Johannesburg: Technical Lead Developer (Java)

About the Role We are seeking a highly skilled Technical Lead (Java) to lead the development of innovative, enterprise-grade applications. This role involves guiding a team of software engineers, establishing coding and quality standards, and ensuring the successful delivery of scalable, maintainable, and high-performance Java-based solutions. You will collaborate closely with business analysts, Scrum Masters, DevOps, and other stakeholders throughout the full software development lifecycle. Key Responsibilities Leadership & Team Management Lead and mentor a team of software engineers, setting standards for coding, testing, and software quality. Conduct code reviews, provide guidance, and encourage knowledge sharing to foster team growth. Report on progress, scope, and timelines for project delivery. Lead the analysis and resolution of complex technical and application issues. Development & Architecture Oversee the design, development, and deployment of applications using Java 8, Spring, and Spring Boot. Build and maintain microservices architectures with modular and reusable components. Design and integrate RESTful APIs and event-driven services using Apache Kafka or similar messaging systems. Ensure adherence to coding standards, best practices, and secure software development principles. Databases & Cloud Work with relational databases such as MS SQL, PostgreSQL and NoSQL databases like MongoDB. Implement cloud-native solutions using AWS or Azure services (optional based on project). Monitor and optimize applications for performance, scalability, and cost efficiency. Collaboration & Process Participate in Agile/Scrum ceremonies including sprint planning, reviews, and retrospectives. Work closely with product managers, QA engineers, and DevOps teams to ensure high-quality software delivery. Promote continuous improvement in Agile processes, DevOps practices, and software engineering standards. Requirements & Qualifications Must-Have Skills: 7 years of professional experience in Java development, including 2 years in a technical leadership role. Strong experience with Spring Framework and Spring Boot. Hands-on experience with relational (MS SQL, PostgreSQL) and NoSQL (MongoDB) databases. Experience with microservices architectures, RESTful APIs, and Apache Kafka. Cloud experience with AWS (EC2, Lambda, S3, RDS) or Azure (optional). Proficient in unit testing frameworks (JUnit, TestNG, Mockito) and TDD practices. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills. Highly Desirable Skills: Exposure to containerization using Docker and orchestration with Kubernetes / EKS or AKS. Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, GitHub Actions, Azure DevOps). Knowledge of secure coding practices, performance optimization, and observability tools. Experience in event-driven and asynchronous architecture patterns. Education: Bachelor’s degree, higher certificate, or diploma in Computer Science, Software Engineering, IT, or a related field. Additional Information Contract Duration: 12 Months (with possibility of renewal) Salary: Market Related Location Options: Johannesburg / Cape Town / Remote Must be located in South Africa or have a valid work permit for South Africa