Senior Java Developer - Microservices & Spring | Remote
Toptal
About the Role
We're looking for a Senior Java Developer to design, build, and maintain scalable backend systems using Java, Spring, and a microservices architecture. This is a hands-on engineering role: you'll own services end to end, from data modeling through deployment, while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to deliver production-ready solutions. If you're comfortable owning backend architecture decisions and writing clean, maintainable code at scale, this is built for that.
What You'll Do
Design, develop, and maintain backend services and APIs using Java and the Spring ecosystem (Spring Boot, Spring Cloud, Spring Data)
Build and evolve microservices architecture, including service decomposition, inter-service communication, and API design
Design and optimize relational database schemas and queries using SQL
Implement RESTful APIs and support integration with third-party systems and internal services
Write clean, testable, production-quality code, including unit and integration tests
Troubleshoot and resolve performance, scalability, and reliability issues across distributed services
Participate in code reviews, architecture discussions, and technical planning
Support CI/CD pipelines and deployment processes for microservices
Collaborate with cross-functional teams (frontend, QA, product) to deliver features end to end
Contribute to technical documentation and best practices for the engineering team
What You Bring
Strong hands-on experience with Java in a production backend environment
Solid experience with the Spring framework (Spring Boot, Spring MVC, Spring Data, Spring Cloud)
Proven experience designing and building microservices architectures
Strong SQL skills, including schema design, query optimization, and relational data modeling
Experience with RESTful API design and development
Understanding of distributed systems concepts (service communication, fault tolerance, scalability)
Experience with version control (Git) and CI/CD workflows
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently on complex technical challenges
Solid communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional and distributed teams
Nice to Have
Experience with containerization and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes)
Experience with message queues or event-driven architecture (Kafka, RabbitMQ)
Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
Experience with NoSQL databases alongside SQL
Familiarity with monitoring and observability tools (Prometheus, Grafana, ELK stack)
Why This Role
Real architectural ownership: Shape microservices design decisions, not just implement tickets
Modern stack: Work with current Java, Spring, and microservices best practices
Cross-functional collaboration: Work closely with product, QA, and frontend teams on end-to-end delivery
Flexibility: Remote-friendly engagement structure
How to Apply
Ready to bring your Java and microservices expertise to a production-grade system? Apply through Toptal here: https://www.toptal.com/talent/apply