At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop secure Java applications for critical national security operations.
- Company: Join a leading organisation in the UK's National Security sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, collaborative culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with small teams and broad technical exposure.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in Java development and building scalable systems is essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
This organisation delivers secure software, data and operational capabilities into some of the UK's most sensitive National Security and Defence environments. Their engineering teams build the platforms, services and applications that enable users to process, exploit and act upon complex information in high-side environments. The work sits at the intersection of software engineering, secure delivery, data exploitation and operational mission support.
For engineers already working within the cleared community, one of the biggest attractions is the environment itself. Teams are deliberately kept small, creating opportunities to contribute beyond pure development and gain exposure across architecture, design, delivery and customer challenges. Engineers are trusted to influence technical decisions, work closely with experienced specialists and see the direct impact of the systems they build.
If you're looking for broader ownership, modern engineering practices and the opportunity to work across multiple mission-focused programmes rather than a single long-running delivery stream, this offers a genuinely interesting move.
Joining a multidisciplinary engineering team, you'll design, develop and maintain secure Java-based services and applications supporting operational and mission-critical environments. You'll work on scalable backend systems, distributed applications and modern microservices architectures, helping to deliver resilient software capable of processing large volumes of information securely and efficiently. The role combines backend engineering, secure software development and integration with wider data and analytics platforms, providing exposure to a range of operational and technical challenges.
Responsibilities include:
- Designing and developing secure Java backend services and applications
- Building scalable microservices and RESTful APIs
- Developing distributed systems capable of processing large-scale data workloads
- Integrating applications with data platforms, streaming services and analytics pipelines
- Applying secure coding practices throughout the development lifecycle
- Contributing to architecture discussions, technical design and code reviews
- Supporting automated testing, CI/CD and continuous improvement activities
- Implementing monitoring, logging and observability capabilities for production systems
Technology Environment:
You’ll work across technologies including:
- Java 11+
- Spring Boot / Spring Framework
- REST APIs
- Microservices architectures
- Docker
- Kubernetes
- CI/CD pipelines
- Automated testing frameworks
- Observability and monitoring tooling
The wider environment includes secure cloud platforms, modernisation programmes, data-intensive systems and operational software supporting mission-focused outcomes.
What We're Looking For:
We’re interested in adaptable engineers who enjoy solving complex technical problems and working across different aspects of software delivery. You’ll likely bring:
- Strong experience developing Java backend applications
- Experience building scalable distributed systems and microservices
- Good understanding of object-oriented design and software architecture
- Experience delivering secure, reliable and high-performing applications
- Familiarity with DevSecOps practices and modern engineering environments
- The ability to collaborate effectively with engineers, architects and stakeholders
- Strong communication skills and a willingness to contribute beyond your immediate technical area
- Experience within Defence, National Security or other secure environments would be beneficial, although engineers from similarly complex and highly regulated domains are also encouraged to apply.
Why Join?
This role offers the opportunity to work on systems that directly support operational outcomes across the UK National Security community. You’ll be part of an engineering-led culture where technical quality matters, collaboration is valued and engineers are given the autonomy to make meaningful contributions. Teams work closely together, knowledge is shared openly and individuals are encouraged to broaden their technical exposure across projects and technologies.
For engineers who enjoy solving difficult problems, working alongside experienced colleagues and building software that operates in genuinely challenging environments, this is an opportunity to make a tangible impact.
Security Requirements:
Due to the nature of the work, applicants must hold current Enhanced DV clearance.
Java Developer employer: Forward Role
This organisation is an exceptional employer for Java Developers, offering a unique opportunity to work in a secure and collaborative environment that directly supports the UK's National Security and Defence sectors. With a strong focus on engineering excellence, employees benefit from small team dynamics that foster broad ownership, technical influence, and exposure to diverse challenges across multiple mission-focused programmes. The culture prioritises collaboration, continuous learning, and meaningful contributions, making it an ideal place for engineers looking to make a significant impact in their field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Java Developer
✨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 Forward Role 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 Forward Role.
✨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 Forward Role.
✨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 Forward Role 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 Java Developer
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 Forward Role.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Forward Role 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 Forward Role
✨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 Forward Role 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.
