junior data scientist/java backend developer (Seattle)
This entry-level role targets recent graduates and career switchers seeking to build hands-on experience and industry-relevant skills in Java backend development and data science. The position emphasizes skill rebuilding, enterprise-style projects, certification preparation, and interview readiness to help candidates overcome hiring barriers and secure full-time roles at leading tech companies. The role is focused on developing expertise in modern tech stacks including Java, Spring Boot, cloud technologies, and AI/ML frameworks.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, IT.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role overview
Confidential Client is hiring for an entry-level Junior Data Scientist / Java Backend Developer to support client projects in Times Square, WA (Seattle area). This is a hands-on, full-time position targeted at recent grads, career-switchers, or developers with limited professional experience who are ready to build production skills in Java backend systems and data workflows. The role emphasizes practical projects, mentorship, and interview preparation to help candidates move from application volume to real interviews.
What You’ll Do
- Contribute to Java-based backend services (Core Java, Spring Boot, microservices).
- Implement and optimize SQL queries and data pipelines; work with Snowflake or similar data warehouses.
- Assist on data science / ML workflows: data cleaning, feature engineering, model testing and deployment support.
- Support MLOps and DevOps practices (CI/CD, containerization, basic cloud operations).
- Build small production-ready components and internal demos that showcase your skills for hiring managers.
- Participate in mock interviews, code reviews, and guided projects to increase interview readiness.
Minimum qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent coursework) in Computer Science, Engineering, Math, Statistics, or related field — or demonstrable equivalency through projects.
- Practical experience (academic projects, internships, bootcamps, or self-driven work) using Java and basic backend concepts.
- Familiarity with SQL and relational databases.
- Basic understanding of data science / machine learning concepts and Python or Java toolchains.
- Strong desire to learn cloud, DevOps, and MLOps fundamentals.
- Clear communication skills and willingness to participate in interview prep and skill-building activities.
Preferred skills (helpful, not required)
- Experience with Spring Boot, microservices, or REST API design.
- Exposure to Snowflake, Redshift, BigQuery, or similar data warehouses.
- Familiarity with ML libraries (scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch) or working knowledge of LLM/Gen AI concepts and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG).
- Basic knowledge of containerization (Docker) and CI/CD pipelines.
- Participation in open-source projects, competitions (Kaggle), or demonstrable coding portfolio.
Why this role is different
Confidential Client focuses on converting skill-building into interview opportunities instead of relying on volume applications. You’ll receive project-based coaching, mock interviews, and targeted resume/portfolio improvements that make hiring managers open the resume and invite you to screens.
Compensation & location
- Estimated salary (as listed by the source): $115,391 per year (estimated).
- Employment type: Full-time.
- Location: Times Square, WA (work on-site or as specified by the client). Candidates should be able to work in the U.S. and travel to the Times Square, WA area as required.
Ideal candidate
- Recent grads in CS, Engineering, Math, or Statistics with limited or no job experience.
- Jobseekers returning from layoffs who want to retool into in-demand tech stacks.
- Career-switchers with demonstrable project work.
- Candidates with gaps in employment who can show current skills via projects.
- Anyone who has strong fundamentals and wants guided, recruiter-style support to get hired.
What to expect from Careertakes + Confidential Client
- Hands-on, enterprise-style projects you can add to your portfolio.
- Mentorship and mock interview coaching modeled on technical hiring practices.
- Resume and portfolio enhancements aimed at passing ATS filters and getting recruiter attention.
- Opportunities to be marketed to relevant hiring managers and internal clients.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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