Tech Lead - Specialist Java Backend Developer Job Toronto Ontario Canada,Software Development

Final date to receive applications: AUGUST 18, 2026

This role can be located in the Caribbean Banking Market or in Canada where the successful candidate resides.

What is the opportunity?

The Lead Java Backend Developer for RBC Caribbean's Digital Banking IT Group designs, develops, and architects mission-critical backend services and APIs powering internet banking, mobile banking, and origination applications. As a technical leader, you'll provide architectural direction, mentor development teams, and drive modernization initiatives. You'll collaborate with solutions architects, infrastructure teams, and business stakeholders to deliver scalable, secure solutions that solve complex business problems.

This role is pivotal in advancing RBC Caribbean's Digital Channel portfolio through a cloud-native, microservices-first approach.

What Will You Do?

Lead technical design reviews and architectural decisions for backend systems and microservices
Design and develop high-performance Java applications, REST APIs, and microservices using Spring Boot and Spring Framework
Establish and enforce coding standards, design patterns, and architectural best practices across development teams
Conduct feasibility studies and provide recommendations to senior management on complex, large-scale projects
Design, code, and implement application programs; perform comprehensive testing and code reviews
Develop and design scalable API services and ensure high code quality through automated units, integration, and functional testing
Optimize applications for maximum performance, usability, and maintainability
Review, analyze, and modify programming systems—including debugging, performance tuning, and deployment for large-scale systems
Lead modernization efforts and cloud-native transformations for legacy systems (e.g., Netbank, Mobile Banking)
Research emerging technologies and best practices; assess implications for business strategy
Participate in vendor evaluation, technology assessments, and due diligence exercises
Drive Dev Ops practices and infrastructure-as-code initiatives

What Do You Need to Succeed?
Must-Have

Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Software Engineering, Computer Science, IT Engineering, or related field
10+ years of professional software development experience with proven expertise in:
Java development (Java 11+ preferred) with deep knowledge of OOP and design patterns
Microservices architecture and distributed systems design
Spring Framework and Spring Boot application development
REST APIs and API-first design
Cloud-native solutions (AWS, GCP, or Azure) with hands-on experience
Dev Ops technologies and CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, Git Lab CI, Git Hub Actions, etc.)
Containerization and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes)
Message queues/event-driven architectures (MQ, Kafka, RabbitMQ)
Relational and No

SQL databases (SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, etc.)
Comprehensive knowledge of enterprise-level security concepts and methodologies, including: SSO, SSL/TLS, encryption, API security and authentication frameworks (Apigee, OAuth 2.0, JWT), and role-based access control and entitlements management
5+ years of demonstrated leadership/facilitation experience managing cross-functional development teams
Proven ability to mentor engineers and foster a culture of continuous improvement
Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with technical and non-technical stakeholders
Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments
Experience with banking, financial services, or regulated industries is highly valued
Understanding of digital banking platforms and customer-facing applications

Nice-to-Have

AWS, GCP, or Azure certifications
Experience with event-driven or event sourcing architectures
Knowledge of API management platforms and gateway solutions
Open-source project contributions or community involvement
Experience with performance monitoring and APM tools (New Relic, Datadog, Splunk)
Familiarity with infrastructure-as-code tools (Terraform, Cloud Formation)
Banking domain certifications or regulatory compliance knowledge (PCI-DSS, SOX)

Work Arrangement

This role requires four days per week on-site at our office, with flexibility for one day of remote work.

What's in It for You?

Comprehensive Total Rewards Program including performance bonuses and flexible benefits
Leaders who actively support your professional development through coaching and career advancement opportunities
Ability to make a lasting impact on digital banking innovation across the Caribbean region
Work in a dynamic, collaborative, high-performing team of technical experts
Access to world-class training and continuous learning programs
Opportunities to tackle challenging, strategically important projects
Leadership role in shaping technology strategy and architectural dec

Job Skills

Application Development
Application Integrations
Application Maintenance
Applications Architecture
Detail-Oriented
Enterprise Application Delivery
Group Problem Solving
Programming Languages
Software Development Life Cycle…