through a range of solutions. We're a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 customers, including 80% of the Fortune 500 across North America, Europe and Asia, who partner with us for our scale, full-stack capabilities and speed. We're strategic thinkers, hands-on collaborators, helping customers capitalize on change and master the momentum of technology. We're building tomorrow by delivering business outcomes and making positive impacts in our global communities. TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services are Allegis Group companies. Learn more at TEKsystems.com.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.