Freelance Remote Java Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Resource Innovations is seeking Lead Java Software Engineer to join our growing Software as a Service (SaaS) team. As a hands-on technical lead at Resource Innovations, you will be instrumental in the design, development and deployment of innovative cloud-based enterprise software used by leading Energy organizations. We are looking for candidates who want to work on things that make an impact on the world and are passionate about product craftsmanship.

This is remote position requiring occasional in-person office meetings for candidates residing in one of the following metro areas: San Francisco CA, Chicago IL, Phoenix AZ, Denver CO, Salt Lake City or Madison WI.

We require candidates to currently reside in the United States. We are not offering visa sponsorship or extensions for this position.

Resource Innovations (RI) is a women-led energy transformation firm focused on impact. Building on our expertise in energy efficiency, we're constantly expanding our portfolio of clean energy solutions to guide utilities through increasingly complex, connected challenges. Load flexibility. Electrification. Carbon reduction. With every step, we're leading the charge to power change.

• Software Development: Lead and participate in the full software development life cycle of cloud-based enterprise applications, including design, development, testing, implementation, and support in a fast-paced, distributed environment.
• Technical Design & Architecture: Design and develop cloud-native applications using Java, Spring Boot, and related frameworks. Work with REST/SOAP web services, API Gateways, and RDBMS to build scalable, high-performance systems. Ensure software designs meet performance, security, usability, reliability, and scalability requirements.
• Code Quality & Review: Develop clean, maintainable, and well-documented code following best practices and design patterns. Conduct code reviews, provide feedback, and contribute to continuous improvement in development standards.
• Troubleshooting & Optimization: Identify, analyze, and resolve complex technical issues, including production support and performance bottlenecks; optimize applications for performance and scalability.
• Collaboration & Process: Collaborate cross-functionally with QA, DevOps, Product, and Business teams using Agile methodologies (Scrum, Jira, Confluence, Git) to deliver quality software solutions on time.
• Continuous Improvement: Stay current with evolving technologies, including AI-assisted development practices, and recommend improvements to tools, frameworks, and engineering processes.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.

Experience: 8+ years of software development experience building high-performance, reliable, and scalable enterprise applications.

Technical Skills:

• Languages & Frameworks: Strong proficiency with Java, Python and Spring Boot
• Databases: MySQL and atleast one NoSQL database
• Search & Observability: OpenSearch/Elasticsearch, log analytics, APM tools
• Integrations & Data: Apache Camel, messaging systems like RabbitMq and Data pipelines
• Cloud & DevOps: AWS services, CI/CD pipelines, Kubernetes(preferred)
• Architecture: Microservices design and implementation experience

Soft Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with critical thinking skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, distributed environment
• Collaborative mindset with attention to quality and maintainability
• Interest in sustainability and passionate about making a meaningful impact on the environment.

Preferred Experience:

• Web Technologies: Angular experience a plus
• AI Development Tools: Hands-on experience or strong familiarity with AI-assisted coding tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, Claude, or equivalent)
• Domain Knowledge: Knowledge of the Energy industry and related software systems

Benefits

About Resource Innovations

Resource Innovations (RI) is a women-led energy transformation firm focused on impact. Building on our expertise in energy efficiency, we’re constantly expanding our portfolio of clean energy solutions to guide utilities through increasingly complex, connected challenges. Load flexibility. Electrification. Carbon reduction. With every step, we’re leading the charge to power change.

Resource Innovations is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, marital status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status. In addition to federal law requirements, Resource Innovations complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company does work.

Compensation & Benefits

Resource Innovations offers competitive salaries based on a candidate's skills, experience and qualifications for the position. The compensation range for the base salary for this position is $85,000 - $160,000. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus. The stated salary represents the expected compensation for this position. Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as the candidate's experience, education and location.

At Resource Innovations, we believe supporting our people is essential to delivering impact. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to promote health, financial security, and work-life balance. This includes three weeks of paid vacation annually, paid holidays, a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, medical, dental and vision coverage, parental leave, an employee assistance program, commuter benefits, and additional supplemental offerings.

Employment with Resource Innovations is contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check and reference check. If applicable to the position, a pre-employment drug screen may also be required.

The above job description and job requirements are not intended to be all inclusive. Resource Innovations retains the right to make changes or adjustments to job descriptions and/or job requirements at any time without notice.