Lead Java Software Engineer (GenAI)

We are seeking a Lead Java Software Engineer (GenAI) to spearhead the modernization of a legacy enterprise platform, transitioning it from a frozen on-premises stack into a cloud-native architecture. In this role, you will combine deep technical expertise in IBM legacy systems with modern cloud and AI-assisted engineering practices, leading a team to maximize output from AI tools while migrating frontend logic to React and backend services to Spring Boot.

Responsibilities

• Lead the retirement of legacy lock-in and the migration of the platform into the cloud
• Drive the upgrade of Java to version 25 and the decoupling of frontend and backend systems
• Migrate frontend logic to React and backend services to Spring Boot
• Dive deep into legacy systems including WebSphere and AIX to support modernization efforts
• Orchestrate AI Agents, Skills and Human-in-loop responsibilities across the team
• Set up scalable AI tooling and practices to uplift team-level capability
• Mentor the team on how to maximize output from AI tools and teach them "how to fish"
• Apply AI across the full SDLC beyond individual productivity gains
• Guide the team on "what good looks like" through hands-on development and architecture
• Champion a DevSecOps mindset to keep the project self-sufficient using established best practices
• Follow Spec-Driven-Development throughout the engineering process

Requirements

• 6+ years of experience in software engineering with 1+ years in a leading capacity
• Strong background in IBM on-prem technologies such as WebSphere and AIX or other legacy stacks
• Expertise in cloud-native applications, AWS Cloud and Spring Boot
• Proficiency in Java 8 and modern Java versions
• Skills in AI-assisted engineering including orchestrating AI Agents, Skills and Human-in-loop workflows
• Hands-on capability as a developer and architect with deep coding and architecture understanding
• Experience applying AI across the SDLC, setting up scalable AI tooling and creating team-level capability uplift
• Understanding of DevSecOps practices
• Openness to dive deep into legacy systems without hesitation
• English level B2+

Nice to have

• Familiarity with Spec-Driven-Development
• Flexibility to use Claude, GitLab Copilot and Cursor
• Background in GWT and GXT