Principal Software Engineer

Principal Software Engineer - Java (11), Spring Boot, AWS

Location: UK-based, remote (travel to Newcastle 1 day every 2 months - expenses covered)

Salary:
Competitive base salary plus benefits (DOE)

Role type:
Full time, permanent

We’re looking for an experienced Principal Java Developer to join a major UK public sector digital transformation programme delivering large-scale, user-centered services used by millions across the UK.

This is an opportunity to work within a complex cloud-native environment, helping build scalable and resilient digital platforms that manage high-volume transactions, case management, and document-driven workflows.

As a Principal Java Developer, you’ll work within cross-functional agile teams to design, build, and evolve modern digital services. You’ll collaborate closely with architects, engineers, product teams, delivery managers, and stakeholders to deliver high-quality solutions while providing technical leadership and mentoring across development teams.

• Leading the design and development of scalable Java-based applications
• Promoting engineering best practices including TDD, code reviews, and continuous improvement
• Mentoring developers and providing technical leadership across agile teams
• Driving collaboration across teams and stakeholders
• Contributing to technical decision-making, architecture discussions, and delivery planning
• Ensuring solutions are cloud-native, resilient, secure, and maintainable

• Spring Boot
• Maven
• AWS
• Relational & No
  
  SQL Databases
• Docker
• Microservices & event-driven architecture

• Extensive commercial experience developing applications using Java and Spring Boot
• Strong experience building and supporting cloud-native applications within AWS environments
• Experience designing and developing scalable distributed systems and microservices
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
• Experience working in agile delivery environments
• A collaborative, hands-on mindset with a passion for mentoring others
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines, containerisation, and modern software engineering practices
• Experience working within regulated or public sector environments is highly beneficial.
• Government Digital Service (GDS) standards
• Event-driven architectures and messaging technologies
• Accessibility and security best practices

• 25 days annual leave plus public holidays, so you can actually switch off
• Private medical insurance with Bupa
• Remote-first working with a base at Liverpool Street when you want it
• A personal training budget to invest in your growth, however that looks for you
• Perkbox, giving you access to hundreds of perks and discounts across eating out, shopping, wellness, entertainment and more
• EV scheme after one year of service, supporting you in making the switch to electric
• Regular team socials with a group of people who genuinely enjoy working together
• Employer pension contributions
• A rewarding referral scheme which could earn you up to £3000 for any successful hires
• And most importantly, the chance to be part of something from the ground up. Amber Labs is growing fast and the people joining now will shape what this business becomes.