Senior Software Engineer - Java/SQL

Grainger Businesses • Chicago, IL

89d • $112,900 - $188,100 • Hybrid

About The Position

As a Senior Software Engineer on the Step Data Transformation team, you will design, develop, and maintain applications that support Grainger's strategic vision for product data management. The role calls for experience in Java development, data engineering, SQL, and integration patterns, with opportunities to grow expertise in Master Data Management (MDM).

You will work with lead engineers, product managers, architects, and cross-functional partners to deliver reliable, high-quality software. The position expects a modern engineering mindset: proactively identifying opportunities to improve tools, processes, and architecture rather than simply inheriting existing approaches.

The position is hybrid and is not eligible for sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States now and for the foreseeable future.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• At least 3 years of Software Engineer experience designing, developing, testing, and deploying software applications across technologies and environments.
• At least 2 years of hands-on Java development experience building or maintaining production applications.
• Familiarity with modern Java frameworks such as Spring Boot and tools for build, test, and deployment automation.
• Proficiency in Oracle and/or SQL and data manipulation techniques.
• Solid programming skills and knowledge of software engineering fundamentals.
• Understanding of integration patterns and distributed system concepts.
• Ability to propose practical improvements to systems, processes, or team workflows.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Good communication skills and a proactive approach to task management and team collaboration.
• Familiarity with data governance principles and data management best practices.
• Familiarity with Agile/Scrum methodologies and DevOps practices.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States now and for the foreseeable future; sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

• Exposure to or interest in data platform modernization projects.
• Two to three years of hands-on experience with MDM platforms such as Stibo STEP, Informatica MDM, Reltio, or Semarchy, or strong data engineering experience and ability to learn MDM platforms quickly.
• Experience with developer productivity tools, including AI-assisted development tools such as GitHub Copilot, code quality platforms, and observability or monitoring frameworks.
• A track record of introducing and driving adoption of improved engineering practices through process improvements, tooling, or architectural recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop high-quality, maintainable Java-based and MDM software solutions across the Step Data Transformation team's product data ecosystem.
• Modernize existing Java applications, including NPI and IPV, by improving architecture, reducing technical debt, and adopting contemporary engineering patterns.
• Analyze and improve data transformation logic to enhance efficiency, resilience, and scalability.
• Integrate data processes from Grainger systems to ensure seamless data flow and governance across platforms.
• Propose improvements to engineering practices, tooling, CI/CD pipelines, and team processes.
• Collaborate with lead engineers, product managers, and architects on the design and delivery of technology solutions.
• Champion clean code, automated testing, observability, and continuous delivery.
• Participate in knowledge-sharing sessions and stay current on MDM practices, Java advancements, and engineering methodologies.
• Participate in code reviews and pair programming to improve code quality and engineering skills.
• Support production systems by triaging, debugging, and resolving issues with minimal disruption to development workflows.
• Document solutions, patterns, onboarding materials, MDM platform functionality, and data transformation processes.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage starting on the first day of employment.
• Six free sessions each year with a licensed therapist.
• 18 annual paid time off days for full-time employees, prorated based on employment start date.
• Six company holidays per year.
• A 6% company contribution to a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan each pay period, with no employee contribution required.
• Employee discounts.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Student loan refinancing and free access to financial counseling, education, and tools.
• Maternity support programs and nursing benefits.
• Up to 14 weeks of paid leave for birth parents and up to 4 weeks of paid leave for non-birth parents.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior