Senior Software Developer (Java/J2EE/Application Modernization)

We are seeking an experienced Senior Developer specialized in migrating Java/J2EE applications to the cloud. You will take ownership for modernizing Java/J2EE applications and migrating them to AWS by re-architecting them to leverage cloud-native features and improve scalability, performance, and agility, while minimizing disruption to existing functionality.

This is a hybrid role, requiring three (3) days per week onsite located in Rockville, MD

• Lead Migration Execution: Take ownership of refining and improving components of an enterprise cloud migration effort. Develop migration plans considering approaches such as replatforming (modifying applications to use cloud services with minimal code changes) or refactoring (modernizing code to take advantage of cloud-native capabilities).
• Hands-On Design & Development: Collaborate with technical leads and work closely with other developers to design and implement migration patterns, reusable components, and reference code that support teams transitioning legacy Java/J2EE applications to AWS. Contribute directly through hands-on coding, solution prototyping, and building migration accelerators.
• Application Modernization: Rewrite or optimize existing Java code to integrate with AWS services. Break down monolithic applications into modular components or microservices where needed to improve scalability, performance, and maintainability.
• AWS Service Integration: Select and integrate AWS services based on application needs, such as EC2/ECS/EKS for compute, S3 for storage, RDS for databases, API Gateway for APIs, and Lambda for event-driven processing. Implement basic disaster recovery mechanisms using AWS-native features.
• Containerization & DevOps Automation: Containerize legacy and modernized applications using Docker, and deploy them to AWS services like ECS or EKS. Use IaC tools such as AWS CloudFormation, SAM, or Terraform to automate environment setup, ensure consistent deployments, and support CI/CD pipelines.
• Governance, Standards & Cost Awareness: Follow established cloud guidelines, coding standards, and architectural patterns approved by leadership. Provide recommendations that consider cost optimization, scalability, and operational efficiency when building or modifying application components.
• Collaboration & Communication: Work closely with project leadership, SCRUM teams, and cross-functional stakeholders. Contribute to sprint planning, report progress toward migration milestones, and ensure timely delivery of assigned development tasks.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).

• At least 5+ years of hands-on experience migrating applications onto the AWS platform.

• Solid migration experience from on-premises servers to AWS using appropriate tools and frameworks.

• Strong Java programming skills and experience with J2EE frameworks like Spring, Hibernate, and JSF.

• Strong understanding of AWS architecture and cloud computing concepts.

• Expertise in containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes.

• Familiarity with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools like CloudFormation or Terraform.

• Knowledge of database migration strategies and experience with different database systems.

• Understanding of DevOps practices for continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD).

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot complex issues in distributed, cloud-based environments.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Note:
This is a contract role offering an hourly rate of $70 – $80, depending on experience and qualifications.