Lead Software Engineer

Our vision for the future is based on the idea that transforming financial lives starts by giving our people the freedom to transform their own. We have a flexible work environment, and fluid career paths. We not only encourage but celebrate internal mobility. We also recognize the importance of purpose, well-being, and work-life balance. Within Empower and our communities, we work hard to create a welcoming and inclusive environment, and our associates dedicate thousands of hours to volunteering for causes that matter most to them.

Chart your own path and grow your career while helping more customers achieve financial freedom. Empower Yourself.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time, including CPT/OPT.

The Lead Software Engineer will design, develop, and deliver scalable, high-performance enterprise applications using modern backend technologies and architectures. This role will lead the development of microservices and real-time streaming applications, guide engineering teams, influence technical direction, and promote strong engineering practices across system design, testing, DevOps, and CI/CD.

What you will do:

• Lead the design and development of microservices-based architectures using Spring and Spring Boot.

• Architect and build real-time streaming applications using Apache Kafka.

• Define technical strategy and oversee the full software development lifecycle, from requirements through deployment.

• Mentor and guide engineers, conducting design and code reviews to maintain high standards.

• Champion TDD and BDD practices to support code quality and maintainability.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver secure, reliable, and scalable software.

• Drive adoption of best practices in system design, testing, DevOps, and CI/CD pipelines.

• Optimize application performance and resolve complex technical issues.

• Ensure systems are designed for high availability, scalability, and maintainability.

• Contribute to architectural decisions and align technical initiatives with business goals.

• Use AI-assisted development tools such as GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, or similar tools in day-to-day development activities.

What you will bring:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.

• 7+ years of professional software development experience, including 2+ years in a lead or mentorship role.

• Strong expertise in Java 17 or later.

• Solid hands-on experience with Spring, Spring Boot, and RESTful web services.

• Deep understanding of microservices architecture and distributed systems.

• Proven experience building real-time streaming applications with Apache Kafka.

• Strong experience with SQL databases such as MySQL or PostgreSQL and NoSQL databases such as MongoDB or Cassandra.

• Proficiency in Hibernate, JPA, and ORM concepts.

• Strong understanding and application of TDD and BDD methodologies.

• Solid understanding of software design patterns and system architecture.

• Experience with Git and CI/CD practices.

• Excellent problem-solving, debugging, and leadership skills.

• Familiarity with Agile/Scrum methodologies.

What will set you apart:

• Knowledge of gRPC for high-performance service-to-service communication.

• Knowledge of AWS technologies such as EC2, RDS, S3, and Lambda.

• Experience with containerization tools such as Docker and Kubernetes.

This job operates in a professional office environment.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications of the job. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. You will be evaluated in part based on your performance of the responsibilities and/or tasks listed in this job description. You may be required to perform other duties that are not included on this job description. The job description is not a contract for employment, and either you or the employer may terminate employment at any time, for any reason, as per terms and conditions of your employment contract.

This job operates in a professional office environment.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications of the job. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. You will be evaluated in part based on your performance of the responsibilities and/or tasks listed in this job description. You may be required to perform other duties that are not included on this job description. The job description is not a contract for employment, and either you or the employer may terminate employment at any time, for any reason, as per terms and conditions of your employment contract.

What we offer you

We offer an array of diverse and inclusive benefits regardless of where you are in your career. We believe that providing our employees with the means to lead healthy balanced lives results in the best possible work performance.

• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• Retirement savings - 401(k) plan with generous company matching contributions (up to 6%), financial advisory services, potential company discretionary contribution, and a broad investment lineup
• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250/year
• Business-casual environment that includes the option to wear jeans
• Generous paid time off upon hire - including a paid time off program plus ten paid company holidays and three floating holidays each calendar year
• Paid volunteer time - 16 hours per calendar year
• Leave of absence programs - including paid parental leave, paid short- and long-term disability, and Family and Medical Leave (FMLA)
• Business Resource Groups (BRGs) - BRGs facilitate inclusion and collaboration across our business internally and throughout the communities where we live, work and play. BRGs are open to all.

Base Salary Range

$114,000.00 - $165,300.00

The salary range above shows the typical minimum to maximum base salary range for this position in the location listed. Non-sales positions have the opportunity to participate in a bonus program. Sales positions are eligible for sales incentives, and in some instances a bonus plan, whereby total compensation may far exceed base salary depending on individual performance. Actual compensation offered may vary from posted hiring range based upon geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer.

Equal opportunity employer * Drug-free workplace

We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age (40 and over), race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, religion, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law.

***For remote and hybrid positions you will be required to provide reliable high-speed internet with a wired connection as well as a place in your home to work with limited disruption. You must have reliable connectivity from an internet service provider that is fiber, cable or DSL internet. Other necessary computer equipment, will be provided. You may be required to work in the office if you do not have an adequate home work environment and the required internet connection.***

Job Posting End Date at 12:01 am on:

09-24-2026

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