Lead Software Engineer - 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.