At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop scalable backend systems that power innovative fintech products.
- Company: Join ARQ, a fast-growing fintech redefining global money interaction.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, stock options, paid leave, and relocation support to London.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for rapid personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial inclusion while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in Java backend development and a degree in a relevant field.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
ARQ is one of the fastest-growing fintechs in the world. Our mission is to redefine how people interact with money across borders, building the infrastructure to move value seamlessly. We’re still early in our journey, which means every person who joins shapes the future of our product, culture, and growth. If you’re excited by big challenges, global impact, and the chance to grow fast with a world‑class team, ARQ is the place to do it.
As a Backend Engineer, you’ll design, develop, and maintain scalable, secure, and high‑performing backend systems that power our innovative products. You’ll collaborate with a talented team to create solutions that drive financial inclusion and transform the way people manage their money.
The work will focus on greenfield development and improvement of existing systems. Projects will include building REST APIs, engineering microservices and evolving a number of systems that our business depends on (e.g. card payments, treasury management, transactions booking, crypto liquidity). Our technology stack is based predominantly on Java 25 on the backend with Postgres database. We rely on Spring Boot for quick and quality delivery. We have a pragmatic approach to develop our business logic, focusing on clean code, with emphasis on maintainability and fast turnaround with TDD, DDD and continuous integration & delivery.
What you'll need:
- Demonstrable experience in Backend development, with fluency in Java
- Bachelor's Degree (or above) in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or other Engineering / Science disciplines
- Quick learner with an ambitious and results driven personality, with excellent communication skills (English fluency, verbal and written)
- Track record of building complex products that millions of people use in hypergrowth startups
Benefits:
- Competitive salary
- Sign‑on stock options bonus, so you become part of the success of the company
- Discretionary performance bonus (stock options)
- Paid annual leave
- Own the development process that will face on the customer's impact
- Latest technology to work with
- Strong team that will help you improve your skills
Relocation to London:
- From outside of UK -> London: Relocation: 4,900 GBP (Inclusive of 30 day accommodation, misc.) + Flight employee only cost Visa: Cost Covered for Employee + Dependents Covered
- Within the UK -> London: Relocation: No relocation package Visa: Cost Covered for Employee + Dependents Covered
Software Engineer (Java Backend) in London employer: Castleisland
ARQ is an exceptional employer for Software Engineers, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation meets impact. With competitive salaries, stock options, and a strong focus on employee growth through collaboration and cutting-edge technology, ARQ empowers its team to shape the future of fintech while enjoying a supportive culture that values creativity and ambition.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Engineer (Java Backend) in London
✨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 Castleisland 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 Castleisland.
✨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 Castleisland.
✨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 Castleisland 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 (Java Backend) in London
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 Castleisland.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Castleisland 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 Castleisland
✨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 Castleisland 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.
