Java Software Developer (Software Development Specialist 3)

State of Ohio • Columbus, OH

1d • Onsite

About The Position

As a Java Software Developer, you will be a key technical contributor in modernizing the ODJFS Hearings and Tracking Systems (HATS). These applications directly support legally mandated hearings, appeals processes, and critical program workflows across the state. The work you do will help ensure program integrity, compliance with state and federal regulations, and reliable service delivery to Ohioans. This role centers on refactoring legacy Java EE components and preparing the system for migration to secure, scalable, cloud‑based architecture aligned with State of Ohio Enterprise Architecture standards. You’ll work within a small, collaborative team of Java EE developers and partner closely with architects, security teams, and business stakeholders. The environment is fast‑moving, modernization‑focused, and requires balancing new development with stabilizing existing components to support continuity of operations. Expect to work with modern architectural patterns, containerization, API‑driven design, cloud deployment models, and DevOps practices while also navigating the complexities of a large legacy system that contains monolithic modules, aged dependencies, and custom integrations.

Requirements

• OPTION 1: 60 months combined work experience in any combination of the following: assuring requirements are defined and approved, performing code reviews and ensuring application development standards are met; AND 12 months work experience in the primary technology specified by the agency in the position description & job posting (.NET).
• OPTION 2: Completion of associate core program in computer science or information systems; AND 42 months combined work experience in any combination of the following: assuring requirements are defined and approved, performing code reviews and ensuring application development standards are met; AND 12 months work experience in the primary technology specified by the agency in the position description & job posting (.NET).
• OPTION 3: Completion of undergraduate core program in computer science or information systems; AND 36 months combined work experience in any combination of the following: assuring requirements are defined and approved, performing code reviews and ensuring application development standards are met; AND 12 months work experience in the primary technology specified by the agency in the position description & job posting (.NET).
• OPTION 4: The equivalent of minimum class qualifications for employment noted above.

Nice To Haves

• Modern architectural patterns
• Containerization
• API-driven design
• Cloud deployment models
• DevOps practices

Responsibilities

• Working as part of a small, supportive team of Java/Jakarta EE developers responsible for modernizing the HATS application suite.
• Refactoring legacy modules to align with State of Ohio Enterprise Architecture standards, including cloud readiness, security compliance, logging, monitoring, and identity management requirements.
• Supporting the full software development lifecycle: analysis, design, development, testing, deployment, documentation, and ongoing maintenance.
• Contributing to PMO-required technical deliverables including architecture documentation, technical design specifications, refactoring plans, dependency assessments, and modernization work packages.
• Developing and optimizing secure RESTful APIs, integration endpoints, and service layers to support responsive, accessible front-end experiences.
• Building proof-of-concept prototypes for cloud deployment and helping guide containerization and adoption of modern deployment patterns.
• Stabilizing existing legacy modules by decomposing monolithic components, resolving technical debt, improving performance, and ensuring business continuity during modernization.
• Participating in quality assurance activities, performance testing, defect remediation, and technical risk mitigation.
• Supporting DevOps practices and automated deployment pipelines to streamline the migration process.

Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree