Overview

Empower is seeking a Lead Software Engineer to design, develop, and deliver scalable, high-performance enterprise applications using modern backend technologies and architectures. This role leads the development of microservices and real-time streaming applications, guides engineering teams, influences technical direction, and promotes strong engineering practices across system design, testing, DevOps, and CI/CD.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. Empower is 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 through deployment.
• •Mentor and guide engineers, conducting design and code reviews to maintain high standards.
• •Champion TDD and BDD practices to support 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 application performance and resolve complex technical issues.
• •Ensure systems are designed for high availability, scalability, and maintainability.
• •Contribute to architectural decisions and align technical initiatives with business goals.
• •Use AI-assisted development tools such as GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, or similar tools in day-to-day development activities.

What You Will Bring

• •Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• •7+ years of professional software development experience, including 2+ years in a lead or mentorship role.
• •Strong expertise in Java 17 or later.
• •Solid hands-on experience with Spring, Spring Boot, and RESTful web services.
• •Deep understanding of microservices architecture and distributed systems.
• •Proven experience building real-time streaming applications with Apache Kafka.
• •Strong experience with SQL databases such as MySQL or PostgreSQL and NoSQL databases such as MongoDB or Cassandra.
• •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 Git and CI/CD practices.
• •Excellent problem-solving, debugging, and leadership skills.
• •Familiarity with Agile/Scrum methodologies.

What Will Set You Apart

• •Knowledge of gRPC for high-performance service-to-service communication.
• •Knowledge of AWS technologies such as EC2, RDS, S3, and Lambda.
• •Experience with containerization tools such as Docker and Kubernetes.

Compensation and Benefits

• •Base salary range: $114,000 - $165,300 (varies by location, experience, 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, financial advisory services, and a broad investment lineup.
• •Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per year.
• •Business-casual environment with the option to wear jeans.
• •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, paid short- and long-term disability, and Family and Medical Leave (FMLA).
• •Business Resource Groups (BRGs) open to all associates.