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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented team in developing scalable, cloud-native solutions using Java and AWS.
- Company: Join Amber Labs, a cutting-edge tech consultancy focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, remote work flexibility, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile government projects while mentoring the next generation of developers.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leading teams, expert in Java, and eligible for active SC clearance.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that values your unique perspective.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Remote with ad hoc travel
12 month Fixed Term Contract - Salaried, not day rate
SC Clearance required - we are unable to accept applications from candidates without active SC
The Company
At Amber Labs, we are a cutting-edge UK and European technology consultancy that empowers autonomy, promotes experimentation, and enables rapid learning to deliver exceptional value to our clients. Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do, with our cross-functional consultants, engineers, and analysts working together to shorten delivery times, minimise risk, and drive impactful results for high-profile government and commercial programmes.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Lead Java Developer to join a major government programme, driving the development of scalable, cloud-native solutions using AWS and Java.
You will lead a talented engineering team, providing technical direction, mentoring, and hands-on development expertise across complex microservice architectures.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide technical leadership and guidance to developers, ensuring best practice in coding, testing, and design.
- Collaborate across teams to review specifications, design, code, test, and document programmes of medium to high complexity.
- Drive adoption of modern standards and tools, mentoring others to follow suit.
- Define and deliver test plans, strategies, and automated test suites.
- Work with AWS and Infrastructure-as-Code principles (Terraform desirable).
- Shape and optimise CI/CD pipelines (GitLab CI desirable).
- See the bigger picture, identifying opportunities to improve service integration and system performance.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven experience leading development teams within agile environments.
- Expert knowledge of Java (11/17/21) and the Spring Boot framework.
- Strong understanding of microservice architecture and API principles.
- Skilled in TDD/BDD, Docker, and containerisation.
- Deep understanding of the software development lifecycle.
- Experience with AWS cloud services.
- Exposure to Infrastructure-as-Code and CI/CD pipelines.
- Knowledge of functional and non-functional testing.
- Eligible for or holding active SC Security Clearance (essential for production access).
Key Behaviours
- Collaborates effectively, supporting peers and promoting technical excellence.
- Guides others to understand user stories and define optimal solutions.
- Champions modern standards and continuous improvement.
- Mentors junior engineers, fostering professional growth and best practices.
- Balances technical depth with strategic vision, ensuring scalable and maintainable outcomes.
Diversity & Inclusion
At Amber Labs, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We celebrate individuality and believe that different perspectives drive innovation. Every colleague is valued, respected, and supported to thrive.
Lead Java Developer || Must hold active SC in London employer: Amber Labs
Contact Detail:
Amber Labs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Java Developer || Must hold active SC in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend meetups, webinars, or even just grab a coffee with someone who works at Amber Labs. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your experiences with Java, AWS, and any cool projects you've led. Let them see your passion and expertise in action.
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework on Amber Labs and the role. Understand their projects and values, and think about how your skills align. This will help you answer questions confidently and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Follow Up
After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It’s a simple gesture that keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Java Developer || Must hold active SC in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your experience with Java, AWS, and microservices in your application. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your technical expertise!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role. Mention how your past experiences relate to the key responsibilities listed in the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background to what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We appreciate applications that are easy to read and get straight to the heart of your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised on our end.
How to prepare for a job interview at Amber Labs
✨Know Your Java Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Java skills, especially versions 11, 17, and 21. Be ready to discuss your experience with the Spring Boot framework and how you've applied it in previous projects. This will show that you're not just familiar with the language but can also lead a team effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led development teams in agile environments. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you guided your team through them. Highlight your mentoring experiences and how you've promoted best practices among your peers.
✨Familiarise Yourself with AWS and CI/CD
Since this role involves AWS and CI/CD pipelines, make sure you can talk confidently about your experience with these technologies. If you've worked with Infrastructure-as-Code tools like Terraform or GitLab CI, be ready to share how you've implemented them in past projects.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication
Amber Labs values collaboration, so be prepared to discuss how you've worked across teams to deliver complex projects. Share examples of how you've communicated technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and how you’ve fostered a collaborative environment within your team.
