Java Backend Engineer

Netherlands | Digital Engineering | Full-time About the Role

Design and develop resilient backend services using modern Java frameworks, Kotlin and SQL to support critical banking branch account setup maintenance and closure workflows in a hybrid day shift model.

The role focuses on creating secure microservices that enhance operational efficiency, reduce risk and improve customer experiences while collaborating with cross-functional teams and mentoring peers to deliver scalable solutions that align with enterprise standards. Work Model

We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role's business requirements, this is a hybrid position based in the Netherlands . Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various wellbeing programs.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you're engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured — we will always be clear about role expectations. What You Must Have

Strong professional Kotlin and Java development experience.

Strong knowledge of microservice architectures .

Deep proficiency in Spring Framework, especially Spring Boot (auto-configuration, actuator, externalized config), Spring Kafka (consumers, producers, error handling, idempotent producers), and Spring Data JPA / JDBC (for staging table interactions).

Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines .

Experience designing event-driven architectures with Kafka (topics, schemas, consumer groups, exactly-once semantics).

Proficiency in relational databases (PostgreSQL, Oracle, or similar) and SQL optimization.

Mastery of object-oriented design principles and design patterns , with experience building extensible, pluggable frameworks —not just applications. What Will Help You Stand Out

Knowledge of data pipeline anti-patterns (e.g., tight coupling to sources, file-based handoffs, polling loops).

Experience with observability : logging (SLF4J/Logback), metrics (Micrometer/Prometheus), tracing (OpenTelemetry/Jaeger).

Understanding of data governance concepts: lineage, audit trails, reconciliation.

Experience with cloud-native batch processing (e.g., AWS Batch, GCP Dataflow, Azure Batch).

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, ability to translate business migration requirements into technical abstractions, excellent communication skills to articulate architectural trade-offs, and experience working in cross-functional teams (data engineers, DBAs, SREs, product owners). What We Offer (Netherlands)

Competitive salary aligned with Manager Level grade

Access to Skillspring & Cognizant Academy

NS Business Card for public transport

25 paid holidays per year

Laptop & smartphone provided

Pension scheme

International, tech-driven work environment

We're excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don't hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role. Contact

Sophie Künzel — Sophie.Kuenzel@cognizant.com