Finding the right Java developer for your software projects relies heavily on the criteria you set for potential candidates. Post an average and unthought-off job ad and you’ll suffer from countless filtering for the qualified Java developer to do the job.
Moreover, not all Java software projects require the same set of criteria. Depending on the complexity of the Java software, the skills and experience you’ll require would also vary. In this post, we’ll give you a comprehensive idea of what a Java job description should look like. This includes giving you the list of skills you can require and responsibilities you can set.
To make things easier for you, we’ll also provide you with an ad template you can follow and an idea of the salary you can offer the right candidate. This includes the ideal pay for possessing certain skills.
By the end of this post, you’ll learn all the essential skills and responsibilities you can require for Java developer candidates, saving you time and attracting the ideal Java programmers for the job. So let’s get right to it.
What Does A Java Developer Do?
Understanding what a Java developer does will help you to create a better job description for your Java developer job listing. For starters, Java isn’t similar to JavaScript. Java developer programs and tests Java-based websites and apps. While an older language, developers still like using this programming language because of its versatility.
Because Java is versatile, Java developers can work at any or all stages of a software development lifecycle. They can work either on front-end development or backend development whether for desktop or mobile use cases.
While Java programmers can create Java software for any industry, some of the top industries that use this programming language for application development are:
- Internet
- Information technology & services
- Computer software
- Higher education
- Hospital and healthcare
Many Java developers either have information systems, computer science, or mathematics degrees. They usually start with apprenticeships or internship programs to get certifications. However, many Java developers are self-taught and with experience, many perform just as well as bachelor’s degree holders.
As mentioned at the outset, different projects call for different language and skill requirements. You can consult with your IT development team or CTO if you already have people established in your company. If not, we at Aloa can help you determine the criteria you can set for the Java developer you need to hire for your software project in mind.
Other than tech skills, a desirable Java programmer should be patient to learn new tech needed for the software project, can communicate well with team members and the client, and be creative to determine efficient functionality and design for the software.
Now a job ad listing for a Java developer starts with a job description, let’s learn what that should include.
What Should A Java Developer Job Description Include in 2024?
A Java developer job description should include all the necessary criteria required for a candidate to be considered. It should start with a short description of what the role will look like. It also includes background about the project and the company to give interested applicants a clearer understanding of what the role will be and gauge if they’re the right fit or not.
After a brief description is given, the responsibilities, roles, and required skills should also be outlined. To make it easy on the eyes, break up requirements on each section using bullet points. Let’s consider each of these 3 a bit more.
I. Java Developer Responsibilities
The Java developer's responsibilities can include any duties on the list:
- Conceptualization of Java software/program architecture
- Requirement gathering
- Designing and developing the user end of the Java app
- Testing the Java software for performance and bugs
- Create and implement user information solutions
- Maintain and optimize Java-based interface and components
- Java project management or vendor management
II. Java Developer Roles
The Java developer’s role will depend on the company, the project, and the number of people working on the team. Here is a list of the typical roles you can require from a Java programmer:
- Writing well-designed and testable code
- Analyzing user requirements by defining the objectives of the business
- Envisioning or conceptualizing system features and functionality
- Developing technical design or multimedia applications
- Defining software objectives and functionality
- Ensuring Java software functionality and design conform with client goals
- Developing, analyzing, testing, and debugging the Java software
- Identifying and resolving tech issues
- Creating a thorough design documentation
- Preparing and producing releases for the Java software components
- Supporting continuous improvements, integrating new technologies, and investigating current functionality for efficient alternatives
III. Java Developer Skills
The Java developer you should hire needs to have an extensive range of skills and experience if you want to ensure the quality of the project and the efficiency of the process. In general, they need to have in-depth knowledge about the programming language and the software project, know how the development process works, understand how to transition from one environment to another, and be up-to-date with current technology developments.
But to give you a general idea here are lists of the most used languages, programs, and technologies you can require when hiring a Java programmer.
