Java Lead Developer

Requisition ID: 904226 Position:Full-TimeTotal Rewards:  If you’ve worn a pair of glasses, we’ve already met. We are a global leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of ophthalmic lenses, frames, and sunglasses. We offer our industry stakeholders in over 150 countries access to a global platform of high-quality vision care products such as the Essilor brand, with Varilux, Crizal, Eyezen, Stellest and Transitions, iconic brands that consumers love such as Ray-Ban, Oakley, Persol and Oliver Peoples, as well as a network that offers consumers high-quality vision care and best-in-class shopping experiences such as Sunglass Hut, LensCrafters, and Target Optical, and leading e-commerce platforms. Our portfolio of more than 150 renowned brands span various categories, from frames, lenses and instruments to brick and mortar and digital distribution as well as mid-range to premium segments. Our Shared Services Team, accompany and enable others within the EssilorLuxottica collective to achieve their targets. They keep people and projects running smoothly, ensuring every part of our business is provided for and well taken care of. Join our global community of over 200,000 dedicated employees around the world in driving the transformation of the eyewear and eyecare industry. GENERAL FUNCTION Join Helix, a division of EssilorLuxottica, as we shape the future of technology for the eyecare industry. Our mission is to deliver software that drives practice efficiency, streamlines workflows, and grows the independent eyecare business first in the U.S., and soon on a global scale. As a Lead Developer, you’ll guide a small team transforming our solutions into world-class, feature rich platforms. The Lead Developer will combine hands-on full stack expertise in Java, Node.js/Next.js, and React with people leadership, driving the successful delivery of software using both Agile and Waterfall approaches. Reporting to the Helix Director of IT, you will shape team practices, mentor developers, and deliver features that impact the eyecare industry. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Manage, mentor, and develop 1–2 direct reports, fostering technical excellence, accountability, and collaboration. Lead the design, enhancement, and maintenance of full stack applications using Java (Spring/Spring Boot) with React front ends, as well as Node.js / Next.js with React. Take ownership of key products guiding their technical evolution and ensuring alignment with architectural direction. Provide technical leadership, perform code reviews, accept pull request and maintain standards across the team. Balance leadership responsibilities with hands-on coding to drive progress and uphold quality. Apply Agile / Waterfall as appropriate to deliver projects efficiently. Collaborate with product owners, architects, and other stakeholders to clarify approach, prioritize work, and plan releases. Partner with QA and DevOps teams to ensure smooth deployments, automated testing, and operational stability. Identify and mitigate technical risks, addressing issues before they impact delivery. Stay informed on industry best practices and introduce process improvements to boost efficiency and product quality. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or equivalent experience. 5+ years of hands-on Java development (Spring/Spring Boot preferred). 2+ years proficiency in full stack JavaScript/TypeScript with experience in Node.js, Next.js, and React. Proven experience leading developers, including performance management, coaching, and mentoring. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, startup-like environment backed by the resources of a global leader. Experience delivering projects in both Agile and Waterfall environments. Solid understanding of full stack architecture, RESTful APIs, and modern web application patterns. Proficiency with SQL and relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle). Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills. Works exceptionally well under high pressure/critical/prod down situations Agile mindset and thrives amid ambiguity, and rapid change PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Experience in multi-brand retail, healthcare, or insurance environments. Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and CI/CD pipelines. Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, and microservices architecture. Proficiency with uinit testing frameworks (JUnit, Jest) Track record of delivering high-quality software in fast-paced environments. Employee pay is determined by multiple factors, including geography, experience, qualifications, skills and local minimum wage requirements. In addition, you may also be offered a competitive bonus and/or commission plan, which complements a first-class total rewards package. Benefits may include health care, retirement savings, paid time off/vacation, and various employee discounts. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, social origin, social condition, being perceived as a victim of domestic violence, sexual aggression or stalking, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, ancestry, veteran or military status, marital status, pregnancy (including unlawful discrimination on the basis of a legally protected pregnancy or maternity leave), genetic information or any other characteristics protected by law. Native Americans in the US receive preference in accordance with Tribal Law.