Senior Backend Developer Jobs in Tempe, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Senior Java Data Engineer
Enterprise Data Frameworks
Role Summary
The Enterprise Data Frameworks team is seeking a Senior Java focused software engineer who builds and maintains large scale data processing systems using Java, Apache Spark, and Kafka. This role is intended for experienced backend engineers with strong core Java fundamentals who apply traditional software engineering practices to data intensive platforms and distributed systems.
The ideal candidate has hands on experience developing production grade Java applications using modern frameworks and IntelliJ based development workflows, paired with practical experience building Spark based processing pipelines and Kafka driven data ingestion services. In this role, you will contribute to the core components of enterprise data frameworks, working closely with senior engineers and architects while remaining deeply involved in design and implementation.
This role requires strong Java engineering skills, the ability to debug and optimize complex Spark applications, and comfort operating in regulated environments where stability, data quality, and reliability are critical.
Key Responsibilities
• Design, build, and maintain Java based data processing pipelines using Apache Spark for batch and streaming workloads
• Develop and support Java based backend services and APIs that orchestrate data workflows and framework components
• Apply solid object oriented design principles to distributed data processing systems
• Optimize Spark applications for performance, reliability, and cost efficiency across cloud and on premises environments
• Collaborate with architects and senior engineers on technical design and framework evolution
• Partner with frontend and platform teams to integrate backend data services where applicable
• Translate business and technical requirements into scalable, well structured engineering solutions
• Participate in code reviews, contribute to shared standards, and mentor junior engineers
• Ensure solutions align with data governance, security, and change management standards
• Participate in Agile ceremonies and support continuous improvement of engineering practices
Required Skills and Experience
• 7+ years of experience as a software engineer or data engineer with strong emphasis on Java backend development
• Strong hands on proficiency in Java, including object oriented design, debugging, and performance optimization
• Experience building Spark applications in Java for large scale data ingestion and transformation
• Practical experience with Apache Kafka and event driven data architectures
• Experience developing Java based services using frameworks such as Spring Boot
• Solid understanding of distributed systems concepts and data processing architectures
• Familiarity with data lake technologies, columnar storage formats such as Parquet or Iceberg, and metadata driven frameworks
• Experience using Git based workflows, CI CD pipelines, and modern development practices
• Exposure to cloud environments, with preference for AWS based data platforms such as S3, EMR, Lambda, or API Gateway
• Experience working in regulated or enterprise environments with strong data governance requirements
Preferred Experience
• Experience collaborating with UI or platform teams to integrate backend data services
• Experience with containerization and orchestration tools such as Docker or Kubernetes
• Exposure to additional JVM or scripting languages such as Scala or Python in a data context
• Experience with developer productivity or automation tooling
Education
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field
Work Details
Hours per Week 40
Location Hybrid, 4 days on site from a Citizens corporate office, 1 day remote
Schedule Monday through Friday
Pay Transparency
The salary range for this position is $105,000-158,000 per year, plus an opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus. Actual pay is based on various factors including but not limited to the work location, and relevant skills and experience.
We offer competitive pay, comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, retirement benefits, maternity/paternity leave, flexible work arrangements, education reimbursement, wellness programs and more. Note, Citizens' paid time off policy exceeds the mandatory, paid sick or paid time-away policy of very local and state jurisdiction in the United States. For an overview of our benefits, visit https://jobs.citizensbank.com/benefits.
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About Us
Equal Employment Opportunity
Citizens, its parent, subsidiaries, and related companies (Citizens) provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all colleagues and applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, citizenship, physical or mental disability, perceived disability or history or record of a disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, genetic characteristic, marital or domestic partner status, victim of domestic violence, family status/parenthood, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy/childbirth/lactation, colleague's or a dependent's reproductive health decision making, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by federal, state and/or local laws. At Citizens, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that enables all colleagues to bring their best selves to work every day and everyone is expected to be treated with respect and professionalism. Employment decisions are based solely on merit, qualifications, performance and capability.
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Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the candidate successfully passing a background check, which may include initial credit, motor vehicle record, public record, prior employment verification, and criminal background checks. Results of the background check are individually reviewed based upon legal requirements imposed by our regulators and with consideration of the nature and gravity of the background history and the job offered. Any offer of employment will include further information.