Backend Software Engineer (Waterloo)

We’re looking for a Backend Software Engineer who is motivated by delivering customer and business value and enjoys working on transformative, large‑scale initiatives.

In this role, you’ll contribute to the modernization of legacy platforms by integrating third‑party vendor solutions with our core banking systems, using up‑to‑date cloud and microservices technologies.

You’ll thrive here if you enjoy problem‑solving, learning continuously, and collaborating with cross‑functional teams in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain cloud‑based backend services that are scalable, secure, and reliable.
• Develop and integrate RESTful APIs to support internal and external system interactions.
• Contribute to the modernization of legacy applications using microservices architecture.
• Deploy, monitor, and support services in production using CI/CD pipelines.
• Collaborate with product owners, architects, and other engineers to deliver high‑quality solutions.
• Participate in code reviews, debugging, and performance optimization.
• Support operational excellence through monitoring, logging, and incident resolution.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience in backend software development.
• Hands‑on experience building applications using Java.
• Experience working with Microsoft Azure.
• Familiarity with Kubernetes.
• Experience using CI/CD tools (e.g., GitHub Actions) to deploy production code.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Azure Data Explorer.
• Observability and monitoring experience (e.g., New Relic).
• Experience with Node.js and microservices.
• Experience with SQL.

Salary and Benefits

Referenced Salary Location: Waterloo, Ontario. Working arrangement: Hybrid. Salary range is expected to be between $86,100.00CAD - $136,100.00CAD. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn incentive compensation tied to business and individual performance.

Manulife offers eligible employees a wide array of customizable benefits, including health, dental, mental health, vision, short‑ and long‑term disability, life and AD&D insurance coverage, adoption/surrogacy and wellness benefits, and employee/family assistance plans. We also offer various retirement savings plans, including pension and a global share ownership plan with employer matching contributions, and financial education and counseling resources. Our generous paid time‑off program in Canada includes holidays, vacation, personal, and sick days, and we offer the full range of statutory leaves of absence. If you are applying for this role in the U.S., please contact for more information about U.S.-specific paid time‑off provisions.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Accessibility

Manulife is an Equal Opportunity Employer. At Manulife/John Hancock, we embrace our diversity and strive to attract, develop and retain a workforce that is as diverse as the customers we serve. We are committed to fair recruitment, retention, advancement and compensation, and we administer all of our practices and programs without discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion or religious beliefs, creed, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy‑related conditions), sexual orientation, genetic characteristics, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, disability, or any other ground protected by applicable law. We also provide reasonable accommodation for applicants who request accommodations during the application process; a Human Resources representative will work with you to place the necessary accommodations.