Java Software Developer; Software Development Specialist

Overview

Java Software Developer (Software Development Specialist
3) – 2600046P. Organization:
Job & Family Services, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS).

As a Java Software Developer, you will be a key technical contributor in modernizing the ODJFS Hearings and Tracking Systems (HATS). These applications support legally mandated hearings, appeals, and critical program workflows across the state. You will refactor legacy Java EE components and prepare the system for migration to secure, scalable, cloud-based architecture aligned with State of Ohio Enterprise Architecture standards.

You will work in a small, collaborative team of Java EE developers and partner with architects, security teams, and business stakeholders. The environment is fast-moving, modernization-focused, balancing new development with stabilizing existing components to support continuity of operations.

You will work with modern architectural patterns, containerization, API-driven design, cloud deployment models, and Dev Ops practices while navigating a large legacy system with monolithic modules, aged dependencies, and custom integrations.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Work as part of a small, supportive team of Java/Jakarta EE developers to modernize the HATS application suite.
• Refactor legacy modules to align with State of Ohio Enterprise Architecture standards, including cloud readiness, security compliance, logging, monitoring, and identity management requirements.
• Support the full software development lifecycle: analysis, design, development, testing, deployment, documentation, and ongoing maintenance.
• Contribute to PMO-required technical deliverables including architecture documentation, technical design specifications, refactoring plans, dependency assessments, and modernization work packages.
• Develop and optimize secure RESTful APIs, integration endpoints, and service layers to support responsive front-end experiences.
• Build proof-of-concept prototypes for cloud deployment and guide containerization and modern deployment patterns.
• Stabilize existing legacy modules by decomposing monolithic components, resolving technical debt, improving performance, and ensuring business continuity during modernization.
• Participate in quality assurance activities, performance testing, defect remediation, and technical risk mitigation.
• Support Dev Ops practices and automated deployment pipelines to streamline the migration process.

Schedule: Full-time

Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (standard workdays)

Location: Headquarters in an ODJFS facility in Columbus, Akron, or Dayton. Specific office location will consider proximity to the applicant’s home address.

Columbus:
Rhodes State Officer Tower, 30

E. Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Akron: 172 S. Broadway Street, Akron, OH 44308
Dayton: 6680 Poe Avenue, Dayton, OH 45414

Travel: Occasional travel within the state of Ohio.

PN(s):

The ideal candidate will meet at least one of the following:

• OPTION 1: 60 months combined work experience in defining/approving requirements, performing code reviews, and ensuring development standards; and 12 months of work experience in the primary technology specified by the position description (DOTNET)
• OPTION 2:
  Associate core program in computer science or information systems; 42 months combined work experience in defining/approving requirements and code reviews; and 12 months of work experience in the primary technology (DOTNET)
• OPTION 3:
  Undergraduate core program in computer science or information systems; 36 months combined work experience; and 12 months of work experience in the primary technology (DOTNET)
• OPTION 4:
  The equivalent of minimum class qualifications for employment noted above

When completing the application, clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications. Information in attached resumes or cover letters must be entered into the online application to be considered.

This position is in the OCSEA Pay Schedule, Pay Range 35. Starting salary is the minimum for this range (step 1, currently $41.81 per hour). You may progress…