Backend Engineer (Java) - Future Opportunity Engineering · Newcastle upon Tyne

Please note: This is not a current job opening. By applying, you’ll join our talent pool, and we’ll contact you when a role that matches your skills becomes available. We’re proactively connecting with top talent so we can reach out quickly when future opportunities align with your experience and career goals.

Location: Newcastle or the North East

hedgehog lab is on the lookout for exceptional individuals to join our talent pipeline for future opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or an emerging talent, every project at hedgehog lab is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact, exceed expectations, and help redefine what’s possible in the world of digital innovation.

Our culture thrives on turning constraints into catalysts for innovation, empowering our team to unleash their full potential and deliver unparalleled value to our clients. Beyond our award-winning work, we’re also known for our Flexa-certified company culture.

hedgehog lab is a globally renowned digital product consultancy with two decades of experience and a reputation as true masters of our craft. Proudly operating from the heart of Northern England, we are on a mission to digitally craft a better world by delivering transformative solutions that align seamlessly with strategic visions.

The Potential Opportunity

• Guide and support junior and mid-level developers, fostering a culture of growth and innovation.
• Design and develop high-quality, scalable applications using Java (Spring, Java EE) and cloud-native technologies.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver seamless software solutions.
• Utilise AI, Blockchain, DevOps, and cloud-native technologies to accelerate development and optimise performance.
• Use agile methodologies to prototype and refine key pages, ensuring smooth and intuitive user experiences.
• Build, maintain, and fine-tune applications for optimal performance in cloud environments.

About You

• Strong experience in Java development, particularly with Spring and Java EE frameworks.
• Expertise in working with SQL/NoSQL databases and designing scalable data solutions.
• Solid understanding of technical design principles and the ability to architect robust applications.
• A passion for modern development practices, cloud technologies, and agile methodologies.
• Hands-on experience with JavaScript & web development.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and automation best practices.
• Experience with containerisation technologies like Docker and Kubernetes.
• Strong architectural and project management experience.
• A track record of leading teams and delivering high-impact solutions.

Why hedgehog lab?

• Our People are our greatest asset, and we are so proud to have been certified as a Great Place to Work, as rated by 93% of our business.
• We’re a fully Flexified Employer, certified by Flexa. We know a one size fits all approach doesn’t work for everyone, we work with our employees to establish a model that benefits both parties.
• We received the Advanced Award in the North of Tyne Combined Authority Good Work Pledge.
• Inclusive environment. We never discriminate based on race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, genetics, disability or age. From menopausal support to neurodiversity adjustments, we’ll continue to foster an inclusive culture at the lab where everyone can let their authentic selves shine.

What we offer:

• 36 days paid holidays, including bank holidays.
• Flexible working environment. We understand that not one approach fits everyone.
• Enhanced parental policies.
• A transparent and open company culture where politics are shunned, and everyone works as a team.
• Annual learning & development budget plus 4 days L&D leave, which renews every year.
• Annual wellbeing budget plus 2 paid wellbeing days to use as you feel fit.
• Free therapy sessions with Spill. Mental health is paramount to us.
• Bupa health plan. This cash plan enables UK employees to claim back cash for a selection of routine health expenses.
• 1 volunteering day a year. Volunteer and contribute to a cause of your choice.
• Monthly payday socials and annual Summer and Christmas parties.
• Cycle-to-Work scheme.

Diversity & inclusion statement

We strongly believe that having diversity within our team is integral to doing our best work and creating the most innovative products for our customers. We encourage people from underrepresented backgrounds to apply to our roles.

If you require any adjustments to submit an application for a vacancy, or if you require any reasonable adjustment should you be invited to interview, please let us know.

For any questions about this role or future opportunities, please contact Holly Orange, Senior Talent Acquisition Adviser, at holly.orange@hedgehoglab.com or talent@hedgehoglab.com.