Java Developer, Associate

Location: Bethesda, MD (2 Days Onsite - May increase as Client needs change)

Position Title: Java Developer, Associate

Clearance: Public Trust

Job Overview: LCG is seeking a Java Developer, Associate will support the Client's ITAC software development and modernization portfolio by designing, enhancing, and maintaining enterprise Java-based applications that support scientific research and mission-critical business operations across NIH. This role focuses on full lifecycle software development, including new feature development, defect resolution, application modernization, security remediation, and CI/CD-enabled deployments. The developer will work closely with Enterprise Architecture, DevOps, Cybersecurity, Configuration Management, and QA teams to ensure applications align with ITAC target architecture, DevSecOps standards, and federal security and compliance mandates. The position operates within ITAC's Agile/SAFe delivery model and supports incremental releases, modernization initiatives, and production stability in a regulated government environment.

Key Responsibilities

Java Application Development & Modernization

• Develop, enhance, and maintain enterprise Java applications, supporting both new development and ongoing enhancements across ITAC's application portfolio.
• Implement RESTful services, APIs, and system integrations, ensuring interoperability with internal and external enterprise systems.
• Resolve defects, refactor legacy code, and implement enhancements to improve maintainability, performance, and scalability.
• Apply application modernization updates, proactively removing End-of-Life (EoL) libraries, frameworks, and components in alignment with ITAC modernization and cybersecurity objectives.
• Support backend logic, service orchestration, and integration patterns consistent with ITAC microservices and enterprise standards.

Testing, Quality, and Code Health

• Build and maintain unit and integration tests using JUnit, ensuring adequate test coverage and regression protection.
• Integrate automated testing into CI/CD pipelines and support test execution during sprint and release cycles.
• Use SonarQube to identify and remediate code quality issues, technical debt, and security vulnerabilities.
• Support functional, integration, regression, performance, and smoke testing activities in coordination with QA teams, in accordance with ITAC test management standards.

DevSecOps, CI/CD, and Deployment Support

• Use GitHub and/or Bitbucket for source control, following ITAC configuration management, branching, and pull request standards.
• Support CI/CD builds and deployments using Jenkins and/or GitHub Actions, collaborating with ITAC DevOps and Enterprise Operations teams.
• Package Java applications for deployment to Red Hat OpenShift environments, supporting containerized and cloud-native deployments.
• Manage database schema changes using Liquibase, ensuring controlled, versioned database updates across environments.
• Participate in post-deployment validation, smoke testing, and production readiness activities.

Security, Compliance, and Remediation

• Remediate application vulnerabilities and security findings identified through automated scanning and cybersecurity reviews.
• Support cybersecurity compliance activities aligned with NIST RMF, including remediation documentation, POA&M support, and ATO readiness tasks as directed.
• Ensure all development work complies with Client, NIH, and federal security policies, performance standards, and architectural guidance.

Agile Delivery and Documentation

• Participate in Agile/SAFe ceremonies, including PI planning, sprint planning, daily standups, sprint reviews, and retrospectives.
• Maintain development tasks, defects, and technical debt in Jira, ensuring traceability to features, user stories, and acceptance criteria.
• Produce and maintain technical documentation, including design notes, system documentation, and release notes per ITAC standards.
• Support transition activities, knowledge transfer, and documentation updates when systems move to maintenance teams.

Requirements

NIH Experience preferred.

Experience

• 4-8 years of hands-on Java development experience supporting enterprise-scale applications.
• 3+ years experience developing and consuming REST APIs and service-based architectures.
• 2+ years experience working in an Agile or SAFe delivery environment.
• 2+ years experience supporting applications in a regulated or security-conscious environment (Federal/Government preferred).
• 1+ year experience supporting CI/CD pipelines and containerized deployments (OpenShift or similar).

Education: Bachelor's degree preferred in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent professional experience).

Certification:

• Java certifications (e.g., Oracle Certified Professional Java Developer)
• CompTIA Security+ or equivalent cybersecurity certification
• Cloud or container platform certifications (e.g., OpenShift, Kubernetes) - nice to have

Required Technical Skills

• Programming & Build Tools: Java, Maven, JUnit
• Source Control: GitHub and/or Bitbucket
• CI/CD: Jenkins, GitHub Actions
• Code Quality & Security: SonarQube
• Containers & Platform: Red Hat OpenShift
• Database Change Management: Liquibase
• SDLC Tooling: Jira (backlog, sprint, defect, RFC tracking), SharePoint (documentation)

Compensation and Benefits

The projected compensation range for this position is $90,000 to $130,000 per year benchmarked in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. Salary at LCG is determined by various factors, including but not limited to role, location, the combination of education/training, knowledge, skills, competencies, certifications, and work experience.

LCG offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package which includes health insurance options (medical, dental, vision), life and disability insurance, retirement plan contributions, as well as paid leave, federal holidays, professional development, and lifestyle benefits.

Devoted to Fair and Inclusive Practices

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

If you are interested in applying for employment with LCG and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, contact our Human Resources department by email at hr@lcginc.com.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fraudulent job offers using LCG's name. LCG will never request payment-related details or advancement of money during the application process. Legitimate communication will only come from lcginc.com or system@hirebridgemail.com emails, not free commercial services like Gmail or WhatsApp. If you receive suspicious emails asking for payment or personal information, contact us immediately at hr@lcginc.com.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.