Lead Java Engineer

Job description :
Our client, a

• mission-led consultancy
• , is looking for an experienced
• Principal Software Engineer
• (Java) to join their growing team. They deliver
• secure, modern software solutions
• to the UK Government and Defence sectors, enabling clients to build
• scalable systems
• and
• progressive web applications
• that drive real impact.

This is a senior-level opportunity for a hands‑on engineer who enjoys

• leading by example
• , thrives in
• agile environments
• , and is passionate about shaping
• engineering best practice
• while still contributing to the codebase.

• Lead the design, development, and testing
• of secure, scalable systems using Java with modern front‑end frameworks (e.g., React)
• Architect and maintain
• APIs, data pipelines, and cloud‑native solutions
• (AWS, Azure, private cloud)
• Drive adoption of
• Dev Ops practices
• CI / CD, containers, infrastructure‑as‑code
• Guide and mentor engineers, promoting
• best practice, clean coding, and agile delivery
• Collaborate with stakeholders and clients to
• shape technical direction
• and ensure robust, user‑focused solutions
• Contribute across the
• full software development lifecycle
• , from discovery to production support

• Deep expertise in
• Java
• , with strong full‑stack engineering skills
• Proven experience
• leading teams or projects
• at a senior / principal level
• Strong knowledge of
• system architecture
• , cloud solutions, and API design
• Familiarity with
• Dev Ops tools and automation
• (CI / CD, containers, IaC)
• Track record of delivering
• secure, production‑grade systems
• in agile teams
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing, and communication skills

• Background in
• secure or classified environments
• Knowledge of
• ITSM
• or systems within the
• government / defence sector
• Experience balancing
• technical leadership with hands‑on development

• Flexible working
• 37.5 hrs / week with remote and hybrid options
• Learning & development budget
• for training, certifications, and conferences
• Private healthcare
• & matched
• pension scheme
• Monthly socials
• and
• quarterly company meetups
• Clear
• career progression
• into leadership roles in a high‑impact sector

Our client is an equal opportunities employer and a Disability Confident organisation, committed to fostering a workplace where diverse perspectives are celebrated and everyone can thrive.

If you are an experienced Principal Software Engineer with expertise in Java, and you’re excited to help deliver solutions that truly matter, we’d love to hear from you.

• Deep expertise in
• Java
• , with strong full‑stack engineering skills
• Proven experience
• leading teams or projects
• at a senior / principal level
• Strong knowledge of
• system architecture
• , cloud solutions, and API design
• Familiarity with
• Dev Ops tools and automation
• (CI / CD, containers, IaC)

• Flexitime
• 37.5 hrs / week structured your way + remote options
• Learning budget
• for training, certifications, and conferences
• Private healthcare
• and
• matched pension
• Monthly socials
• and quarterly company meetups

Salary Type:
Annual Salary

Salary Min: £ 45000

Salary Max: £ 70000

Currency Type: GBP