At a Glance
- Tasks: Build core backend services in Java for data governance and query manipulation.
- Company: Innovative tech firm focused on cutting-edge data platforms.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on performance and reliability.
- Why this job: Join a team shaping the future of data access with impactful backend engineering.
- Qualifications: Strong Java experience and understanding of SQL parsing and optimization.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: London (Hybrid)
Employment: Permanent
Salary: £70,000 – £90,000 base (dependent on experience)
If your idea of backend engineering is more than CRUD APIs and microservices boilerplate — this role is for you. We’re building the core backend services of a Data Fabric platform that governs data access, entitlements, and query policy enforcement across distributed enterprise data systems. This is platform engineering: deterministic rule engines, SQL planning/interception, and high-throughput services that sit on the critical path of data access. This is deep backend + data infrastructure work.
What You’ll Do
- Build core backend services in Java (17/21) for access control and query manipulation
- Implement deterministic policy / rule engines for data governance
- Work on SQL parsing, planning, validation, and transformation (e.g., Calcite or similar planners)
- Integrate with distributed data platforms / query engines (e.g., Starburst or similar)
- Own API contracts with living documentation in CI/CD
- Build production-grade, testable pipelines
- Drive observability, reliability, and performance
- Contribute to architecture decisions (modularity, DI, extensibility)
What You Bring (Must-Have)
- Strong hands-on experience in Java (17/21) + Spring
- Deep understanding of JDBC, SQL parsing/validation, query planning/optimization
- Experience with SQL planners or query transformation layers
- Strong grounding in data structures, algorithms, and backend performance
- Production-grade testing using JUnit 5, Mockito
- Experience with clean architecture, DI, modular design
- Comfortable owning CI/CD, code quality, observability
- Familiarity with Docker, Maven, Jenkins
Nice to Have
- Apache Calcite
- Starburst or federated query engines
- JVM performance tuning
- High-throughput service interfaces (REST/gRPC)
- Data governance or policy enforcement layers
This Role Is Ideal If You’ve Worked On
- Data platforms, governance layers, query engines, or SQL planners
- Backend/platform services that sit in the critical path of data access
- Systems where correctness, determinism, and performance matter
Backend Java Developer – Data Fabric / Platform Engineering employer: NextWave Consulting Ltd
Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and excellence in backend engineering, particularly within the dynamic environment of London. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer a collaborative work culture that encourages continuous learning and development, alongside competitive salaries and hybrid working options. Our commitment to building cutting-edge data infrastructure ensures that you will be part of impactful projects that shape the future of data governance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Backend Java Developer – Data Fabric / Platform Engineering
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry on LinkedIn or at meetups. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can get you in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Build a small project or contribute to open source that showcases your Java and backend prowess. We love seeing practical examples of your work, and it gives you something to talk about in interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your algorithms and data structures. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using platforms that simulate real interview scenarios to get comfortable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate developers who want to make an impact in backend engineering.
We think you need these skills to ace Backend Java Developer – Data Fabric / Platform Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Java Skills:Make sure to highlight your hands-on experience with Java, especially versions 17 and 21. We want to see how you've tackled backend challenges and built services that go beyond the basics.
Talk About Your Data Experience:Since this role is all about data governance and query manipulation, share any relevant projects or experiences you've had with SQL parsing, planning, or working with distributed data platforms. We love seeing real-world applications!
Keep It Clean and Structured:When writing your application, focus on clarity and structure. Use clean architecture principles in your examples and make it easy for us to see your thought process. A well-organised application speaks volumes!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at NextWave Consulting Ltd
✨Know Your Java Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Java skills, especially versions 17 and 21. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with Spring and how you've implemented backend services in previous roles. Prepare to showcase your understanding of JDBC and SQL parsing, as these are crucial for the position.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle some technical challenges during the interview. Practice explaining your thought process when it comes to query planning and optimisation. Use examples from your past work to illustrate how you've approached complex problems, particularly in data governance or policy enforcement.
✨Familiarise Yourself with CI/CD Practices
Since this role involves owning CI/CD and code quality, be prepared to discuss your experience with tools like Jenkins and Docker. Highlight any projects where you’ve implemented production-grade testing using JUnit 5 and Mockito, as this will show your commitment to reliability and performance.
✨Show Enthusiasm for Data Infrastructure
This position is all about deep backend and data infrastructure work, so express your passion for building robust systems. Talk about any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those involving high-throughput services or distributed data platforms. Your enthusiasm can set you apart!
