Senior Java Applications Architect

Work location: Chicago, IL Required Skills & Experience: Extensive experience with Java, Spring Boot, and the Spring Framework to design and build robust, scalable, and secure backend services. Proficient in Azure Integration Services, including Azure Event Hub, Logic Apps, API Management, and Azure Functions, for seamless integration and event-driven architecture. Expertise in Composable Commerce platforms such as CommerceTools and experience building headless, API-first commerce solutions. Proven experience designing and implementing microservices-based architectures using Java and cloud-native tools, ensuring loose coupling and scalability. Strong understanding and experience implementing MACH principles (Microservices, API-first, Cloud-native, Headless) in ecommerce ecosystems. Experience with microfrontend architectures and modern JavaScript frameworks, especially Next.js, to deliver modular and independent frontend components. Hands-on experience with Azure Kubernetes Service for managing containerized applications, automating deployments, and orchestrating microservices at scale. Expertise in building and managing APIs (RESTful and GraphQL), ensuring seamless integration across multiple platforms and services. Experience designing and implementing event-driven architectures using Azure Event Hub or similar event streaming platforms. In-depth knowledge of security protocols, including OAuth, JWT, and SSO, as well as ensuring the security and compliance of cloud-native applications. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field (Master's degree preferred). 10+ years of experience in software architecture, with a focus on ecommerce, Java, and cloud-native solutions. Proficiency with CommerceTools, Next.js, and Azure Cloud services. Certifications in Azure (Azure Solutions Architect, Azure DevOps) and/or Java are a plus. Familiarity with modern DevSecOps practices, including CI/CD pipelines, using tools such as GitLab, Jenkins, or Terraform. Preferred Qualifications: Experience with headless CMS systems and integrating with ecommerce platforms. Familiarity with container orchestration and automation tools such as Helm and Kubernetes Operators. Experience with data streaming and real-time data processing solutions. Knowledge of Agile and Scrum methodologies. Key Responsibilities: Design and architect modern, modular ecommerce solutions following MACH principles (Microservices, API-first, Cloud-native, Headless), with a focus on Java and Spring Framework technologies. Architect and drive the integration of ecommerce systems with Azure services, including Azure Integration Services (Logic Apps, API Management, Event Hub) to ensure seamless data flow and event-driven architectures. Design, manage, and evolve microservices-based architectures leveraging Java and Spring Boot, ensuring scalability, resilience, and seamless integrations. Lead the implementation of Composable Commerce platforms (e.g., CommerceTools) and build API-first solutions to support headless commerce strategies, enabling flexibility in frontend development and integrations. Architect microfrontend-based frontend solutions using modern JavaScript frameworks, particularly Next.js, to deliver performant and modular user experiences. Design and leverage Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) to deploy and manage containerized applications, ensuring high availability, efficient scaling, and optimized cloud resource utilization. Design and architect event-driven ecommerce systems using Azure Event Hub to enable real-time data processing and efficient messaging across microservices. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including backend and frontend engineers, DevOps, and business stakeholders, to ensure alignment between technical and business objectives. Mentor development teams on modern architectural best practices. Ensure that the architecture supports high-performance and scalable ecommerce platforms, capable of handling significant traffic and transactions in a cloud-native environment. Implement best practices in security, ensuring that systems are compliant with industry standards and utilize secure communication protocols such as OAuth, SSO, and JWT.