Application Modernization Lead Engineer

Introduction:

We are seeking an experienced Application Modernization Lead Engineer to lead modernization initiatives across legacy Java applications and guide teams in transforming them into cloud-native, containerized solutions on AWS. The ideal candidate has strong technical depth in Java/Spring, Open Liberty, Docker, Kubernetes, and AWS, combined with leadership skills to drive modernization execution.

Responsibilities:

• Lead modernization efforts for legacy Java/J2EE applications, including assessment, decomposition, refactoring, and re-architecture.
• Modernize workloads to Open Liberty and design scalable microservices using Java, Spring Boot, and Spring Cloud.
• Define modernization standards, best practices, and reusable patterns for microservices, containers, and integrations.
• Oversee containerization using Docker and orchestrate deployments on Kubernetes (EKS preferred).
• Design and support AWS-based architectures leveraging EKS, ECS, API Gateway, Lambda, RDS/Aurora, DynamoDB, SQS/SNS, IAM, and networking components.
• Guide engineering teams on cloud-native development, API design, integration patterns, and modernization techniques.
• Collaborate with DevOps, QA, SRE, and architecture teams to ensure smooth CI/CD pipelines and production deployments.
• Perform code reviews, troubleshoot modernization issues, and ensure performance, security, and resilience best practices.
• Lead onshore/offshore modernization coordination, sprint planning, release readiness, and production cutovers.

Requirements:

Required Skills:

• 12+ years of relevant professional experience in full-stack Java development.
• Solid years of hands-on experience in Java application development and modernization.
• Strong expertise in Java, Spring Boot, Spring Cloud, and Open Liberty.
• Hands-on experience with Docker, Kubernetes (EKS preferred), and container-based application delivery.
• Deep understanding of AWS services used in modernization and microservices deployments.
• Proven experience modernizing monolithic Java applications to microservices.
• Experience guiding engineering teams, reviewing technical designs, and driving modernization execution.
• Good understanding of CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, GitHub Actions, AWS CodePipeline).
• Excellent problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills.
• Ability to work the required shift and handle additional calls.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with messaging systems (Kafka, SQS/SNS).
• Understanding of distributed systems, cloud-native patterns, and service mesh architectures.
• AWS certifications (nice to have).
• Experience in modernization programs or cloud migration projects.

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.