At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and build of a secure metadata catalogue platform for a UK public sector client.
- Company: Join gravity9, a forward-thinking tech company focused on innovative solutions.
- Benefits: Flexible remote work, competitive pay, and a chance to shape impactful projects.
- Other info: 15-week contract with excellent opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of technology, making a real difference in data governance.
- Qualifications: Strong Java skills and experience in architectural design required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
gravity9 is seeking a Technical Lead / Solution Architect to lead the design and build of a secure metadata catalogue platform for a UK public sector client. The platform will serve as a centralised index for discovering, governing, and controlling access to data distributed across multiple independent domains — enabling authorised parties to locate and retrieve data without the catalogue itself holding or having visibility of the underlying data.
This is a greenfield build requiring strong architectural judgment, hands‑on delivery capability, and the ability to work within a multi‑vendor environment where the catalogue integrates with separate data storage and encryption services provided by other technology partners.
Duration: 15 weeks
Commitment: Half‑time for the first 4 weeks (design phase); full‑time for the remaining 11 weeks (build and integration)
Working model: Mostly remote with periodic onsite attendance
Security clearance: BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) required
Residency: UK resident required
Technical Scope: The contractor will be responsible for leading the design and delivery of the API layer and application logic. A dedicated database consulting engineer will handle MongoDB cluster configuration, schema design, indexing, and performance tuning — the contractor will collaborate closely with them but will own the application‑layer delivery.
- Architecture & Design (Weeks 1–4, half‑time):
- Design the Attribute‑Based Access Control (ABAC) model, including policy attributes (clearance level, nationality, group/role, context), enforcement points, and decision logic
- Design the RESTful API architecture, including endpoint structure, request/response contracts, and error handling patterns
- Map out query patterns, access flows, and integration touchpoints with external systems (data storage and encryption services provided by partner organisations)
- Collaborate with the database consulting engineer on schema design, search strategy, and encryption approach to ensure the API layer aligns with the underlying data model
- Contribute to Infrastructure as Code design for deployment (Terraform or similar)
- Build & Implementation (Weeks 5–15, full‑time):
- Build a RESTful API layer in Java implementing full catalogue functionality: CRUD operations for metadata records, advanced search capability leveraging Atlas Search, ABAC enforcement on all API operations, ensuring search results and data retrieval are filtered by the requestor’s access attributes
- Secure storage and retrieval of encrypted key material (shard keys) via CS‑FLE
- Implement unit tests to validate functional correctness
- Build automated data load and stress testing harnesses for the combined API and cluster deployment
- Perform integration testing against external partner systems (or appropriate stand‑ins) to validate end‑to‑end data creation and retrieval flows
- Produce API documentation and integration guides for consuming systems
Support knowledge transfer and training for client personnel.
Lead Java Developer/Solution Architect (15-week contract) in London employer: gravity9
gravity9 is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a focus on meaningful projects for the public sector, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a significant impact in the field of data governance. The company's commitment to a supportive culture and cutting-edge technology makes it an attractive place for talented individuals seeking rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Java Developer/Solution Architect (15-week contract) in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with folks in the industry! Attend meetups, webinars, or even just grab a coffee with someone who’s already in the game. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be when it comes to landing that dream role.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Don’t just talk about your experience; show it! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects, especially those related to Java development and architecture. We want to see what you can do, so make it easy for potential employers to check out your work.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for those interviews like it’s a big exam! Research common questions for Technical Leads and Solution Architects, and practice your answers. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable with the format.
✨Apply Through Our Website
When you find a role that fits, don’t hesitate to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Java Developer/Solution Architect (15-week contract) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Java Developer/Solution Architect role. Highlight your experience with API design, metadata catalogues, and any relevant projects that showcase your architectural judgement and hands-on delivery skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this contract. Mention your experience in multi-vendor environments and how you've successfully led similar projects in the past. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your technical skills relevant to the job description, like your expertise in Java, RESTful APIs, and database management. We want to see how you can contribute to building a secure metadata catalogue platform.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at gravity9
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in Java and RESTful API design. Brush up on your knowledge of Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC) models and how they apply to secure data access. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re the right fit for leading the design and build of the platform.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with a database consulting engineer and other technology partners, be prepared to discuss your experience in multi-vendor environments. Share examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated on projects, especially in terms of integrating different systems and ensuring smooth communication.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges, like designing the API layer or managing security clearance requirements. Think through potential scenarios beforehand and be ready to explain your thought process and decision-making strategies clearly.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to tackle technical problems on the spot. You might be asked to solve a coding challenge or discuss how you would approach a particular architectural issue. Practising common coding problems and architectural design questions can help you feel more confident during the interview.
