Work Model Hybrid (1 day a week in office)_
Allows Relocation No_
SUMMARY
We are seeking an experienced Java Developer Contractor to support the design, development, and maintenance of web applications, backend services, and cloud-based solutions. This role is ideal for someone who is comfortable working across the Java/Spring ecosystem, building REST APIs, integrating with AWS services, and contributing to modern CI/CD-driven development workflows.
The right candidate will be hands-on, pragmatic, and comfortable working independently while collaborating with technical and business stakeholders.
The ideal candidate: a strong Java developer who can move comfortably between backend development, lightweight front-end work, cloud-based deployments, and CI/CD workflows. They should be able to understand existing systems quickly, contribute clean and maintainable code, and work effectively in a modern cloud-oriented development environment. Experience with AWS, GitLab pipelines, Terraform, and AI-assisted coding tools is highly valued.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design, develop, test, and maintain Java-based applications using Java SDK 21
- Build and enhance applications using Spring Boot and the broader Spring Framework
- Develop and maintain REST APIs and JSON-based integrations
- Support smaller web applications using Thymeleaf, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
- Work with AWS-based infrastructure and services, including ECS, API Gateway, and DynamoDB
- Contribute to source control and development workflows using GitLab
- Build, maintain, and troubleshoot GitLab CI/CD pipelines
- Collaborate with team members on application architecture, implementation decisions, code reviews, and deployment practices
- Support infrastructure-as-code efforts, especially where Terraform is used
- Use IntelliJ IDEA as the primary development environment
- Apply sound software engineering practices, including maintainable code design, testing, documentation, and operational awareness
- Where appropriate, leverage AI-assisted coding tools to improve development productivity and code quality
Our current technology stack includes:
- Java SDK 21
- Spring Boot / Spring Framework
- Thymeleaf
- REST APIs
- JSON
- HTML / CSS / JavaScript
- AWS, including ECS, API Gateway, and DynamoDB
- GitLab repositories
- GitLab CI/CD pipelines
- Terraform
- IntelliJ IDEA
- AI-assisted coding tools, including exploration of Claude Code
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- Strong professional experience developing applications with Java
- Experience with Java 21 or recent versions of the Java SDK
- Solid experience with Spring Boot and Spring-based application development
- Experience designing, building, and consuming REST APIs
- Strong working knowledge of JSON and API integration patterns
- Familiarity with front-end technologies including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
- Experience using Git-based source control, preferably GitLab
- Experience working with CI/CD pipelines, preferably GitLab CI/CD
- Practical experience developing, deploying, or supporting applications in AWS
- Ability to work independently, communicate clearly, and deliver high-quality work in a contractor capacity
Preferred:
- Experience with Thymeleaf for server-side templating
- Hands-on experience with AWS services such as:
- Amazon ECS
- Amazon API Gateway
- Amazon DynamoDB
- Familiarity with Terraform or other infrastructure-as-code tools
- Experience using IntelliJ IDEA in a professional development environment
- Familiarity with AI-assisted development tools such as Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, Cursor, or similar tools
- Experience troubleshooting cloud deployments, application logs, build pipelines, and environment-related issues
- Understanding of secure coding practices and cloud application security concepts
PRE-EMPLOYEMENT & CLIENT SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Employment and/or client submission is contingent upon successful completion of required pre-employment screening and verification processes. These requirements include:
- Background check: Candidates must successfully complete the required background screening in accordance with company policy and applicable law.
- Drug screening: Candidates must successfully complete the required drug screening in accordance with company policy, applicable client requirements, and applicable law.
- Identity and location verification: Candidates may be required to complete identity and/or location verification using a secure verification tool prior to client submission.
- Employment eligibility: Candidates must provide appropriate documentation to verify employment eligibility as required by law.
- Qualification verification: Information provided during the application and recruiting process, including employment history, education, certifications, licenses, and professional references, may be verified as applicable.
- Additional client requirements: Additional screening, documentation, or verification may be required based on the client, position, work location, or applicable requirements.
All screening and verification activities will be conducted in accordance with applicable company policies, client requirements, and federal, state, and local laws.
BENEFITS
This is a contract opportunity with a great organization. As a contractor for Smith Johnson, you are eligible for medical, dental, life, disability. Smith Johnson pays for 70% of your medical and dental and 100% of life and disability. The contract is also eligible for PTO/holiday accrued monthly. You are also eligible for a 3% retirement matching plan. Smith Johnson believes in taking care of our contractors.