Lead Software Engineer

About The Team

The Group Benefits API Team is responsible for building and operating APIs and integrations that support Guardian’s Group Business. We enable core business capabilities such as Quote, Policy, Customer, Eligibility, and Claims through scalable, secure, and production‑ready APIs. Our APIs power end‑to‑end Group Business intake channels, including customer‑facing portal applications, call center platforms, IVR systems, and conversational interfaces such as chatbots—delivering a unified and seamless customer experience.

Lead Software Engineer

We are seeking a Lead Software Engineer who is passionate about building robust platforms, enabling Agentic AI solutions, and creating meaningful impact through high‑quality software.

You Are

• An experienced backend Lead Java Engineer with a proven track record of leading high‑performing teams and delivering high‑quality software at speed


• A hands‑on technologist with a strong foundation in computer science fundamentals and software development lifecycle (SDLC) best practices


• A collaborative leader who can work effectively across the enterprise with Architecture, Product, Platform, Security, and Production Support teams to deliver customer‑centric solutions

You Will

• Lead an agile delivery team as part of an Agile Release Train (ART)


• Design and build well‑engineered, scalable, and production‑ready integration solutions


• Develop and enable APIs, events, and messaging‑based integrations using modern integration patterns


• Build and support robust MCP (Model Context Protocol) servers and API platforms that enable Agentic AI solutions within the insurance domain


• Collaborate closely with Business Partners and Solution Architects to align delivery with product roadmaps and architectural blueprints


• Mentor and coach engineers and analysts, assign work, conduct code reviews, and uphold engineering excellence


• Triage and resolve end‑to‑end system and integration issues across applications, middleware, and infrastructure

You Have

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field


• 15+ years of experience as a Java / J2EE software engineer


• Strong understanding of Agile and SAFe methodologies


• Expertise in Java Spring Boot, GraphQL, and Python


• Hands‑on experience delivering Agentic AI applications, including building scalable and resilient MCP servers


• Deep experience with RESTful API design, data‑driven design, microservices architecture, event‑driven architecture, and enterprise integration patterns


• Experience designing intuitive and developer‑friendly APIs using OpenAPI / Swagger specifications


• Experience integrating with messaging platforms such as ActiveMQ and IBM MQ


• Experience with Docker and AWS Cloud services, including S3, Lambda, SQS/SNS, and Redis


• Experience working with both SQL and NoSQL databases


• Hands‑on experience with Apache Camel, TIBCO BusinessWorks, MuleSoft, or similar EAI frameworks


• Experience with rules engines such as OpenL, Drools, or Blaze


• Strong experience with version control and CI/CD automation tools, including Git, Bitbucket, Jenkins, and Maven


• Experience implementing API security and access control using OAuth 2.0, JWT, and token‑based authentication


• Experience with monitoring and observability tools such as AppDynamics and Zenoss

Salary Range

$118,980.00 - $195,465.00. The salary range reflected above is a good faith estimate of base pay for the primary location of the position. The salary for this position ultimately will be determined based on the education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate. In addition to salary, this role may also be eligible for annual, sales, or other incentive compensation.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Guardian is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, military or veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable law.

Accommodations

Guardian is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. Guardian also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants (and employees) to accommodate the individual's known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Please note: this resource is for accommodation requests only. For all other inquires related to your application and careers at Guardian, refer to the Guardian Careers site.

Visa Sponsorship

Guardian is not currently or in the foreseeable future sponsoring employment visas. In order to be a successful applicant, you must be legally authorized to work in the United States, without the need for employer sponsorship.

Notice Regarding Guardian’s Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment

As part of Guardian’s job application process, Guardian may use artificial intelligence tools (“AI Tools