We are seeking an experienced Java Lead with a strong Java and distributed systems background to lead our cross-functional team based in Poland. This role combines deep technical expertise with people leadership responsibilities across backend and mobile engineering. Our client, headquartered in California, is a global e-commerce leader connecting millions of buyers and sellers in over 190 markets. You will lead a team delivering cutting-edge AI/ML-powered experiences that transform the way people shop and sell online.
Your Role: As an Java Lead, you will be responsible for the technical direction, people development, and delivery execution of a high-performing team. You will collaborate closely with product, AI/ML, and platform teams to design and deliver scalable features, ensuring operational excellence, clean architecture, and reliable services.
Key Responsibilities * Lead and mentor a cross-functional team of backend (Java/Kotlin) and mobile engineers (iOS/Android) * Drive architecture and design decisions for large-scale, distributed systems * Provide technical leadership in areas such as API contracts (FGQL, REST, WebSockets), service integration, and performance optimization * Promote best practices in observability, including metrics, tracing, and alerting * Organize and lead on-call rotations, ensuring effective incident response and root-cause analysis * Partner with product and ML stakeholders to define scope, set priorities, and ensure delivery of impactful solutions * Conduct regular code and design reviews, contributing hands-on when needed to guide complex implementations * Foster a culture of ownership, technical excellence, and continuous improvement
Qualifications: * 2+ years of experience as Tech Lead with direct team leadership responsibilities * 7+ years of backend development experience with Java or Kotlin * Deep expertise in designing scalable distributed systems and microservices architectures * Strong understanding of API contract design and maintenance: FGQL, REST, WebSockets * Solid experience with Spring Framework and related Java/Kotlin tooling * Hands-on experience leading teams through operational responsibilities, including on-call rotations * Proficiency in modern observability practices: logs, metrics, tracing, incident response * Excellent English communication skills (C1 level or above) * BSc or MSc in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
Preferred Qualifications: * Experience with Apache Kafka or other real-time streaming systems * Knowledge of reactive programming (e.g., Project Reactor) * Experience with Docker and Kubernetes in a production environment * Exposure to AI/ML-based applications or infrastructure * Experience in e-commerce or consumer-facing platforms operating at scale
We offer*: * Flexible working format — remote, office-based or flexible * A competitive salary and good compensation package * Personalized career growth * Professional development tools (mentorship program, tech talks and trainings, centers of excellence, and more) * Active tech communities with regular knowledge sharing * Education reimbursement * Memorable anniversary presents * Corporate events and team buildings * Other location-specific benefits * ot applicable for freelancers