Java Engineer (Kafka)

Join a high-impact engineering team responsible for building the core backend platforms that support mission-critical financial systems. As a Java Engineer, you'll work on services that handle high volumes, strict SLAs, and complex integrations-where performance, resilience, and clean design matter every day.

Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring company sponsorship now or at any time in the future.

What You'll Do

Engineer scalable Java 17 microservices using Spring Boot that support high-throughput transactional workloads

Build and maintain event-driven systems leveraging Kafka for near-real-time data movement

Design APIs and backend components with a strong focus on reliability, observability, and performance

Partner with QA and DevOps teams to implement CI/CD pipelines and cloud-based deployments

Tune databases (SQL and/or NoSQL) to ensure data integrity and efficient access patterns

Participate in design reviews, code reviews, and test strategy discussions

Translate complex business requirements into pragmatic, well-architected backend solutions

Work model (Hybrid in Charlotte, NC)

We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role's business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring at least 3 days per week onsite at the client office in Charlotte, North Carolina. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our wellbeing programs.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting and may change based on project or client needs. We will always be transparent about role expectations.

Minimum 8 years of professional experience in software engineering with a strong backend focus.

Expert-level Java (Java 17 preferred) and Spring Boot

Hands-on experience with Kafka or similar messaging platforms

Strong understanding of backend service design, APIs, and databases

Experience working in cloud-based or containerized environments

Comfort working in a client-facing, hybrid setup

These will help you stand out

Kubernetes or OpenShift experience

Exposure to Angular or frontend-backend integration

Background in financial services or regulated environments

Experience supporting systems with high availability requirements

The annual salary for this position is between $68,422 to $114,000 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant's applicable plans.

Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance

• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off

• 401(k) plan and contributions