Lead Software Engineer - on-site

Position: Lead Software Engineer - one day a month on-site
Lead Java Engineer (Hands-On)

80% Coding | Technical Leadership | Modern Platform

Remote First (office visit once a month) - You must live within 1 hr 30 of South Manchester

£70,000 - £85,000 + Bonus + Excellent Benefits

** My client is not able to provide Visa sponsorship

We're working with a long-established tech company who are building modern platforms within a complex and meaningful domain. They've embedded Agile and XP practices across engineering, and they're now hiring a hands-on Principal Java Engineer to help lead delivery, raise standards, and support the growth of their teams.

This is not an "architect who doesn't code" role. The expectation is that you'll be around 80% hands-on, building software alongside the team.

The Opportunity

You'll work as part of a Scrum team delivering real product outcomes, while also contributing to the broader engineering direction.

The hands-off element of the role includes:

** helping lead Scrum ceremonies and delivery

** mentoring and coaching engineers

** collaborating with other Principals and the Development Manager

** contributing to architectural decisions and technical direction

It's a role for someone who still loves coding, but also enjoys influencing how teams work and how systems evolve.

Tech Stack & Practices

** Java, Spring Boot

** TDD, pairing, strong automated testing culture

** CI/CD, continuous delivery mindset

** AWS (with a mix of approaches including serverless)

** Docker, Kubernetes

** Terraform / Dev Ops tooling

AWS and Dev Ops exposure is very beneficial at Principal level - but they're not looking for a pure Dev Ops engineer. The core of the role is still Java engineering.

What They're Looking For

** Deep, hands-on Java experience with strong engineering judgement

** Proven ability to influence standards and mentor engineers

** Comfortable balancing delivery with technical leadership

** Strong understanding of building maintainable, scalable systems

** Experience working in Agile teams with modern practices

** Bonus points for AWS, containerisation, IaC, etc.

What's In It For You?

** Remote-first working with minimal office travel

** Clear scope: still hands-on, but with meaningful technical influence

** Strong salary, bonus and excellent benefits

** A collaborative, mature engineering culture

** Complex systems, long-term platform work, and real impact

Interested?

Apply now or get in touch for a confidential conversation. Even if you're not actively looking, it's a great time to explore what they're building.

Cathcart Technology is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy