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- Tasks: Lead a Scrum team, code 80% of the time, and mentor fellow engineers.
- Company: Established tech company focused on modern platforms and Agile practices.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, excellent benefits, and remote-first work.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while coding and influencing engineering standards.
- Qualifications: Deep Java experience, mentoring skills, and Agile team experience.
- Other info: Enjoy a collaborative culture with opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 85000 £ per year.
Lead Java Engineer (Hands-On) 80% Coding Technical Leadership Modern Platform Remote First (office visit once a month) - You must live within 1 hr 30 of South Manchester
70,000 - 85,000 + Bonus + Excellent Benefits
My client is not able to provide Visa sponsorship. We're working with a long-established tech company who are building modern platforms within a complex and meaningful domain. They’ve embedded Agile and XP practices across engineering, and they’re now hiring a hands-on Principal Java Engineer to help lead delivery, raise standards, and support the growth of their teams. This is not an "architect who doesn’t code" role. The expectation is that you’ll be around 80% hands-on, building software alongside the team.
The Opportunity
- You’ll work as part of a Scrum team delivering real product outcomes, while also contributing to the broader engineering direction.
- The hands-off element of the role includes:
- helping lead Scrum ceremonies and delivery
- mentoring and coaching engineers
- collaborating with other Principals and the Development Manager
- contributing to architectural decisions and technical direction
It’s a role for someone who still loves coding, but also enjoys influencing how teams work and how systems evolve.
Tech Stack & Practices
- Java, Spring Boot
- TDD, pairing, strong automated testing culture
- CI/CD, continuous delivery mindset
- AWS (with a mix of approaches including serverless)
- Docker, Kubernetes
- Terraform / DevOps tooling
AWS and DevOps exposure is very beneficial at Principal level - but they’re not looking for a pure DevOps engineer. The core of the role is still Java engineering.
What They’re Looking For
- Deep, hands-on Java experience with strong engineering judgement
- Proven ability to influence standards and mentor engineers
- Comfortable balancing delivery with technical leadership
- Strong understanding of building maintainable, scalable systems
- Experience working in Agile teams with modern practices
- Bonus points for AWS, containerisation, IaC, etc.
What’s In It For You?
- Remote-first working with minimal office travel
- Clear scope: still hands-on, but with meaningful technical influence
- Strong salary, bonus and excellent benefits
- A collaborative, mature engineering culture
- Complex systems, long-term platform work, and real impact
Interested? Apply now or get in touch for a confidential conversation. Even if you’re not actively looking, it’s a great time to explore what they’re building.
Cathcart Technology is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
Lead Software Engineer - one day a month on-site employer: Cathcart Technology
Contact Detail:
Cathcart Technology Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Software Engineer - one day a month on-site
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech industry, especially those who work at companies you're interested in. A friendly chat can lead to referrals and insider info that could give you the edge.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your coding skills. Since this role is hands-on, be ready to showcase your Java expertise through coding challenges or live coding sessions. Practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a good follow-up! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Check out our website for more opportunities! We’re always updating our listings, and applying directly through us can sometimes give you a better chance at landing that dream job. Let’s get you hired!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Software Engineer - one day a month on-site
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Lead Java Engineer role. Highlight your hands-on coding experience and any leadership roles you've had, as we want to see how you can influence our teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about coding and how you can contribute to our modern platform. Don’t forget to mention your experience with Agile practices and mentoring.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: We’re looking for deep Java expertise, so make sure to include specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your technical prowess. If you’ve worked with AWS, Docker, or CI/CD, let us know!
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 don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cathcart Technology
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re well-versed in Java, Spring Boot, and the other technologies mentioned in the job description. Brush up on your knowledge of TDD, CI/CD, and AWS, as these are crucial for the role. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience with these tools will show that you’re not just a leader but also a coder who can contribute directly.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've influenced engineering standards and mentored other engineers in previous roles. Think about specific situations where you led Scrum ceremonies or contributed to architectural decisions. This will demonstrate your ability to balance technical leadership with hands-on coding.
✨Emphasise Agile Experience
Since the company values Agile practices, be ready to discuss your experience working in Agile teams. Share how you’ve implemented modern practices like pairing and automated testing. Highlighting your familiarity with these methodologies will align you with their culture and expectations.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the tech stack, and the company's approach to software development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage in a meaningful conversation with your interviewers.