Java API Lead Developer - Microservices Architecture

About the Role :

We are looking for an experienced Java API Lead Developer who can spearhead the development of robust, scalable APIs that power our core services and customer-facing applications.

This is a hands-on technical leadership role, ideal for someone who thrives on designing end-to-end API architectures, writing production-ready code, mentoring developers, and leading cross-functional initiatives with minimal supervision.

You will drive the API exposure strategy, guide teams on API lifecycle management, enforce best practices in security and documentation, and work with stakeholders across engineering, product, and DevOps Responsibilities :

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of RESTful APIs and services using Java and open-source technologies.
• Own the end-to-end API lifecycle : requirements gathering, design, development, testing, documentation, and support.
• Enforce and advocate for API-first design principles, ensuring scalable, reusable, and secure APIs.
• Guide and support the development of GraphQL APIs where applicable.
• Architect APIs with a microservices-first mindset, ensuring proper service boundaries and data ownership.
• Implement and promote event-driven architecture using Kafka or other message brokers.
• Collaborate with other leads and architects on API governance, discoverability, and consistency across teams.
• Implement and enforce API security standards, including OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect, PKCE, and industry best practices (e.g., OWASP API Security Top 10).
• Ensure APIs are designed with proper authentication (AuthN) and authorization (AuthZ) mechanisms.
• Maintain clean and comprehensive API documentation using OpenAPI Specification (OAS).
• Lead and mentor a team of backend / API developers across different squads.
• Drive initiatives independently after alignment with key stakeholdersthis role is ideal for someone who does not require micro-management.
• Work cross-functionally with DevOps, UI / UX, and product teams to ensure APIs meet performance and usability requirements.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on APIs and support SDK development if Skills & Experience :
• 6+ years of hands-on backend development experience, with a strong focus on Java and open-source frameworks.
• Proven expertise in designing and building production-grade APIs.
• Deep understanding of REST architecture, API lifecycle management, and API governance.
• Solid experience with OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect, PKCE, and API security concepts.
• Practical knowledge of OpenAPI Specification (Swagger) for API documentation.
• Hands-on experience with Microservices Architecture and event-driven systems using tools like Kafka.
• Proficiency with SQL and NoSQL databases, including schema design and query optimization.
• Experience working with API Gateways (e.g., Apigee, Kong, AWS API Gateway) is a strong plus.
• Familiarity with GraphQL is a plus.
• Experience working with or building SDKs is highly desirable.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Fast learner with the ability to grasp new domains (e.g., telecom not required, but must be open to learning)

(ref : hirist.tech)