Lead Java Developer

Ship.Cars is a U.S.-based software development company that delivers а platform disrupting the logistics industry: AI-driven business insights, engaging native mobile apps and single-page web applications, scalable Cloud-native systems streamlining millions of deliveries, and so much more. We don’t shy away from the latest and greatest, and neither should you. The Bulgaria office is the center of the technology behind Ship.Cars building software solutions.

We are currently looking to expand our team with a Java Backend Lead Developer.

Position Summary

As a Java Backend Lead Developer, you will lead a squad of 3–6 backend engineers, driving the delivery of high-quality, scalable backend services while staying hands-on with coding and design. You will own one or more domains/services and their roadmap, run design and code reviews, set engineering standards, and partner with Product to align scope and commitments. You will coach and mentor engineers, guide their career growth, and ensure reliability, performance, and delivery excellence.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead a backend engineering squad, ensuring high-quality delivery and professional growth of team members.
• Contribute code daily (approx. 70–80% coding time) while providing technical guidance and reviews.
• Own one or more domains/services, their architecture, and their roadmap.
• Partner with Staff Engineers and Product to ensure scope, delivery commitments, and domain consistency.
• Run design reviews and set engineering best practices across the backend team.
• Drive reliability, including defining SLOs, supporting on-call rotations, and serving as incident commander when needed.
• Collaborate closely with QA, Product, Design, and DevOps to ensure smooth, predictable delivery.
• Actively participate in hiring, onboarding, and performance feedback cycles for engineers in your team.
• Foster a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years of professional experience in Java backend development.
• Strong hands-on experience with Spring Boot, Quarkus, and Domain-Driven Design.
• Solid experience with databases – Postgres, Redis, JPA, Elasticsearch, etc.
• Strong experience building and integrating REST APIs (Jersey, third-party integrations).
• Experience securing, updating, and maintaining backend systems at scale.
• Good understanding of DevOps processes and CI/CD pipelines.
• Experience leading delivery and cross-team initiatives.
• Evidence of mentoring, coaching, or people leadership.
• Excellent understanding of OOP, design patterns, and engineering best practices.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Excellent spoken and written English.
• Ownership mindset and proactive attitude.

We would love to offer you

• A chance to lead a highly skilled backend team working on impactful global products.
• Opportunities to grow both as a technical leader and a people manager.
• Excellent remuneration package to free your mind of everyday worries.
• Additional health insurance package.
• Food vouchers.
• Individual training budget and leadership coaching.
• Seminars, conferences, and team events participation.
• Flexible working hours with 24 days paid time off.
• Great office location.
• Referral Bonus Program.
• Team buildings and corporate parties.
• 50% sponsored sports card.

Are you up for a challenge? Are you ready to lead and grow with us?

Send your CV in English. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.