Coding Languages:
- AWS Lambda
- C
- C++
- HTTP
- Java 8
- JRuby
- Jython
- Kotlin
- Linux
- Python
- REST API
- Scala
Scripting Languages:
- CSS
- Git
- JavaScript
- Python
Relational Database:
- AWS Aurora
- MySQL
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Oracle Database
- PostgresSQL
Application Server:
- Apache Tomcat
- Apache Wicket
- Google Web Toolkit
- Grails
- Servlet Container
- Vaadin
Web Framework:
- Apache STRUTS
- JavaServer Faces
- Spring Boot & MVC
JavaScript Libraries:
- AngularJS
- jQuery
- Node.js
- ReactJS
While it’s ideal for a candidate to possess all these tech skills, it might not be realistic to require everything on the list. At the very least, you should consider a Java developer with expertise in backend and full-stack development. The key skills you can require should include:
- Expertise in writing clean readable Java code and exceptional understanding of Java ecosystems
- Knowledgeable with Object-Oriented Programmers or OOP patterns and concepts
- Knowledgeable with Modern-View-Controller (MVC) pattern
- Basic understanding of RESTful web services and Java Database Connectivity
- Has thorough experience with database schemas creation
- Familiarity with architectural patterns and various designs
- Understands principles of scalable application
- Ability to write reusable Java libraries
- Understands Java currency patterns
- Has basic knowledge of Java class loading mechanisms, Java Virtual Machine (including drawbacks and workarounds)
- Experience working with Spark and Play web application frameworks and handling external and embedded databases
- Has relevant knowledge of building tools like Gradle, Ant, and Maven
- Understands GUI frameworks like AWT, SWT, and Swing
- Has in-depth knowledge of Git and continuous integrations
Now put together, what should a Java developer job description look like? Here is an example you can refer to.
IV. Java Developer Job Description Example
XX Tech is looking for an additional Java developer for its core software team. You will contribute to the product decisions and conceptualization of functionality for the clients we will be working with. For approved software projects, you will also be part of the whole software development cycle.
Our company works with mid-size and enterprise firms looking for information technology and computer software solutions to either improve the efficiency of internal processes or create and nurture more conversions by creating user-facing software for their customers.
Responsibilities:
- Conceptualize ideas based on client preferences and turn them into robust and well-tested Java code
- Operate in an adjusted scrum environment to efficiently collaborate with team members and meet deadlines
- Implement high-performing design, caching mechanisms, error logging state management, and proper testing in scalable application
- Do unit and system-level testing on software and its affected systems
- Compile and implement user information solutions
Key Roles:
- Envisioning or conceptualizing system features and functionality
- Defining software objectives and functionality
- Ensuring Java software functionality and design conform with the client's goal
- Creating a thorough design documentation
Tech Skills:
- C
- C++
- HTTP
- Java 8
- Linux
- Python
- CSS
- PHP
- Git
- JavaScript
- MySQL
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Oracle Database
- Apache Tomcat
- JavaServer Faces
- AngularJS
- jQuery
- Node.js
- ReactJS
Soft Skills:
- Can contribute efficient ideas to initial plans/designs laid out
- Can work under pressure and solve problems dynamically
- Keeps realistic estimations
- Strongly collaborative
Experience:
- At least 2 years of software development experience in object-oriented design and software usability
- Solid SQL experience
- Delivering software as envisioned by the client
How Much Should I Pay A Java Developer in 2024?
The Java developer salary you offer would very much depend on the skills and experience of the programmer you’re talking to. According to Glassdoor, Java developers in the 1-3 years of experience range can earn $93,118 annually while those with over 6 years of experience earn up to $99,463 yearly.
Looking at the level of expertise, an entry-level Java developer can be offered $70,438 annually while a senior level developer will consider an offer around the range of $104,932 yearly.
The location of Java software engineers also matters. Hire someone around London, UK and you can offer them a yearly average of $70,000. Hire someone from San Francisco, USA and the rate can go up to $90,000+ per year. If the Java developer is from Canada you can offer them $50,000 annually. Consider a Japanese Java developer and the rate would be $51,000 yearly or someone from India which offers the cheapest rates of $6,000 per year.
Work formats should be considered as well. If they work nearshore or offshore, you won't have to set some budget on space and equipment. Whereas if you like them to work on-premise these are additional costs plus top that off with full-time employee benefits offered required in your country.
Lastly, the skills they acquire. Here is a rundown of the average pay per year of Java developers possessing expertise in a certain programming language, database, framework, or tool:
1. C++
Java developers who are masters of this programming language can build software from video games, desktop Java applications, servers, performance-critical apps, and entertainment software. With object-oriented and generic programming expertise, the pay for Java developers with C++ expertise is $127,396 annually.
2. C#
Java developers with expertise in this second object-oriented programming language know their way around Microsoft and XML-based web services. Java web developers with C# expertise are the ones you usually go to when developing web applications with features like simplified type declarations, garbage collection, versioning, and scalability support. With expertise like these, they’d consider a job listing that offers them a $110,155 yearly salary.
3. J2EE
A Java developer who is a master of this Java-centric tool for enterprise applications earns an average of $72,346 per year according to PayScale. Depending on the arrangements, the rates can go down as low as $52,075 and as high as $104,806 yearly.
