Java Backend Developer

Please note that we will never request payment or bank account information at any stage of the recruitment process. As we continue to grow our teams, we urge you to be cautious of fraudulent job postings or recruitment activities that misuse our company name and information. Please protect your personal information during any recruitment process. While Monks may contact potential candidates via LinkedIn, all applications must be submitted through our official website (monks.com/careers).

About the Role

As a Dutch Backend Developer, you'll build, optimise, and maintain server-side Java application logic for our clients, driving seamless integration and high performance. Working closely with front-end developers, data analysts, and key stakeholders, you will deliver scalable, robust backend solutions across diverse business applications. We are looking for someone who is passionate about seeking new opportunities to create impactful work.

Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain high-performance, reliable server-side Java logic.
• Collaborate with front-end developers to integrate user-facing elements with server-side logic.
• Design and implement APIs and RESTful services to industry standards.
• Set up, maintain, and optimize databases.
• Optimise application performance and ensure scalability and security.
• Identify and resolve bugs and performance bottlenecks.
• Write clean, scalable code following Java best practices.
• Participate in code reviews and uphold coding best practices.
• Partner with QA, DevOps, and Product Management to deliver robust applications.
• Maintain technical and API documentation.

About You

The essentials:

• Citizenship & Language: Dutch citizenship and fluency in the Dutch language are required.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science (or higher), Information Technology, or equivalent experience.
• Java Expertise: Proven experience in Java development with a strong understanding of core Java (OOP, concurrency, JVM internals), exception handling, and modern Java features (Streams, Optional, Lambda expressions).
• Frameworks & APIs: Solid experience with Spring Boot, Spring Data, Hibernate/JPA, and RESTful API design/implementation.
• Databases: Proficiency with SQL (PostgreSQL, MySQL) and NoSQL databases (MongoDB, Redis).
• Core Tech Stack: Proficiency with Maven or Gradle, and version control using Git.
• Versatility: Proven backend experience with a demonstrated ability to work with and quickly adapt to additional programming languages.
• Professional Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, knowledge of agile methodologies/SDLC, and the ability to work effectively both independently and as a team collaborator.

Not a must, but a plus:

• Cloud & DevOps: Experience with containerisation (Docker, Kubernetes), cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), microservices architecture, and knowledge of CI/CD pipelines.
• Architecture & Security: Experience with message brokers (RabbitMQ, Kafka) and knowledge of web security best practices (OWASP, JWT, OAuth2).
• Testing & Optimisation: Experience with testing frameworks (JUnit, Mockito) and application performance monitoring/profiling tools.
• Frontend Knowledge: Familiarity with HTML, CSS, JavaScript/TypeScript, and ReactJS.
• Polyglot Skills: Demonstrated proficiency in at least one additional programming language (e.g., Python, TypeScript, Go, or similar), emphasizing strong versatility to quickly learn new technology stacks.

*At Monks, we believe in fostering an environment where a diversity of perspectives can thrive. We proactively work to design hiring processes that promote equity and inclusion while mitigating bias. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome and encourage qual