Principal, Engineer (Java/SAP)

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Principal, Engineer (Java/SAP) based in Germany.

This is a senior technical leadership opportunity focused on architecting and delivering enterprise software solutions that integrate Java applications with SAP platforms.

You will lead the technical direction of a critical SAP Ariba integration, spanning platform configuration, backend engineering, and data and risk services.

The role combines hands-on software engineering with architecture, technical strategy, and mentorship of a small engineering team.

You will work closely with product, client-facing delivery, and cross-functional teams to shape technical roadmaps and solve complex integration challenges.

Your expertise will help establish scalable development practices, improve system performance and security, and ensure reliable third-party integrations.

The environment values technical excellence, collaboration, knowledge sharing, and pragmatic decision-making across distributed teams.

This is an initial three-month engagement with strong potential for extension and continued work well into 2027.

Accountabilities

• Lead and architect Java and Spring Boot solutions integrating SAP Ariba with backend enrichment, risk, and data services.
• Own the technical roadmap for SAP Ariba integrations, covering platform configuration, workflows, custom fields, approval rules, and connector-side engineering.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to a small engineering team responsible for maintaining and enhancing the integration platform.
• Drive architectural decisions covering programming patterns, system design, infrastructure, integration approaches, and technical trade-offs.
• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for complex SAP Ariba configuration, integration, and troubleshooting challenges.
• Design and maintain backend integrations using event-driven architectures, orchestration services, APIs, and NoSQL data stores.
• Collaborate with product, client-facing solutions, and other cross-functional teams to define workstreams, technical strategies, and product roadmaps.
• Establish and promote programming, configuration, security, and engineering best practices, including conducting code reviews and ensuring adherence to standards.
• Lead and mentor engineers while fostering technical excellence, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.
• Use AI-assisted development tools as part of the engineering workflow to improve productivity and accelerate delivery.
• Support performance optimization, secure authentication, credential management, and reliable operation of third-party integrations.

Requirements

• 8+ years of professional experience working with production Java applications, including strong hands-on experience with Spring Boot.
• Deep practical expertise with SAP Ariba, particularly the Ariba Developer Portal, OAuth flows, API key and token management, Supplier Data API, and Cloud Integration Gateway.
• Strong experience with SAP Ariba SIM/SLP configuration, including approval workflows, custom fields, risk modules, and understanding of platform limitations and common failure modes.
• Proven experience building and maintaining backend integrations involving APIs, event-driven architectures, orchestration patterns such as AWS Step Functions, and NoSQL databases such as DynamoDB.
• Working knowledge of SAP S/4HANA, Cloud for Credit, SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP), Cloud Application Programming Model (CAP), and SAP UI5.
• Strong understanding of performance optimization and security best practices, particularly for third-party API authentication and credential management.
• Proficiency with AI-assisted coding tools such as GitHub Copilot, Claude Code, or Cursor.
• Experience working with Cloud Foundry is advantageous.
• Experience with credit, financial, or other complex enterprise systems is a strong plus.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex software initiatives involving third-party SaaS or enterprise platform integrations.
• Strong strategic thinking, decision-making, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.
• Proven experience leading, mentoring, and developing engineering teams while operating collaboratively across functions.

Benefits

• Initial three-month project engagement with a strong possibility of extension and continued work potentially extending into 2027.
• Anticipated compensation of $80 USD per hour, based on a 40-hour workweek and role leveling.
• Flexibility around compensation depending on experience and engagement considerations.
• Preferred ability to overlap with Eastern Time Zone (EST) working hours.
• Opportunity to work on a complex enterprise SAP integration within a global, distributed environment.
• Exposure to strategic architecture, SAP Ariba, backend engineering, cloud infrastructure, and emerging AI-assisted development practices.
• Opportunity to provide technical leadership and influence engineering standards, architecture, and product direction.
• Inclusive and collaborative working environment focused on professional growth, technical excellence, and knowledge sharing.
• Support for an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and working environment, with reasonable accommodations available when needed.