_{14th October, 2025}

For more than three decades, Strategic Data Systems (SDS) has been a software consultancy firm specializing in strategy, technology, and business transformation for Fortune 100 companies, mid-sized 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.

Top Skills Must Have

• 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!

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