Senior Java API Engineer (contract)

Mindgrub•Baltimore, MD

12h•$80 - $90•Remote

About The Position

Mindgrub Technologies is seeking a Senior Java API Engineer (contractor) to support and enhance a REST-based API platform that powers native iOS and Android mobile applications. This role focuses on maintaining and improving backend services built using Java and the Micronaut framework within an Azure-hosted environment while collaborating closely with cross-functional engineering teams. Successful candidates will demonstrate solid backend engineering skills, sound technical judgment, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced consulting environment. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the reliability, scalability, and continued evolution of client-facing mobile application services.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen and currently based in the United States, and authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
Ideal working hours are 11am - 8pm EDT (includes a one-hour lunch break), however starting between 9am - 12pm EDT will also be considered
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Software Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent professional experience
5+ years of professional software engineering experience with a focus on Java backend development
Experience developing and maintaining RESTful APIs in enterprise or production environments
Experience working with cloud-hosted applications, preferably within Microsoft Azure environments
Sound understanding of backend application architecture, API security, authentication, and integration patterns
Experience troubleshooting and supporting distributed applications in production environments
Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, source control systems, and modern software delivery practices
Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams in Agile or iterative development environments
Experience working with the Micronaut framework or similar modern Java frameworks such as Spring Boot
Must be comfortable working in environments where the use of AI-assisted coding tools may be restricted due to client security or compliance requirements
Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities in a consulting or client-services environment

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting mobile application backend services is strongly preferred
Experience mentoring developers and participating in technical design discussions is preferred

Responsibilities

Maintain and enhance Java-based REST APIs that support native mobile applications across iOS and Android platforms
Develop new backend features and integrations while ensuring system reliability, scalability, and performance
Troubleshoot and resolve production issues across application, API, and infrastructure layers
Collaborate with mobile developers, QA engineers, project managers, and client stakeholders to deliver technical solutions aligned with business requirements
Participate in architecture and technical design discussions related to backend services and API development
Monitor application health, identify performance bottlenecks, and implement improvements to optimize system stability
Develop new backend features and integrations using Java and the Micronaut framework while ensuring system reliability, scalability, and performance
Collaborate with client engineering teams to support integrations involving Micronaut-based backend services and enterprise middleware platforms
Contribute to CI/CD processes, deployment activities, and operational best practices within an Azure-hosted environment
Participate in on-call support rotations and assist with incident response and root cause analysis as needed
Write clean, maintainable, and well-documented code following established engineering standards and best practices
Conduct code reviews and provide technical mentorship to other developers on the team
Collaborate with client engineering teams to support integrations involving custom middleware platforms and backend services
Stay informed on emerging backend engineering trends, security practices, and API development standards