> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2717789-sr-software-development-engineer-distributed-systems-java-kotlin](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2717789-sr-software-development-engineer-distributed-systems-java-kotlin). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Sr. Software Development Engineer - Distributed Systems ( Java/ Kotlin) - **Company:** Workday, Inc. - **Location:** Atlanta, GA, United States (Remote available) - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $168,500.0 - $252,700.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Artificial Intelligence, Amazon Web Services, Amazon Cloudfront, Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud, Amazon S3, Automation of Tests, Microsoft Azure, Cloud Computing, Software Quality, Code Review, Computer Programming, Cursor (Graphical User Interface Elements), Software Design Patterns, Distributed Systems, Amazon DynamoDB, MySQL, Software Tools, Amazon Simple Notification Service (SNS), Software Construction, Software Engineering, Systems Integration, TypeScript, Web Application Frameworks, GitHub Copilot, ReactJS, Technical Debt, Backend, Vue.js, Kotlin, Containerization, AngularJS, Information Technology, Front End Software Development, Functional Programming, Api Design, Amazon Simple Queue Service (SQS), Domain Driven Design, Workday, Docker, Microservices - **Published:** September 4, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.adzuna.com/details/5868645353 ## About the Role * Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent practical experience. * 8+ years of software engineering with a strong focus on backend microservice architectures and distributed systems. * 5+ years of experience in each of the following: + Programming: Java, Kotlin, or Go. + Cloud Platforms: AWS (preferred), GCP, or Azure, including expertise with S3, Lambda, EC2, CloudFront, SQS, SNS, DynamoDB, and MySQL. + Containerization/Orchestration: Docker and Kubernetes. * 2+ years of full-stack experience building modern frontend UIs (e.g., React, Angular, or Vue). * 1+ year of experience with: + Modern architectural standards (e.g., Model Context Protocol/MCP). + Expert-level AI-augmented development (e.g., Cursor, Claude Code, GitHub Copilot), with a demonstrated ability to direct, prompt, audit, and validate agentic-generated code. Other Qualifications * Deep backend proficiency in Java or Kotlin, with strong command of design patterns, distributed systems, and high-availability architecture. * Expert API development and contract management skills, including familiarity with modern protocols (e.g., MCP) to support a spec-driven development approach. * Strong full-stack competency with modern frontend frameworks (React/TypeScript), algorithmic thinking, and a track record of translating complex requirements into scalable code. * Service ownership mindset: end-to-end accountability for operational health, test automation, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud-native observability. * Hands-on experience integrating AI capabilities into software products and using AI-augmented workflows to accelerate delivery. * Proven ability to lead cloud infrastructure cost optimization initiatives across large-scale AWS/GCP deployments, balancing performance with financial scalability. * Strong collaborator and communicator - able to partner with PMs, designers, and engineers to break down features into sprint tasks and clearly articulate technical tradeoffs to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. * Experience with Developer Platforms, DevTools, or core engineering platforms is a plus. ## Description As a Senior Software Engineer, you will play a key role in designing and scaling Workday's Developer core services platform. We are looking for a product-minded engineer with a strong sense of end to end ownership -someone who can wear multiple hats, thrive in ambiguous environments, and act as an owner to drive core platform initiatives from conception to completion. You will lead the architecture of critical distributed subsystems, drive technical execution within the team, and collaborate closely with cross-functional partners to deliver robust solutions. This role requires deep hands-on expertise in distributed systems and microservices, along with a proven track record of translating complex product requirements into scalable code. You are not just building software to a specification; you possess a deep curiosity about how your components integrate into the broader business ecosystem, a relentless focus on customer adoption, and mastery of AI-driven engineering tools to drastically reduce delivery cycles. You will tackle sophisticated technical challenges, champion engineering best practices, and help mentor team members to ensure high-velocity, reliable delivery. What You'll Do * Design, build, and evolve secure, scalable microservices and intuitive frontend experiences that power mission-critical product features with strong performance and reliability. * Own major platform initiatives end-to-end translating ambiguous technical and product concepts into clean, functional software with clear accountability. * Champion best practices in domain-driven design, API contract management, testing, observability, and architectural modernization to reduce technical debt and elevate code quality. * Leverage AI-assisted engineering tools and autonomous coding agents (e.g., Cursor, Claude Code) as an expert power-user to accelerate delivery and raise baseline quality. * Lead and unblock a small, high-velocity team (1-3 developers), providing technical guidance, mentorship, and constructive code reviews to foster a culture of continuous learning. ## Related Videos - [MySQL Protocol Features You Should Be Aware Of](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100267-mysql-protocol-features-you-should-be-aware-of) - [Docker Compose: Rediscovered](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1978-docker-compose-rediscovered) - [Lessons learned from building a thriving Vue.js SaaS application](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1666-lessons-learned-from-building-a-thriving-vue-js-saas-application) - [Empowering Thousands of Developers: Our Journey to an Internal Developer Platform](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1519-empowering-thousands-of-developers-our-journey-to-an-internal-developer-platform) - [Navigating the Corporate Jungle: Life as a Developer in a large Company](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/621-navigating-the-corporate-jungle-life-as-a-developer-in-a-large-company) - [Coding for Good: Achieving social change with an app](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1645-coding-for-good-achieving-social-change-with-an-app) ## Related Articles - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [Dev Digest 120 - Apple and peers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/455-dev-digest-120-apple-and-peers) - [How Much FAANG Companies Actually Pay Software Engineers in 2025](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/230-how-much-faang-companies-actually-pay-software-engineers-in-2025) - [Why Attend a Developer Event in 2026?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/688-why-attend-a-developer-event-in-2026)