Strategic Data Systems, Inc.
Backend Modernization Engineer IV
Strategic Data Systems, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, 45208
Strategic Data Systems (SDS) has been a software consultancy firm for more than three decades, specializing in strategy, technology, and business transformation for Fortune 100 companies, mid‑size firms, and startups. At SDS, we empower our development teams to address our clients’ critical business challenges by leveraging cutting‑edge technologies. If you seek a workplace where your contributions are truly appreciated, then SDS is the company for you. Join us today to work alongside fellow development specialists and become a crucial part of our dynamic and cohesive community.
Job Title: Backend Modernization Engineer IV Location: Cincinnati, OH – Downtown (Onsite 3‑4 days/week)
About the Role The Backend Modernization Engineer IV plays a critical role in modernizing legacy banking applications into scalable, secure, and cloud‑native platforms. The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of Java, Spring Boot, RESTful APIs, microservices, and AWS cloud technologies, with proven experience leading modernization initiatives within complex enterprise environments. This position requires a blend of technical expertise, architectural foresight, and hands‑on engineering excellence.
Must Have Skills
10+ years of Java development experience
Strong background in AWS Cloud technologies (Lambda, ECS, S3, RDS, API Gateway)
Experience developing RESTful APIs and modernizing legacy services
Expertise in Spring Boot and Microservices Architecture
Hands‑on with DevOps tools (Jenkins, GitHub, Terraform, CI/CD pipelines)
Strong SQL and JPA/Hibernate experience
Containerization using Docker or Kubernetes
Nice to Have
Exposure to distributed systems, event‑driven design, or messaging platforms (Kafka, MQ)
Familiarity with Domain‑Driven Design (DDD) and cloud‑native design patterns
Prior experience in banking or financial services
What You’ll Do
Lead backend modernization efforts, re‑engineering existing Java applications into microservices and APIs hosted on AWS.
Design and implement scalable, secure, and maintainable microservices using Spring Boot, JPA/Hibernate, and AWS‑native services.
Build and maintain CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins, Terraform, and GitHub Actions to enable automated builds, tests, and deployments.
Collaborate with product owners, architects, and cross‑functional teams to ensure alignment between business goals and technical execution.
Apply modern cloud‑native design patterns, implement API‑first principles, and improve performance and fault tolerance.
Mentor junior engineers and promote engineering best practices around testing, observability, and resiliency.
Troubleshoot complex production issues and participate in on‑call support rotations as needed.
Ensure compliance with security, risk, and data privacy standards consistent with the financial services industry.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field
10+ years of backend engineering experience with Java 8+ and Spring Boot
Deep expertise in Microservices Architecture, REST APIs, and API Gateway patterns
Strong understanding of AWS Services (Lambda, ECS, EKS, RDS, S3, SNS/SQS)
Proficiency with SQL, ORM frameworks (JPA/Hibernate), and relational databases (Oracle, PostgreSQL)
Familiar with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform) and container orchestration (Kubernetes)
Excellent communication, collaboration, and analytical skills
Previous experience in banking or regulated environments preferred
What You’ll Get SDS, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Competitive base salary
Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
Optional life and disability insurance provided
401(k) with a company match and optional profit sharing
Paid vacation time
Paid Bench time
Training allowance offering
You’ll be eligible to earn referral bonuses!
Apply For Job
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Job Title: Backend Modernization Engineer IV Location: Cincinnati, OH – Downtown (Onsite 3‑4 days/week)
About the Role The Backend Modernization Engineer IV plays a critical role in modernizing legacy banking applications into scalable, secure, and cloud‑native platforms. The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of Java, Spring Boot, RESTful APIs, microservices, and AWS cloud technologies, with proven experience leading modernization initiatives within complex enterprise environments. This position requires a blend of technical expertise, architectural foresight, and hands‑on engineering excellence.
Must Have Skills
10+ years of Java development experience
Strong background in AWS Cloud technologies (Lambda, ECS, S3, RDS, API Gateway)
Experience developing RESTful APIs and modernizing legacy services
Expertise in Spring Boot and Microservices Architecture
Hands‑on with DevOps tools (Jenkins, GitHub, Terraform, CI/CD pipelines)
Strong SQL and JPA/Hibernate experience
Containerization using Docker or Kubernetes
Nice to Have
Exposure to distributed systems, event‑driven design, or messaging platforms (Kafka, MQ)
Familiarity with Domain‑Driven Design (DDD) and cloud‑native design patterns
Prior experience in banking or financial services
What You’ll Do
Lead backend modernization efforts, re‑engineering existing Java applications into microservices and APIs hosted on AWS.
Design and implement scalable, secure, and maintainable microservices using Spring Boot, JPA/Hibernate, and AWS‑native services.
Build and maintain CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins, Terraform, and GitHub Actions to enable automated builds, tests, and deployments.
Collaborate with product owners, architects, and cross‑functional teams to ensure alignment between business goals and technical execution.
Apply modern cloud‑native design patterns, implement API‑first principles, and improve performance and fault tolerance.
Mentor junior engineers and promote engineering best practices around testing, observability, and resiliency.
Troubleshoot complex production issues and participate in on‑call support rotations as needed.
Ensure compliance with security, risk, and data privacy standards consistent with the financial services industry.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field
10+ years of backend engineering experience with Java 8+ and Spring Boot
Deep expertise in Microservices Architecture, REST APIs, and API Gateway patterns
Strong understanding of AWS Services (Lambda, ECS, EKS, RDS, S3, SNS/SQS)
Proficiency with SQL, ORM frameworks (JPA/Hibernate), and relational databases (Oracle, PostgreSQL)
Familiar with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform) and container orchestration (Kubernetes)
Excellent communication, collaboration, and analytical skills
Previous experience in banking or regulated environments preferred
What You’ll Get SDS, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Competitive base salary
Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
Optional life and disability insurance provided
401(k) with a company match and optional profit sharing
Paid vacation time
Paid Bench time
Training allowance offering
You’ll be eligible to earn referral bonuses!
Apply For Job
#J-18808-Ljbffr