Engineering Manager, Software Engineering – Java Backend

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Lead and guide a team of software engineers in the development and maintenance of Java-based backend applications and services.

• Stay technically involved through architecture, code reviews, troubleshooting, technical design, and hands-on development as required.

• Oversee the design and delivery of backend applications utilizing Java 17+, Spring, Spring Boot, REST APIs, and microservices.

• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, provide coaching, performance feedback, and support for professional development and career growth.

• Collaborate with engineers, architects, product managers, and program leadership to set technical priorities and deliver solutions in line with program objectives.

• Assist engineers in managing complex technical challenges related to API architecture, service integration, data access, and enterprise modernization.

• Establish and uphold engineering best practices, including automated testing, maintainable code, code reviews, and continuous improvement.

• Support Agile delivery processes, including sprint planning, technical estimation, and the resolution of engineering roadblocks.

• Identify technical risks, dependencies, and opportunities for improvement while communicating effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Partner with customer technical teams and architects to ensure solutions align with program requirements and engineering standards.

• Assist in hiring, conducting technical interviews, onboarding, and team development.

• Promote a collaborative engineering environment focused on accountability, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning.

• Balance technical delivery with the development, engagement, and performance of the engineering team.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and over 9 years of relevant software engineering experience; relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of education.

• More than 8 years of professional software development experience, specifically in hands-on Java backend development.

• At least 5 years of experience with Spring and Spring Boot in the development of production backend applications.

• A minimum of 5 years designing, developing, or integrating RESTful APIs and microservices.

• Experience in leading software engineers through technical deliveries, mentorship, coaching, or formal people management.

• Proven track record in providing performance feedback, supporting professional development, and managing engineering team priorities.

• Strong technical expertise in Java, Spring Boot, backend architecture, object-oriented programming, and API design.

• Recent hands-on experience in software engineering with the capability to review code, contribute to technical designs, and troubleshoot complex backend systems.

• Familiarity with relational databases such as Oracle, PostgreSQL, or similar technologies, including SQL and ORM frameworks like Hibernate/JPA.

• Experience supporting software development throughout the full lifecycle, including design, development, testing, deployment, and production support.

• Experience working in Agile development environments and collaborating with engineering, product, and program teams.

• Proven ability to balance technical leadership, engineering delivery, and team development responsibilities.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with experience engaging with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship, either now or in the future.

• Must be able to successfully obtain and maintain a Public Trust security clearance.

• Preferred: Active, VA-adjudicated Public Trust.

• Preferred: Previous experience as an Engineering Manager, Technical Lead, Engineering Lead, or Staff Software Engineer with leadership responsibilities.

• Preferred: Experience directly managing engineers, including performance reviews, coaching, and career development.

• Preferred: Experience modernizing legacy enterprise applications or transitioning from monolithic systems to microservices.

• Preferred: Experience with Java 17+ and modern Spring Boot frameworks.

• Preferred: Familiarity with event-driven architecture, Kafka, Redis, or distributed systems.

• Preferred: Experience with reactive programming and Spring WebFlux.

• Preferred: Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD pipelines, and contemporary DevOps practices.

• Preferred: Experience supporting federal government programs, especially the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

• Preferred: Experience balancing hands-on technical contributions with formal engineering management responsibilities.

• Preferred: Experience leading distributed or fully remote engineering teams.

🏝️ Benefits

• Company-subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Flexible PTO.

• 401K with employer match.

• Paid parental leave after one year of service.

• Employee Assistance Program.