Senior Software Engineer II (Java/ Spring)

Senior Software Engineer II (Java/ Spring)

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Elsevier

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Build scalable, high-performance data-driven applications with cutting-edge technologies.
  • Company: Join Elsevier, a global leader in information and analytics, committed to inclusivity.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, generous vacation, and comprehensive wellness initiatives.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent career growth opportunities and a focus on well-being.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on scientific discovery while advancing your career.
  • Qualifications: Strong Java and Spring Boot skills, with experience in cloud-native architectures.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

This job is with Elsevier, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.

Are you passionate about building scalable, high-performance data-driven applications? Do you enjoy turning complex datasets into robust, reliable systems that deliver real business impact?

About the team: The Search and AI Platform is Elsevier's agentic data platform, which powers products such as LeapSpace, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Clinical Key, Reaxys, and our next-generation AI powered search systems. The platform uses agentic services to interrogate our rich knowledge graphs, search and recommendation systems, and our unparalleled collection of research data to deliver insights to the scientific community so they can collaborate more effectively, work smarter, and deliver quality research more quickly.

We're looking for an innovative, passionate Senior Software Engineer II to work as part of the teams building and enhancing our platform to deliver intelligent, scalable solutions that create real value for our clients.

About the role: The Shared Graph Team is a core part of Elsevier's Search and AI Platform. This team builds structured queries based on relationships and entity metadata hydration, enabling advanced traversal, discovery, and recommendation systems. As a Senior Software Engineer II, you will work with a passionate team that delivers scalable, reliable, and innovative solutions that accelerate scientific discovery.

Key responsibilities:

  • Design and implement graph-based search services.
  • Develop applications using Java, Spring Boot, Spring, GraphQL, and GraphQL Federation.
  • Integrate with databases, web services, or AWS services (Neo4j, DynamoDB, RDS, S3, Parameter Store, SQS, SNS, Kinesis) to support ingestion, storage, and messaging pipelines.
  • Champion clean code, SOLID principles, and engineering best practices, setting standards and mentoring engineers.
  • Collaborate with product managers and engineering teams to deliver advanced search and recommendation features.
  • Ensure robust monitoring and logging with New Relic and Coralogix, driving reliability and performance.

Requirements:

  • Proven track record building scalable backend systems and APIs.
  • Strong expertise in Java and the Spring Boot ecosystem.
  • Hands-on experience with GraphQL API and REST API design.
  • Solid background in cloud-native architectures with AWS and Kubernetes (EKS).
  • An advocate of best practices for rapid development of quality software, including SOLID principles, clean code, architectural design patterns, CI/CD.
  • Familiarity with Agile, Kanban, or other iterative development methodologies.
  • Comfortable learning new technologies, languages, and tools on the job, to ensure that the product is not left behind in a rapidly evolving ecosystem.
  • An inclusive, positive, collaborative mindset and a desire to deliver real business value to our customers.

Nice to have:

  • Experience with Apollo Router or advanced GraphQL federation strategies.
  • Background in data modelling for graph-based systems.
  • Familiarity with search platforms or AI-driven discovery systems.
  • Experience working in high-throughput, distributed systems.

Why join us?

Join our team and contribute to a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence. If you are ready to advance your career and make a significant impact, we encourage you to apply.

Work in a way that works for you:

We promote a healthy work/life balance across the organization. We offer an appealing working prospect for our people. With numerous wellbeing initiatives and shared parental leave, we will help you meet your immediate responsibilities and your long-term goals. Working flexible hours - flexing the times when you work in the day to help you fit everything in and work when you are the most productive.

Working for you:

We know that your well-being and happiness are key to a long and successful career. These are some of the benefits we are delighted to offer:

  • Comprehensive Pension Plan
  • Generous vacation entitlement and option for sabbatical leave
  • Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, and Family Care leave
  • Flexible working hours
  • Personal Choice budget
  • Internal communities and networks
  • Various employee discounts
  • Recruitment introduction reward
  • Employee Assistance Program (global)

About the business:

A global leader in information and analytics, we help researchers and healthcare professionals advance science and improve health outcomes for the benefit of society. Building on our publishing heritage, we combine quality information and vast data sets with analytics to support visionary science and research, health education, and interactive learning, as well as exceptional healthcare and clinical practice. At Elsevier, your work contributes to the world's grand challenges and a more sustainable future. We harness innovative technologies to support science and healthcare to partner for a better world.

If performed in NLD Amsterdam (Radarweg), the base pay range is €100,400 - €167,300. This job may be subject to a collective labor agreement in the Netherlands. Please consult with the hiring team for further details.

We know your well-being and happiness are key to a long and successful career. We are delighted to offer country specific benefits. We are committed to providing a fair and accessible hiring process. If you have a disability or other need that requires accommodation or adjustment, please let us know by completing our Applicant Request Support Form or please contact 1-855-833-5120.

Criminals may pose as recruiters asking for money or personal information. We never request money or banking details from job applicants. Learn more about spotting and avoiding scams here. Please read our Candidate Privacy Policy. We are an equal opportunity employer: qualified applicants are considered for and treated during employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship status, disability status, protected veteran status, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Senior Software Engineer II (Java/ Spring) employer: Elsevier

Elsevier is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity, making it an ideal place for Senior Software Engineers II to thrive. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, the company offers flexible working hours, generous vacation entitlements, and comprehensive benefits, ensuring a healthy work/life balance. Located in Amsterdam, employees have access to a vibrant city known for its rich culture and progressive values, while contributing to meaningful projects that advance science and healthcare.

Elsevier

Contact Details:

Elsevier Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Software Engineer II (Java/ Spring)

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Elsevier on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your Java and Spring skills. Make sure you can talk about your past projects and how they relate to building scalable systems. We want to see your passion shine through!

Tip Number 3

Show off your problem-solving skills during the interview. Be ready to tackle some coding challenges or system design questions. Think out loud so we can see your thought process in action!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows that you’re genuinely interested in the role and the team at Elsevier.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Software Engineer II (Java/ Spring)

Java
Spring Boot
GraphQL
REST API design
AWS
Kubernetes (EKS)
Clean Code

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Software Engineer II role. Highlight your experience with Java, Spring Boot, and any relevant projects that showcase your skills in building scalable systems. We want to see how you can bring real business impact!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background aligns with our mission at Elsevier. Don’t forget to mention your experience with cloud-native architectures and any innovative solutions you've implemented.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, be sure to include examples of how you've tackled complex problems in past projects. We love seeing candidates who can turn challenges into opportunities, especially when it comes to data-driven applications and advanced search systems.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right team. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining us!

How to prepare for a job interview at Elsevier

Know Your Tech Stack

Make sure you’re well-versed in Java, Spring Boot, and GraphQL. Brush up on your knowledge of AWS services like DynamoDB and S3, as well as the principles of clean code and SOLID practices. Being able to discuss these technologies confidently will show that you're ready to hit the ground running.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've built scalable backend systems or APIs. Think about challenges you faced and how you overcame them, especially in high-throughput environments. This will demonstrate your ability to deliver real business impact, which is key for the role.

Understand the Company’s Mission

Familiarise yourself with Elsevier's products and their impact on the scientific community. Be ready to discuss how your work can contribute to their goals, particularly in enhancing search and recommendation features. Showing genuine interest in their mission can set you apart from other candidates.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the technologies they use, and their approach to innovation. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values. Remember, interviews are a two-way street!