At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop secure software solutions using Java and SQL for critical UK services.
- Company: Join a specialised tech team focused on law enforcement and government projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to work on impactful projects.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for travel and client engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public safety while growing your software engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in Java and SQL, with a passion for secure software development.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Location: Birmingham (Hybrid)
Employment Type: Full-time, permanent
Clearance: Must be a British national able to attain DV (Developed Vetting) security clearance
Are you a recent Junior Software Engineer with a passion for Java development and a keen interest in building secure software solutions for critical UK services? This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly specialised software team delivering innovative, bespoke systems to law‑enforcement and government customers.
The Role
As a Software Engineer, you'll work within a small, close‑knit team responsible for designing, developing and supporting custom‑built software products. You'll be involved throughout the full project lifecycle - from gathering requirements and writing clean, efficient code to testing, deployment and client support. This role offers exceptional exposure to secure software environments, hands‑on development experience, and the opportunity to work directly with end‑users across the UK and abroad.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, build, and maintain bespoke software solutions using Java and SQL
- Work across the full software development lifecycle, from concept to delivery
- Collaborate with policing and government clients to define and deliver solutions
- Develop and maintain high‑volume, low‑latency applications ensuring strong performance
- Test and debug software to ensure reliability and maintainability
- Support and enhance existing applications and systems
- Research and present new technologies for continuous improvement
- Travel to customer sites for meetings, deployments, and support activities
Core Technologies
Essential Skills:
- Java (commercial experience required)
- SQL
- Linux (preferably Red Hat / Rocky)
Desirable Skills:
- J2EE, JPA, GWT / GXT, Vaadin
- Knowledge of secure software development practices
- Interest in full stack or web application development
About You
As this role supports sensitive national projects, you must be a British national able to achieve DV clearance, and hold a full UK driving licence.
Why Apply?
- Opportunity to contribute to real‑world projects in the public safety and security domain
- Work within a small, technically skilled team with clear ownership of projects
- Exposure to both backend and frontend Java technologies
- Direct engagement with customers across the UK and internationally
- Ongoing professional development and the chance to build a long‑term career in secure software engineering
If you're ready to start your software development career working on meaningful, high‑impact projects, click apply now to join a team that builds technology solutions making a real difference.
Software Engineer in Birmingham employer: Applause IT Recruitment Ltd
Applause IT Recruitment Ltd is an excellent employer for Java Developers, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment in Altrincham, Greater Manchester. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company provides structured career progression, ongoing training, and the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
Applause IT Recruitment Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Engineer in Birmingham
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Applause IT Recruitment Ltd or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Applause IT Recruitment Ltd.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Applause IT Recruitment Ltd.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Applause IT Recruitment Ltd that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Software Engineer in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Applause IT Recruitment Ltd.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Applause IT Recruitment Ltd and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Applause IT Recruitment Ltd
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Applause IT Recruitment Ltd uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
