Principal Backend Developer (Java)

Principal Backend Developer (Java)

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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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 competitive pay, flexible holidays, mental health support, and continuous learning opportunities.
  • Other info: Be part of a collaborative culture that values individuality and growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on high-performance platforms for global financial clients.
  • Qualifications: Expertise in Java, Spring Boot, and cloud solutions with strong leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Location: Edinburgh (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) employer: Capco

Capco is an excellent employer for those looking to make a significant impact in the banking sector, particularly in London where innovation meets tradition. With a strong focus on employee growth through professional training and a supportive work culture that values collaboration and stakeholder engagement, Capco ensures that its team members are well-equipped to lead transformative projects. The hybrid working model further enhances work-life balance, making it an attractive place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.

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Contact Details:

Capco Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

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

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! Create a portfolio showcasing your Java projects, microservices architecture, and any cloud solutions you've built. This is your chance to demonstrate your expertise and passion for backend development.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership skills. Be ready to discuss how you've mentored teams and driven technology strategies in the past. We want to see your coaching capabilities shine!

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to the future of digital financial services.

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

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 highlights your Java expertise and experience with cloud-native backend systems. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!

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 you can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a leadership role, highlight any mentoring or coaching experiences you’ve had. We’re looking for someone who can guide teams and influence engineering practices, so make that clear in your application.

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’s super easy!

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 designed. The more specific examples you can provide, the better!

Show Off Your Leadership Skills

This role is all about leading teams and influencing engineering practices. Prepare to share instances where you've coached developers or shaped delivery processes. Highlight your leadership style and how it aligns with fostering a test-first culture.

Get Familiar with Cloud Solutions

Since the job involves AWS-based enterprise cloud solutions, make sure you understand the key components of cloud-native architectures. Brush up on your knowledge of CI/CD pipelines, SQL/NoSQL databases, and security protocols like OAuth and IAM.

Be Ready for Technical Decision-Making

Expect questions that assess your ability to guide technical decisions across teams. Think about how you've aligned solutions to enterprise strategies in the past and be prepared to discuss your thought process during those times.