4. Spring
A Java programmer with expertise in this open-source application framework can be offered $73,814 annually. The rates can be haggled to as low as $53,733 per year. However, those who have exceptional experience in this framework can demand to be paid $104,798 per year.
5. Oracle
For Java programmers who are experts in this object-relational database management system, they can be offered $69,905/year. Some may consider a lower rate of $47,409 while others will demand $117,227 per year.
Java Programmer Ad Template
Earlier, we gave you a sample of a job description you can pattern your job listing to. However, if you want to be rank specific, here are ad templates you can consider when hiring junior Java developers, mid-Java developers, and senior Java developers. Most of the skills listed here are the criteria here and are general requirements when considering a potential candidate. You can then just take out or add in some more requirements depending on the scope and kind of project you’re working on.
A. Ad Template For A Junior Java Developer
[Company Name] we are currently looking for a junior Java developer to help us build scalable and enterprise-level apps. Our ideal candidate should be able to collaborate with team members well, interested in learning new skills, and responsible to handle any part of the development phase without getting micromanaged.
We are a Java solutions tech company helping clients with their enterprise needs.
Responsibilities:
- Assist in all stages of the Java software development lifecycle
- Write clean, maintainable, highly, efficient, and scalable code
- Test development method alternatives
Roles:
- Analyze user requirements
- Conceptualize software functionality
- Develop, analyze, and test Java software efficiency
Skill Requirements:
- Hands-on experience with Java, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, SQL, and ORM
- Highly knowledgeable with the Java programming language
- Has experience in test-driven software development
You will get:
- $60,000 annual salary plus performance bonuses
- Language and training skills
- Medical insurance
- Paid vacations
- Ability to work in a hybrid setup (or fully remote setup for nearshore or offshore Java developers)
B. Ad Template For A Mid Java Developer
[Company Name] is looking for a middle Java developer to be a part of our growing team. We build innovative apps for [Industry] to help with internal process automation or convert more leads to customers with user-facing software. The job will include frontend and backend development, testing, deployment documentation, and orientation.
Responsibilities:
- Generate fresh software ideas
- Contribute to creating enterprise apps for clients (frontend and backend development)
- Analyzing, testing, and improving legacy systems
- Implement new systems and tools to enhance workflow
Roles:
- Contribute fresh ideas and work independently on parts of the software development lifecycle
- Perform analysis and testing of Java software before deployment
Skill Requirements:
- 3 years of experience in Java app development
- Highly knowledgeable with a relational database, ORM, SQL as well as HTML and CSS
- Highly knowledgeable of web services
- Has hands-on experience in frontend and backend development
- Has experience in side testing and validation
- Has experience working with the XML language
You will get:
- $70,000 annual salary plus performance bonuses
- Language and training skills
- Medical insurance
- Paid vacations
- Ability to work in a hybrid setup (or fully remote setup for nearshore or offshore Java developers)
- Opportunity for career growth
C. Ad Template For Senior Java Developer
We at [Company Name] are looking for highly-experienced and passionate senior developers to handle a full software lifecycle development. The ideal candidate has to have years of experience in process development and product improvement. They should be able to motivate team members to come up with efficient output in the timeframe provided as well as provide additional insight on improvements that can be added to the Java software and the processes involved.
Our company works with Fortune 500 companies working on both internal automation software, customer-facing applications, and microservices.
Responsibilities:
- Assign and execute specific tasks to team members
- Monitor progress, track phases, and update stakeholders regularly
- Review and debug codes
- Schedule product releases
Roles:
- Handle the full software development lifecycle
- Implement development process best practices
- Improve code when necessary
- Present detailed reporting documents
Skills Requirements:
- Proficiency in the Java programming language and data structures
- Hands-on experience with Spring MVC and object-oriented design
- At least 4 years of experience in Java development
- Has team-leading and problem-solving skills
- Highly experienced in testing methodologies
- Excellent with troubleshooting and solving potential issues
- Knowledge of AI, machine learning, and blockchain
- Deep understanding of iOS and Android mobile app technologies
- Experience with Scrum and agile methodologies
You will get:
- $85,000 annual salary plus performance bonuses
- Language and training skills
- Medical insurance
- Paid vacations
- Ability to work in a hybrid setup (or fully remote setup for nearshore or offshore Java developers)
- Opportunity for career growth
Last Thoughts
There are a lot of things to consider when creating a job description in 2024 for a Java developer. But by knowing what your project requires, it’ll be easier to set the criteria for the ideal Java developer.
Go through each of the important parts of the job description and familiarize yourself with the general requirements you can ask from potential candidates. If you feel the need to consult with experts, we are happy to assist you here in Aloa. Free to contact us at [email protected].
