Overview

Empower is looking for a highly skilled Lead Software Engineer with strong expertise in backend technologies and modern architectures to design, develop, and deliver scalable, high-performance enterprise applications. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in Java 11+, SQL/NoSQL databases, Spring ecosystem, microservices, and real-time streaming applications with Apache Kafka, along with a solid understanding of TDD and BDD practices. This role also requires proven leadership capabilities to guide engineering teams and influence technical direction.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time, including CPT/OPT.

What You Will Do

• •Lead the design and development of microservices-based architectures using Spring and Spring Boot.
• •Architect and build real-time streaming applications using Apache Kafka.
• •Define technical strategy and oversee the full software development lifecycle, from requirements to deployment.
• •Mentor and guide engineers, conducting design and code reviews to ensure high standards.
• •Champion TDD and BDD practices, ensuring code quality and maintainability.
• •Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver secure, reliable, and scalable software.
• •Drive adoption of best practices in system design, testing, DevOps, and CI/CD pipelines.
• •Optimize performance of applications and resolve complex technical issues.
• •Ensure systems are built for high availability, scalability, and maintainability.
• •Contribute to architectural decisions and align technical initiatives with business goals.

What You Will Bring

• •Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• •7+ years of professional software development experience, including 2+ years in a lead or mentorship role.
• •Strong expertise in Java (Java 11 or later).
• •Solid hands-on experience with Spring, Spring Boot, and RESTful web services.
• •Deep understanding of microservices architecture and distributed systems.
• •Proven experience in building real-time streaming applications with Apache Kafka.
• •Strong experience in SQL (MySQL, PostgreSQL, or similar) and NoSQL databases (MongoDB, Cassandra, etc.).
• •Proficiency in Hibernate, JPA, and ORM concepts.
• •Strong understanding and application of TDD and BDD methodologies.
• •Solid understanding of software design patterns and system architecture.
• •Experience with version control (Git) and CI/CD practices.
• •Excellent problem-solving, debugging, and leadership skills.

What Will Set You Apart

• •Knowledge of gRPC for high-performance service-to-service communication.
• •Knowledge of AWS technologies (EC2, RDS, S3, Lambda, etc.).
• •Experience with containerization tools (Docker, Kubernetes).
• •Familiarity with Agile/Scrum methodologies.

Compensation and Benefits

• •Base salary range: $114,000 - $165,300 depending on experience, location, and qualifications.
• •Non-sales positions have the opportunity to participate in a bonus program.
• •Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• •401(k) plan with up to 6% company matching contributions and financial advisory services.
• •Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per year.
• •Generous paid time off plus ten paid company holidays and three floating holidays per calendar year.
• •16 hours of paid volunteer time per calendar year.
• •Paid parental leave, short- and long-term disability, and FMLA leave programs.
• •Business Resource Groups open to all employees.