At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build Java applications while embracing DevOps and AI technologies.
- Company: Join a top employer with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 25+ days holiday, and a vibrant workplace culture.
- Other info: Participate in fun social activities and community projects while developing your skills.
- Why this job: Make an impact on enterprise-scale projects and grow your career in tech.
- Qualifications: Proficient in Java, APIs, and DevOps practices; AI experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are looking for an Intermediate Java Developer to join our engineering team. This role is suited to a proficient engineer who can deliver high-quality software, take ownership of features, and contribute to continuous improvement within their squad. You will work across Java development, DevOps practices, and emerging AI-driven approaches to support CDL's products and platforms.
Why Join CDL
- Opportunity to work on enterprise‐scale, cloud‐native platforms
- Strong focus on engineering quality, automation, and modern practices
- Growing adoption of AI‐supported development approaches
- Clear and transparent career progression framework
- Collaborative environment across squads and technology communities
What You'll Do
- Design, build, and maintain Java‐based applications and services
- Deliver well‐tested, secure and scalable solutions aligned to CDL standards
- Take ownership of features or components end‐to‐end
- Contribute to solution design and technical decisions
- Support and improve CI/CD pipelines and deployment processes
- Collaborate with Product and Platform teams
- Participate in team ceremonies and squad delivery
- Contribute to continuous improvement and adoption of AI tools
About You
Essential
- Strong Java enterprise development experience
- Experience with APIs and microservices
- Understanding of software engineering principles and best practices
- Exposure to DevOps / CI‐CD pipelines
- Experience working in an AI development environment
Desirable
- Experience with AWS (compute, networking, or serverless services)
- Cloud‐native development and distributed systems
- Docker / Kubernetes
- Infrastructure as Code
- Experience with AI‐assisted development tools
- Awareness of secure coding practices, application security, and cloud security principles
What We're Looking For
- Ability to deliver independently and take ownership
- A collaborative team player who contributes positively to squad outcomes
- Strong problem‐solving skills and attention to detail
- Commitment to quality, continuous improvement, and learning
- Interest in modern engineering practices (DevOps & AI)
Level Expectations (Engineer 3)
- Delivers independently with minimal supervision
- Owns features or components within the squad
- Contributes to technical improvements and best practices
- Supports and collaborates with other engineers
What You'll Get
The salary for the role of Intermediate Software Engineer pays up to £45,000 per annum, providing a fantastic opportunity for career progression through CDL's clearly defined career framework.
Benefits
- Hybrid Working (2 days a week in the office – SK4 2HD)
- Flexible working
- 25 days holiday to start, increasing by 1 day per year of service up to 30 days
- Top employer for 10 consecutive years
- Excellent training and development platform
- Opportunities for career progression
- Health and Wellbeing Programme
- Life and health assurance
- Electric Vehicle Scheme
- Established Recognition Award System
- Parental benefits
- Diversity and Inclusion network
- Pension scheme
- Community projects and volunteer days
- Referral bonus
- On‐site free parking
- Open plan modern offices
- Quiet spaces available
- Shuttle bus to and from the station
- Subsidised restaurant
- Games room, pool and table‐tennis tables, and chill out zone
- Annual Hackathon & Deep Racer Events
- Regular social activities (summer BBQ, competitions, bowling, go‐karting, football games, winter party)
- Car wash, barber, yoga classes, boot camp and massage services on site
- Cycle to work scheme
- Shower and dry rooms
Diversity and Inclusion
CDL recognises that building a diverse workforce is critical to the success of our business. We strongly encourage applications from a diverse talent pool and welcome the opportunity to discuss flexibility requirements and workplace adjustments with all applicants.
Intermediate Software Engineer – Java, DevOps & AI in Cheadle Hulme employer: CDL Group
CDL is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment for Intermediate Software Engineers in the North West UK. With a strong focus on engineering quality, modern practices, and AI-driven development, employees benefit from a clear career progression framework, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive health and wellbeing programme. The company fosters a culture of continuous improvement and inclusivity, making it an attractive place for talented individuals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Intermediate Software Engineer – Java, DevOps & AI in Cheadle Hulme
✨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 CDL Group 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 CDL Group.
✨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 CDL Group.
✨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 CDL Group 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 Intermediate Software Engineer – Java, DevOps & AI in Cheadle Hulme
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 CDL Group.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at CDL Group 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 CDL Group
✨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 CDL Group 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.
