Senior Java Architect – Transaction & SQL Reverse Engineer

Job Title: Senior Java Application Architect – Database & Transaction Analysis

Role Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Java Application Architect to reverse engineer data access and transactional behavior across a large portfolio of enterprise Java applications. The role focuses on extracting embedded SQL, reconstructing transactional workflows, and translating runtime behavior into testable data contracts and workload signatures to support large-scale database modernization initiatives.

This position plays a critical role in pre-model validation and database compatibility assessment, particularly for migrations from traditional RDBMS platforms (e.g., Oracle) to distributed databases such as Google Spanner.

Key Responsibilities

Codebase Analysis

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Analyze large and complex Java application codebases utilizing:

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JDBC

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ORM frameworks (Hibernate / JPA)

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Custom data access layers

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Extract embedded SQL statements and transaction boundaries from application code.

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Identify implicit runtime assumptions, including:

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Query ordering dependencies

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Locking behavior

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Transaction isolation levels

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Retry and failure handling mechanisms

SQL Signature & Workload Extraction

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Normalize extracted SQL into reusable and standardized SQL signatures.

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Map SQL signatures to:

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Database tables and columns

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Transaction scopes and logical units of work

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Identify SQL and transaction patterns that are incompatible with distributed databases such as Spanner.

Transaction & Behavior Reconstruction

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Reconstruct logical transactions spanning multiple queries and service layers.

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Identify business workflows embedded within application code.

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Translate low-level implementation details into intent-based transactional contracts.

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Create behavioral models that reflect real-world production workloads.

Collaboration & Validation

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Partner with Oracle database architects to validate actual runtime behavior and constraints.

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Collaborate with Google Spanner architects to assess feasibility, risks, and required design changes.

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Support QA and performance teams in developing realistic workload replay and test scenarios.

Key Deliverables

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SQL Signature Library

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Transaction behavior and dependency maps

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Application-to-data dependency graphs

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Compatibility risk assessments and flags

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Input artifacts for workload modeling and replay

Required Skills & Experience

Technical Expertise

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10+ years of experience in Java application architecture

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Deep expertise in:

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JDBC

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Transaction management (local and distributed)

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ORM internals (Hibernate, JPA)

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Strong SQL skills, including:

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Complex joins

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Subqueries

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Transactional SQL patterns

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Proven experience reverse engineering large, legacy enterprise systems

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Ability to analyze and understand code written by multiple teams over many years

Soft Skills

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Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

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Excellent written and verbal communication skills

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Ability to work across architecture, database, and QA teams

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Comfortable operating in ambiguous, highly technical environments

Preferred Qualifications

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Experience with database modernization or cloud migrations

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Familiarity with distributed databases (e.g., Google Spanner)

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Experience in financial services or other transaction-intensive domains