Senior Java Modernization Lead

Job Title: Senior Java Modernization Lead / Technologist

Location: Wisconsin (100% Remote within WI In-State Residents Only)

Interview Process: Microsoft Teams interview (camera required)

Overview

The State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is seeking a highly experienced Senior Java Technologist / Lead Developer to provide hands-on technical leadership in the modernization, development, and support of mission-critical web applications.

This role will focus on upgrading legacy Java-based applications to modern frameworks and architectures, including Spring Boot, Angular, and microservices, while incorporating test automation and best practices for CI/CD pipelines. The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise across the Java ecosystem, strong leadership skills, and proven experience guiding modernization and migration projects in complex enterprise environments.

Key Responsibilities
Lead and drive modernization efforts for existing Java-based applications, aligning with industry best practices.
Design, develop, and enhance application components using modern Java frameworks and web technologies.
Provide technical leadership and mentorship to development teams throughout the modernization process.
Architect and guide the transition toward microservices-based and modern web application architectures.
Develop and implement automated testing strategies (unit, regression, and integration).
Define and maintain a robust CI/CD pipeline, integrating test automation and DevSecOps practices.
Build responsive and modern user interfaces using Angular and TypeScript.
Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues, especially those arising from Java version updates or architectural migrations.
Apply standard modernization methodologies (e.g., Lift and Shift, Strangler Pattern) to replatform and refactor existing systems.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams in a hybrid Agile environment to ensure successful delivery.

Required Qualifications
10+ years of experience in Java/J2EE application design and development.
5+ years with Struts Framework.
5+ years with Spring Framework and Spring Boot.
5+ years of experience with Angular (JavaScript/TypeScript).
5+ years working with SQL databases.
4+ years of hands-on experience with Oracle PL/SQL and stored procedures.
4+ years of experience with Microservices Architecture and API Development.
4+ years of Architecture and Design experience in enterprise applications.
Experience using Maven, IntelliJ, and Java 21.
Demonstrated experience applying modernization strategies such as Lift & Shift and Strangler patterns.
5+ years working within Agile / Hybrid methodologies.

Preferred (Nice-to-Have) Qualifications
4+ years with Java Batch processing.
4+ years applying Automated Testing Best Practices.
3+ years applying DevSecOps principles, including experience with SonarQube.
4+ years of experience configuring and maintaining MQ Queues or Java Messaging Service (JMS).
Familiarity with WebSphere Liberty.
Experience leveraging GitHub Copilot or similar Generative AI-based IDE tools to accelerate software development and testing.
Previous experience working within or supporting government agencies.

Work Location & Requirements
Must be a current resident of the State of Wisconsin.
100% Remote (within WI) however, the selected candidate must be able to attend onsite collaborative sessions at their own expense when required.
No relocation assistance will be provided.
No travel is required for this position.

Security & Compliance
Security clearance/background check required.
No access to Federal Tax Information (FTI) data.