Lead Fullstack Java Developer

As a Lead Fullstack Java Developer at Hawk, you will be responsible for driving the architecture and delivery of product features within our AI-powered anti-money laundering platform. Your role includes mentoring junior developers, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring best engineering practices. You will build both front-end and back-end components using Java and React, ensuring a consistent, high-quality user experience.

To qualify for the Lead Fullstack Java Developer position at Hawk, candidates should ideally hold a BSc or MSc in Computer Science or a related technical field. Additionally, you should have over 6 years of software development experience, particularly in Java and React, along with experience leading development initiatives in a SaaS or FinTech environment.

The Lead Fullstack Java Developer at Hawk plays a crucial support role by mentoring junior and mid-level developers. This includes conducting code reviews, leading design sessions, and offering technical coaching to enhance the skillset of the team. This guidance fosters a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing within the development team.

Candidates for the Lead Fullstack Java Developer role at Hawk should be well-versed in Java for backend development and React for front-end development. Familiarity with PostgreSQL, Elasticsearch, REST APIs, and microservices architecture is essential. Knowledge of distributed systems like Kafka and big data stacks, as well as agile development methodologies, will also be beneficial.

At Hawk, the culture is rooted in mutual trust, support, and passion. As a Lead Fullstack Java Developer, you will find an environment that encourages professional growth and collaboration. Team members are committed to delivering innovative solutions and making a significant impact in the fight against financial crime, fostering a sense of purpose and teamwork.

When discussing your experience with Java and React, focus on specific projects where you utilized both technologies. Describe the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the impact of your work on the project’s success. Highlight any collaborative efforts with team members to demonstrate your leadership skills.

To ensure code quality, discuss your approach to implementing code reviews, writing unit tests, and adhering to coding standards. Mention specific practices such as continuous integration and deployment workflows that you’ve employed to maintain high-quality standards throughout the development lifecycle.

When responding to this question, recount an instance where you supported a junior developer by providing constructive feedback and guidance. Emphasize how your mentorship led to their growth and how the outcome positively impacted the project.

Discuss your familiarity with Agile practices such as Scrum or Kanban and provide examples of how you have implemented these methodologies in your previous roles. Highlight how agile practices have enhanced collaboration and improved project outcomes.

Share your approach to communication within your team, including regular check-ins, updates, and using collaboration tools. Emphasize the importance of transparency and open dialogue in facilitating collaboration and addressing any issues early.

Explain your strategy for staying updated with new technologies. This could include online courses, attending meetups, or hands-on experimentation. Highlight a specific example where you learned a new framework and successfully applied it in a project.

When discussing microservices architecture, explain its benefits such as scalability and maintainability. Provide examples from past projects where you have implemented microservices and explain the challenges faced and how you overcame them.

Discuss core principles of user experience such as usability, accessibility, and performance. Provide examples of how you’ve prioritized user experience in your past projects and the positive impact that had on end-users.

Provide an approach that emphasizes collaboration and respect. Explain how you encourage open discussions and seek a resolution that aligns with the project goals while respecting team dynamics.

Discuss your time management strategies, such as prioritizing tasks and using project management tools to track progress. Share a specific instance where you successfully met a tight deadline without compromising on quality.