Lead Java Developer (m/w/d)

About the Role an

We are seeking an experienced Lead Java Developer to take technical leadership within the core of Swiss banking infrastructure. You will shape the technical direction of the team while contributing hands-on to the development, stabilization, modernization, and operation of a business-critical system based on Java and Spring Boot. The role combines technical leadership, architecture, hands-on development, and mentoring. You will work with high-volume Apache Kafka event-streaming pipelines, an established legacy codebase, and critical systems where reliability, performance, and precision are essential. You will collaborate closely with architects, Product Owners, and stakeholders to translate business requirements into robust technical solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership within the development team and serve as a technical role model.
• Shape the team's technical direction and establish appropriate engineering standards and best practices.
• Further develop, stabilize, and operate an established business-critical system based on Spring Boot.
• Take responsibility for the architecture and operation of high-volume Apache Kafka event-streaming pipelines.
• Maintain and modernize an extensive existing codebase while balancing system stability with continuous improvement.
• Mentor developers and provide technical guidance.
• Collaborate closely with architects, Product Owners, and stakeholders to translate business requirements into robust technical solutions.
• Ensure high standards of code quality, system performance, and reliability.
• Lead through technical expertise and professional authority rather than title alone.

Required Qualifications

• Expert-level Java development experience with demonstrated experience as a Lead Developer.
• At least 5 years of practical production experience with Spring Boot.
• At least 5 years of strong practical Apache Kafka experience, particularly in high-volume environments.
• Experience working with established, mature legacy system landscapes.
• Very good German language skills; this is a must-have requirement.
• Fluent English.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to provide technical leadership through expertise and influence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Oracle database knowledge.
• Experience in Financial Services or Insurance.

Skills & Competencies

• Java development

• Spring Boot

• Apache Kafka
• High-volume event streaming

• Technical leadership

• Software architecture

• Legacy system modernization
• Code quality and best practices

• Performance optimization

• System stability and reliability

• Developer mentoring

• Stakeholder collaboration

• Technical communication
• Problem-solving and decision-making

Education & Experience

Education:\ No specific educational qualification is stated in the original job description.

Experience:

• Expert-level Java development experience.
• Demonstrated Lead Developer experience.
• 5+ years of Spring Boot experience in production.
• 5+ years of practical Apache Kafka experience, particularly in high-volume environments.
• Experience with established and mature legacy system landscapes.

Work Arrangement & Schedule

• Location: Bern, Switzerland

• Work arrangement: Onsite
• Employment type: Not specified in the original job description.
• Schedule: Not specified in the original job description.

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation: EUR 150–190
• No additional benefits are specified in the original job description.

Compliance / Additional Information

This role carries significant technical responsibility within Swiss banking infrastructure and involves business-critical systems where precision, stability, performance, and reliability are essential.