Barnksforte Group Limited - We are a fast-growing software company building identity and digital-transformation solutions (biometrics, secure ID platforms, managed services) for governments (G2B/G2C), large enterprises and consumers across Africa. Our products power mission-critical services used by millions and demand disciplined delivery, strong stakeholder management and continuous improvement mindset.
Job Purpose
- The Java Development Engineer is responsible for developing, maintaining, testing, and supporting backend applications, APIs, and enterprise services using Java and modern backend technologies.
- The role focuses on backend development, API integration, microservices implementation, database interaction, cloud-based application support, and software reliability within enterprise and government technology platforms.
- The Java Development Engineer will work closely with Senior Engineers, Product Teams, QA, DevOps, Database, and Infrastructure teams to deliver scalable, secure, and reliable backend services while adhering to engineering standards, secure development practices, and operational requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Backend Application Development:
- Develop, maintain, and enhance backend applications and services using Java and Spring frameworks.
- Build and maintain RESTful APIs and backend integrations.
- Support implementation of microservices-based applications and distributed services.
- Participate in development, testing, debugging, and deployment activities.
- Ensure code quality, maintainability, and adherence to development standards.
API Development & System Integration:
- Develop and maintain secure APIs and backend communication services.
- Integrate internal and external enterprise systems and third-party services.
- Support API testing, troubleshooting, and performance optimization.
- Ensure proper error handling, validation, and service reliability.
- Participate in API documentation and technical documentation activities.
Database Development & Data Management:
- Develop and optimize database queries, stored procedures, and backend data access layers.
- Work with relational and non-relational databases to support application requirements.
- Support database performance optimization and data integrity initiatives.
- Collaborate with Database Engineers on schema updates and performance improvements.
- Ensure efficient handling of transactional and operational data.
Cloud & Deployment Support:
- Support applications deployed on AWS or other cloud platforms.
- Participate in CI/CD and deployment activities in collaboration with DevOps teams.
- Support containerized application environments where applicable.
- Assist in troubleshooting production and deployment-related issues.
- Participate in monitoring and operational support activities.
Application Security & Quality Assurance:
- Follow secure coding standards and application development best practices.
- Support implementation of authentication, authorization, and data protection mechanisms.
- Identify and resolve bugs, vulnerabilities, and application issues.
- Work closely with QA teams during testing, defect resolution, and release activities.
- Participate in code reviews and quality improvement initiatives.
Collaboration & Continuous Improvement:
- Work closely with Product Managers, QA Teams, DevOps, Infrastructure, and Database teams.
- Participate in sprint planning, development discussions, and technical review sessions.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of development standards and engineering processes.
- Maintain technical documentation and development artifacts where required.
- Stay updated with modern Java development practices and backend technologies.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Timely delivery of assigned development tasks.
- Code quality and defect reduction rate.
- API reliability and application stability.
- Bug resolution and issue turnaround time.
- Contribution to sprint and release deliverables.
- Compliance with coding standards and secure development practices.
- Participation in code reviews and technical improvements.
- Application performance and optimization contribution.
- Collaboration effectiveness across teams.
- Technical documentation completeness and accuracy.
Qualifications & Experience
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree in any of the following disciplines: Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Engineering or a related field
Experience
- 3–6 years’ experience in Java backend development and enterprise application support.
- Experience developing REST APIs and backend systems using Java technologies.
- Experience working with relational databases and backend integration services.
- Experience working within Agile/Scrum software delivery environments.
- Experience supporting enterprise, fintech, SaaS, or government technology projects is an added advantage.
Preferred Technologies & Frameworks:
- Java
- Spring Framework
- Spring Boot
- Hibernate / JPA
- REST APIs
- Maven / Gradle
- Git
- Docker (advantage)
- Kafka / RabbitMQ (advantage)
- AWS or cloud platforms (advantage)
Preferred Database Technologies:
- PostgreSQL
- Oracle
- MySQL
- MongoDB or other NoSQL platforms (advantage)
Certifications (Advantage):
- Oracle Certified Java Programmer
- AWS Certified Developer
- Spring Framework Certifications
Technical Skills:
- Java backend development.
- Spring Boot and REST API development.
- Microservices architecture understanding.
- Database development and SQL optimization.
- API integration and backend service development.
- Basic cloud platform understanding.
- Debugging and troubleshooting capability.
- Secure coding and application security awareness.
- CI/CD and deployment process familiarity.
- Technical documentation understanding.
Skills & Competencies:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Attention to detail and code quality discipline.
- Good communication and collaboration capability.
- Ability to work independently and within teams.
- Strong ownership and accountability mindset.
- Ability to manage development timelines and priorities.
- Continuous learning and adaptability capability.
Behavioral Attributes:
- Proactive and solution-oriented mindset.
- Commitment to engineering quality and reliability.
- Strong teamwork and collaboration attitude.
- Willingness to learn and improve continuously.
- Ability to work under pressure in fast-paced delivery environments.
Work Environment:
- Strategic and collaborative technology environment.
- Involvement in high-impact, group-wide technology initiatives.
- Opportunities for professional growth and technical development across enterprise and government technology platforms within the Barnksforte Group.