Principal Backend Developer (Java) in Glasgow

Principal Backend Developer (Java) in Glasgow

Glasgow Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Capco

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design of secure, scalable backend systems using Java and Spring Boot.
  • Company: Join Capco, a forward-thinking tech consultancy shaping digital financial services.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive benefits package, including health insurance and flexible holiday options.
  • Other info: Access continuous learning opportunities and a supportive, inclusive work culture.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on global financial platforms while mentoring future tech leaders.
  • Qualifications: Expertise in Java, Spring Boot, and cloud solutions with strong leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Location: Glasgow (Hybrid) | Practice Area: Technology & Engineering | Type: Permanent

Architect the next generation of financial platforms. Lead with Java expertise. Deliver impact at scale.

The Role

We’re looking for a Principal Backend Engineer (Java) to join our Technology & Engineering team. This leadership-level role calls for deep technical acumen, a security-first mindset, and strong coaching capabilities. You’ll architect cloud-native backend systems, shape our engineering standards, and mentor teams to deliver high-performance platforms for global financial clients. This role will sit in our Scotland office, with a need to potentially work in either Glasgow or Edinburgh depending on client expectations.

What You’ll Do

  • Lead the design and development of secure, scalable backend systems using Java 11+ and Spring Boot
  • Architect distributed microservices and event-driven systems deployed to public cloud (preferably AWS)
  • Guide technical decision-making across teams and align solutions to enterprise strategies
  • Champion engineering excellence, continuous improvement, and a test-first culture
  • Coach developers, shape delivery processes, and influence broader engineering practices across Capco

What We’re Looking For

  • Expertise in Java 11/17+, Spring Boot, and AWS-based enterprise cloud solutions
  • Proven track record architecting secure, scalable services using microservices and CQRS patterns
  • Strong experience in CI/CD pipelines, SQL/NoSQL, Kafka, CloudFormation, and streaming frameworks
  • Advanced understanding of system security protocols (e.g., OAuth, IAM, TLS, encryption)
  • Leadership capability to manage and mentor teams while driving technology strategy

Bonus Points For

  • Contributions to thought leadership, mentoring, or RFPs within consultancy or tech environments
  • Hands-on experience with GitLab CI/CD, Cucumber, and Behaviour Driven Design
  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect (Associate or Professional)
  • History of delivering large-scale customer-facing applications
  • Passion for experimenting with new tools and approaches within backend engineering

Why Join Capco

  • Deliver high-impact technology solutions for Tier 1 financial institutions
  • Work in a collaborative, flat, and entrepreneurial consulting culture
  • Access continuous learning, training, and industry certifications
  • Be part of a team shaping the future of digital financial services
  • Help shape the future of digital transformation across FS & Energy.

We offer a competitive, people-first benefits package designed to support every aspect of your life:

  • Core Benefits: Discretionary bonus, competitive pension, health insurance, life insurance and critical illness cover.
  • Mental Health: Easy access to CareFirst, Unmind, Aviva consultations, and in-house first aiders.
  • Family-Friendly: Maternity, adoption, shared parental leave, plus paid leave for sickness, pregnancy loss, fertility treatment, menopause, and bereavement.
  • Family Care: 8 complimentary backup care sessions for emergency childcare or elder care.
  • Holiday Flexibility: 5 weeks of annual leave with the option to buy or sell holiday days based on your needs.
  • Continuous Learning: Your growth, your way - minimum 40 hours of training annually. Take your pick; workshops, certifications, e-learning. Also, Business Coach assigned from Day One: Get one-on-one guidance to fast-track your goals and accelerate your development.
  • Extra Perks: Gympass(Wellhub), travel insurance, Tastecard, season ticket loans, Cycle to Work, and dental insurance.

Inclusion at Capco

We’re committed to making our recruitment process accessible and straightforward for everyone. If you need any adjustments at any stage, just let us know – we’ll be happy to help. We value each person’s unique perspective and contribution. At Capco, we believe that being yourself is your greatest strength. Our #BeYourselfAtWork culture encourages individuality and collaboration – a mindset that shapes how we work with clients and each other every day.

Principal Backend Developer (Java) in Glasgow employer: Capco

Capco is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and entrepreneurial culture, making it an ideal place for a Principal Backend Developer (Java) to thrive. With a strong focus on continuous learning and professional growth, employees benefit from a comprehensive training programme, competitive benefits, and a supportive environment that values individuality and inclusivity. Located in Glasgow, the role offers the unique opportunity to shape the future of digital financial services while working with leading global clients.

Capco

Contact Details:

Capco Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Backend Developer (Java) in Glasgow

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech industry, especially those who work at Capco or similar firms. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals that could give you a leg up.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your Java projects, microservices architecture, and any cloud solutions you've built. This hands-on evidence of your expertise can really impress during interviews.

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Get ready for technical interviews by brushing up on your Java knowledge, Spring Boot, and system security protocols. Mock interviews with friends or using online platforms can help you feel more confident.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Capco. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Backend Developer (Java) in Glasgow

Java 11/17+
Spring Boot
AWS
Microservices Architecture
CQRS Patterns
CI/CD Pipelines
SQL/NoSQL

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Principal Backend Engineer role. Highlight your Java expertise, cloud-native architecture experience, and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how you can deliver impact at scale!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about backend engineering and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention your coaching capabilities and security-first mindset!

Showcase Your Projects:If you've worked on relevant projects, make sure to include them in your application. Whether it's microservices, CI/CD pipelines, or cloud solutions, we love seeing real-world examples of your work. This helps us understand your hands-on experience better!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our culture and values!

How to prepare for a job interview at Capco

Know Your Java Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on your Java 11/17+ skills, especially with Spring Boot. Be ready to discuss your experience architecting secure and scalable backend systems, as well as any microservices you've built. They’ll want to see your technical depth, so prepare some examples that showcase your expertise.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

This role is all about leading teams and influencing engineering practices. Think of specific instances where you've coached developers or shaped delivery processes. Be prepared to share how you’ve driven technology strategy in previous roles, as they’ll be looking for strong leadership capabilities.

Understand the Cloud Landscape

Familiarise yourself with AWS and cloud-native architectures. Be ready to discuss your experience with CI/CD pipelines, SQL/NoSQL databases, and any streaming frameworks like Kafka. They’ll want to know how you’ve implemented these technologies in past projects, so have some solid examples at hand.

Emphasise Security Protocols

Given the focus on security, make sure you can talk about system security protocols like OAuth, IAM, and encryption. Prepare to explain how you’ve integrated these into your backend systems. This will show that you have a security-first mindset, which is crucial for this role.