Senior Software Engineer, New York

We are looking for a Senior Software Engineer with strong Java backend experience to design, build, and maintain automated test strategies for high-scale distributed systems. This role is deeply technical, focusing on backend services, Kafka-based event-driven architectures, and API automation. You will work closely with engineering and DevOps teams to ensure production-ready software through rigorous integration testing and CI/CD excellence. This role also affords the unique opportunity to take on core business development alongside senior engineers within a strong mentoring culture. This is a great opportunity for an SDET or Backend Engineer who seeks to expand their experience, skillset and contributions!

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute sophisticated test strategies for Kafka streams, ensuring message integrity, idempotency, and system reliability across distributed services.
• Build and maintain Java-based automated tests for backend services, focusing on both synchronous (REST) and asynchronous message validation.
• Integrate automated quality gates into pipelines and partner with DevOps on release managementand deployment readiness in cloud environments.
• Diagnose complex failures across distributed architectures (AWS) and collaborate with engineering teams on technical fixes.
• Manage complex test data sets and mock producers/consumers to simulate high-scale production traffic.
• Advocate for system-level quality engineering and observability within the core codebase to ensure all features meet high production standards.

Required Experience & Skills

• Strong hands-on experience with Java for backend development and automation.
• Proven experience testing or developing with Kafka or similar event-streaming and message-queueing platforms.
• Solid understanding of microservices and how data flows asynchronously between decoupled services.
• Experience validating backend services, APIs, and REST/JSON communication.
• Background in testing or deploying applications within AWS environments.
• Proficiency with Maven and integrating automated suites into modern CI/CD deployment pipelines.
• Experience working in Agile/DevOps environments with a focus on continuous delivery and system reliability.

Nice to Have

• Experience with Python for test automation or tooling
• Familiarity with Spring Boot applications
• Experience with GitLab CI or similar modern CI/CD tools.
• Exposure to microservices and distributed architectures

The base salary range is - $150,000-$175,000

Placement within the range provided above is based on the individual's relevant experience and skills for the role and level.

Base salary is only one component of our total compensation package. Employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus, which is determined upon company and individual performance.

Salary range disclosure as required by S9427A when hiring in New York.

Our total rewards program is designed to support employee well-being and professional growth. We offer a competitive benefits package including a discretionary bonus, paid holidays, a 401(k), and comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage. Additional benefits include life insurance, short and long-term disability, Commuter FSA, Family Building Benefits, and more. All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements.

Lab49/ION is committed to maintaining a supportive and inclusive environment for people with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We respect the varied identities, abilities, cultures, and traditions of the individuals who comprise our organization and recognize the value that different backgrounds and points of view bring to our business.

Lab49/ION adheres to an equal employment opportunity policy that prohibits discriminatory practices or harassment against applicants or employees based on any legally impermissible factor.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.