> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/4636688-lead-application-developer-sme](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/4636688-lead-application-developer-sme). 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). --- # Lead Application Developer - SME - **Company:** Essnova Solutions, Inc. - **Location:** Suitland-Silver Hill, MD, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Agile Methodology, Component-Based Software Engineering, Application Integration Architecture, Cloud Computing, Continuous Integration, Data Integration, Java Platform Enterprise Edition (J2EE), Hibernate (Java), Scrum Methodology, Application Data, Software Engineering, PL-SQL, Systems Integration, Enterprise Software Applications, Spring-boot, Gitlab, Git, Apache Kafka, Restful APIs - **Published:** November 8, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.juju.com/job/16_51caa9db1 ## About the Role * 15+ years of relevant application/software development experience. * Senior/SME-level enterprise application development experience. * Demonstrated experience with: * Java 8 * J2EE * Spring Boot * Hibernate * Kafka * REST APIs * PL/SQL * Git/GitLab * CI/CD pipelines Preferred Qualifications * Cloud certification or demonstrated cloud experience * SAFe/Scrum or other Agile certification * CSEP Work Location This position supports the U.S. Census Bureau Headquarters in Suitland, Maryland under a hybrid work model. Candidates must be located in the DC/MD/VA area or be willing to commute to Suitland. ## Description Essnova Solutions is seeking experienced Lead Application Developers - SME to support a large-scale federal application modernization initiative supporting the U.S. Census Bureau. This role is designed for highly experienced software development professionals with deep expertise building, integrating, and modernizing enterprise Java applications. The ideal candidate has extensive hands-on development experience and can provide technical leadership within complex enterprise development environments. What You'll Do * Design, develop, enhance, and maintain enterprise applications. * Support modernization of complex and legacy application environments. * Develop scalable services and application components using modern Java technologies. * Design and integrate REST-based services and APIs. * Support event-driven application integration using Kafka. * Develop and maintain database integrations and application data access components. * Participate in CI/CD and automated software delivery processes. * Collaborate with architects, engineers, testers, security teams, and other development professionals. * Support troubleshooting, optimization, integration, and technical documentation activities. * Contribute to application-development standards and modernization practices.