Senior Java Developer / Technical Lead

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Java Developer to join us part-time as a technical lead for a new travel technology venture. This role involves ownership over the backend, server management, and overall code quality for a premium holiday platform and marketplace targeting travel agents. The current system includes a Java Spring Boot backend, PostgreSQL database, and Next.js frontend hosted on Hetzner Cloud, with the new platform extending the existing infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and comprehend the existing Spring Boot backend and PostgreSQL schema.
• Conduct thorough code reviews to identify and address bugs, enhance performance, and strengthen security.
• Safely expand the database by implementing Flyway migrations for additional modules without disrupting current data integrity.
• Lead and mentor the Java development team by organizing weekly plans, reviewing pull requests, and resolving blockers.
• Oversee the Next.js developer’s API integrations and frontend contributions.
• Manage server infrastructure and deployment on Hetzner Cloud, including CI/CD pipelines, SSL, CDN configurations, backups, and system monitoring.
• Administer GitHub repository management including branch control and team access permissions.
• Strategize and plan features like agent login, lead distribution, wallet functionalities, commissions, payments, and payouts modules.
• Assist in recruiting developers by preparing technical evaluations, conducting interviews, reviewing coding assignments, and recommending suitable candidates.
• Provide succinct weekly progress reports to the company founder in clear, non-technical language.

Requirements

• Over 8 years of experience in Java backend development.
• Expertise with Spring Boot framework, JPA/Hibernate, and RESTful APIs.
• Advanced proficiency with PostgreSQL including schema design, indexing, query optimization, and migration management.
• Proven track record of taking over and enhancing existing codebases.
• Experience leading developers, performing code reviews, and conducting technical interviews.
• Hands-on experience with Linux VPS deployments (Hetzner preferred, or DigitalOcean/AWS EC2), Docker containers, Nginx web server, and CI/CD tools such as GitHub Actions.
• Ability to clearly articulate technical choices to stakeholders without technical backgrounds.

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with Next.js and React to review frontend work.
• Knowledge of payment gateway integrations (e.g., Razorpay).
• Experience with marketplace platforms, travel systems, or booking engines.

Working Style

• Flexible work hours averaging about 12 hours per week (approximately 2 hours daily).
• Remote position based anywhere within India with a short daily check-in call, preferably in the evenings.
• Long-term engagement with the potential for increased hours as the platform expands.

Compensation

The role offers a monthly remuneration between ₹35,000 and ₹40,000.

Selection Process

1. Resume screening.
2. 45-minute technical discussion focused on system takeover and expansion strategies.
3. Completion of a small paid review task.