Senior Java Modernization Engineer (Legacy Transformation & Cloud Migration) - Hybrid, Austin-W2 Candidates Only

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Java Modernization Engineer to support a large-scale enterprise application transformation initiative. This role is ideal for a senior-level Java EE expert who can analyze legacy systems, contribute to modernization planning, extract business logic from existing codebases, and support the transition toward cloud-native, modular, and API-driven architectures.

The engineer will collaborate with architects, analysts, and business stakeholders to map legacy behavior, documentation, dependencies, and integration points while supporting HHSC’s strategic modernization roadmap.

About the Role

This position requires 12+ years of deep hands-on Java/Java EE experience with the ability to analyze complex legacy applications and guide modernization decisions. You will work across functional teams to extract requirements, document system behavior, identify technical debt, and facilitate migration from older EJB/JPA/SOAP-based systems to microservices, APIs, and cloud-native components.

A strong analytical mindset, architectural awareness, and experience with AI-assisted code analysis are essential.

Key Responsibilities

Legacy Application Analysis & Documentation

• Analyze Java EE legacy components, including EJB, JPA, and SOAP services, to inform architectural decisions.
• Review system capabilities, specs, operational procedures, and scheduling constraints to determine feasibility of system enhancements.
• Extract and document detailed business logic, rules, and workflows directly from existing codebases.
• Identify technical debt, architectural patterns, and system dependencies.

Modernization & Transformation

• Participate in application rationalization and modernization planning.
• Support the migration of legacy systems toward cloud-native, microservices-based architectures.
• Assist with API-driven development strategies and modular design.
• Use AI code analysis tools to accelerate understanding of complex codebases.

Business & Requirements Alignment

• Conduct requirement elicitation sessions with stakeholders.
• Write detailed descriptions of user needs, system functions, and required modifications.
• Validate extracted requirements with business users, architects, and SMEs.
• Ensure modernization efforts preserve core business logic, compliance, and interoperability.

Cross-Team Collaboration

• Work closely with architects, business analysts, and security engineers to ensure alignment with business and enterprise goals.
• Support technical walkthroughs, documentation reviews, and modernization workshops.
• Communicate findings, dependencies, and design considerations with clarity and precision.

Required Qualifications

• 12+ years deep hands-on Java and Java EE development (EJB, JPA, SOAP).
• 12+ years experience with Java SE 1.8 and Java EE 8; enterprise-grade deployment experience.
• 12+ years working with persistence layers and ORM frameworks.
• 10+ years collaborating with architects, BAs, and security teams.
• 8+ years experience with AI-assisted code analysis tools.
• 8+ years familiarity with DevSecOps practices and automation.
• 8+ years experience with cloud-native transformation concepts (containerization, elastic scaling, modular interfaces).
• 8+ years experience working in Agile/Scrum environments.
• 8+ years strong analytical and system design abilities.
• 2+ years experience using AI development tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• 6+ years excellent communication and stakeholder collaboration.
• 6+ years experience documenting business requirements and system behaviors.

Contract Details

• Start Date: 01/19/2026
• End Date: 08/31/2026
• Estimated Hours: Up to 2000 hours
• Contract may be extended upon mutual agreement.