[Remote] Lead Software Engineer

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Empower is a financial services company focused on helping customers achieve financial freedom. The Lead Software Engineer will design and deliver scalable enterprise applications, lead microservices and real-time streaming development, guide engineering teams, and drive strong practices across architecture, testing, DevOps, and CI/CD.

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S
• * 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
• * 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
• ***For remote and hybrid positions you will be required to provide reliable high-speed internet with a wired connection as well as a place in your home to work with limited disruption
• You must have reliable connectivity from an internet service provider that is fiber, cable or DSL internet

Benefits

• Flexible work environment
• Fluid career paths
• Internal mobility
• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• Retirement savings – 401(k) plan with generous company matching contributions (up to 6%), financial advisory services, potential company discretionary contribution, and a broad investment lineup
• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250/year
• Business-casual environment that includes the option to wear jeans
• Generous paid time off upon hire – including a paid time off program plus ten paid company holidays and three floating holidays each calendar year
• Paid volunteer time — 16 hours per calendar year
• Leave of absence programs – including paid parental leave, paid short- and long-term disability, and Family and Medical Leave (FMLA)
• Business Resource Groups (BRGs) – BRGs facilitate inclusion and collaboration across our business internally and throughout the communities where we live, work and play. BRGs are open to all.
• Non-sales positions have the opportunity to participate in a bonus program
• Other necessary computer equipment will be provided

Company Overview