Contract Java Developer Banking Jobs in Chantilly, VA

We are seeking a hands-on Java Developer to help modernize enterprise applications and deliver scalable, cloud-native solutions that improve performance, resilience, and user experience. This role offers the opportunity to work across architecture, development, and technical leadership while supporting an AI-driven modernization initiative in a collaborative, fast-moving environment.

• Design, build, test, and support Java-based microservices, REST APIs, and event-driven applications.
• Contribute to architecture decisions and help shape scalable, secure, and maintainable solution designs.
• Work closely with client stakeholders and distributed teams to translate business needs into technical plans and deliverables.
• Develop and review technical design documents, API contracts, data flows, and implementation approaches.
• Support cloud-native delivery on AWS, including containerized applications and Kubernetes-based deployments.
• Build and maintain Kafka-based integration flows with attention to reliability, replay, error handling, and data consistency.
• Participate in CI/CD practices, automated testing, code reviews, and production readiness activities.
• Troubleshoot complex issues, lead root-cause analysis, and help drive durable solutions.
• Mentor engineers, contribute to technical discussions, and help raise engineering quality across the team.
• Support modernization efforts by using approved AI tools to accelerate analysis and development with human review and accountability.

• Strong experience with Java, Spring Boot, REST APIs, and microservices architecture.
• Hands-on knowledge of distributed systems, design patterns, and enterprise application development.
• Experience with AWS and cloud-native application delivery.
• Containerization experience with Docker and Kubernetes, including EKS preferred.
• Solid understanding of Kafka and event-driven integration patterns.
• Familiarity with secure coding, testing practices, and quality gates such as SonarQube.
• Ability to contribute to architecture discussions, estimate work, identify risks, and communicate clearly.
• Experience working in collaborative, cross-functional, and globally distributed teams.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Typically 9+ years of relevant software engineering experience with substantial Java microservices delivery and technical leadership.

• Experience with AWS Lambda, RDS, DynamoDB, Terraform, Helm, OpenTelemetry, Prometheus, or Grafana.
• Exposure to IBM MQ, MuleSoft, API gateways, identity platforms, or enterprise integration patterns.
• Background in travel and hospitality, digital transformation, or large-scale modernization programs.
• Experience with DevSecOps practices, including Jenkins, GitHub workflows, and deployment automation.
• Familiarity with observability tools such as Dynatrace and production support best practices.
• Experience using AI-enabled development tools in a governed and responsible way.
• Strong mentoring, consulting, and stakeholder communication skills.

Horizontal Talent is committed to building an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, respected, and welcomed. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply and help us foster a culture of equity, collaboration, and continuous learning.

By applying for this position, you acknowledge and agree that Horizontal Talent may contact you regarding your application using automated technology, including phone calls, SMS/text messages, or email, which may be delivered by our virtual AI recruiter, Alex.

Please apply through this online posting or by visiting our Job Board at www.horizontaltalent.com/job-board. Applications will be accepted for 4 weeks. For those that join the team, we offer competitive compensation and benefits including medical, dental, vision, and retirement. Check out all we have to offer and how you can become part of the Horizontal Talent Team. The pay range for this role is $37 - $71 per hour based on qualifications and experience.