Senior Java Applications Architect / Chicago, IL

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and architect modern, modular ecommerce solutions following MACH principles (Microservices, API-first, Cloud-native, Headless), with a focus on Java and Spring Framework technologies.
• Architect and drive the integration of ecommerce systems with Azure services, including Azure Integration Services (Logic Apps, API Management, Event Hub) to ensure seamless data flow and event-driven architectures.
• Design, manage, and evolve microservices-based architectures leveraging Java and Spring Boot, ensuring scalability, resilience, and seamless integrations.
• Lead the implementation of Composable Commerce platforms (e.g., CommerceTools) and build API-first solutions to support headless commerce strategies, enabling flexibility in frontend development and integrations.
• Architect microfrontend-based frontend solutions using modern JavaScript frameworks, particularly Next.js, to deliver performant and modular user experiences.
• Design and leverage Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) to deploy and manage containerized applications, ensuring high availability, efficient scaling, and optimized cloud resource utilization.
• Design and architect event-driven ecommerce systems using Azure Event Hub to enable real-time data processing and efficient messaging across microservices.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including backend and frontend engineers, DevOps, and business stakeholders, to ensure alignment between technical and business objectives. Mentor development teams on modern architectural best practices.
• Ensure that the architecture supports high-performance and scalable ecommerce platforms, capable of handling significant traffic and transactions in a cloud-native environment.
• Implement best practices in security, ensuring that systems are compliant with industry standards and utilize secure communication protocols such as OAuth, SSO, and JWT.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Extensive experience with Java, Spring Boot, and the Spring Framework to design and build robust, scalable, and secure backend services.
• Proficient in Azure Integration Services, including Azure Event Hub, Logic Apps, API Management, and Azure Functions, for seamless integration and event-driven architecture.
• Expertise in Composable Commerce platforms such as CommerceTools and experience building headless, API-first commerce solutions.
• Proven experience designing and implementing microservices-based architectures using Java and cloud-native tools, ensuring loose coupling and scalability.
• Strong understanding and experience implementing MACH principles (Microservices, API-first, Cloud-native, Headless) in ecommerce ecosystems.
• Experience with microfrontend architectures and modern JavaScript frameworks, especially Next.js, to deliver modular and independent frontend components.
• Hands-on experience with Azure Kubernetes Service for managing containerized applications, automating deployments, and orchestrating microservices at scale.
• Expertise in building and managing APIs (RESTful and GraphQL), ensuring seamless integration across multiple platforms and services.
• Experience designing and implementing event-driven architectures using Azure Event Hub or similar event streaming platforms.
• In-depth knowledge of security protocols, including OAuth, JWT, and SSO, as well as ensuring the security and compliance of cloud-native applications.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field (Master's degree preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in software architecture, with a focus on ecommerce, Java, and cloud-native solutions.
• Proficiency with CommerceTools, Next.js, and Azure Cloud services.
• Certifications in Azure (Azure Solutions Architect, Azure DevOps) and/or Java are a plus.
• Familiarity with modern DevSecOps practices, including CI/CD pipelines, using tools such as GitLab, Jenkins, or Terraform.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with headless CMS systems and integrating with ecommerce platforms.
• Familiarity with container orchestration and automation tools such as Helm and Kubernetes Operators.
• Experience with data streaming and real-time data processing solutions.
• Knowledge of Agile and Scrum methodologies.