Staff Software Engineer / Architect

Staff Software Engineer / Architect – Java Modernization (AWS / Kubernetes)

Location: St. Louis, MO

We are looking for a staff level software engineer / architect to lead the modernization of a largescale, mission critical Java platform. This role is hands on and focused on rewriting and re architecting existing systems using modern Java, Spring Boot, and cloud native patterns on AWS.

What You'll Do

Modernize a legacy Java platform to Java 21 and Spring Boot

Re architect monolithic components into well structured, cloud native services

Design and build services for AWS EKS and/or OpenShift

Define execution models, service boundaries, and deployment patterns

Drive architectural decisions around performance, scalability, and reliability

Work closely with platform, DevOps, and cloud infrastructure teams

Mentor senior engineers and set engineering standards

Own solutions end to end — from design through production

What We're Looking For

Staff level experience building and modernizing large Java systems

Strong hands on experience with Java (17+ preferred, 21 ideal) and Spring Boot

Deep understanding of distributed systems and system design

Practical experience deploying applications on AWS, preferably EKS

Solid Kubernetes knowledge (EKS and/or OpenShift)

Experience containerizing applications and running them on a scale

Strong grasp of performance tuning, JVM behavior, and low latency systems

Ability to operate as both architect and hands on engineer

Nice to Have

Experience migrating from monoliths to cloud native architectures

Exposure to eventing, messaging, or streaming systems (Kafka, MQ, etc.)

Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and infrastructure as code

Background in financial services, payments, or high throughput systems

Why This Role

Opportunity to shape the future architecture of a critical platform

Work on complex, high scale systems where design decisions matter

High ownership, real technical impact, and long term relevance