At a Glance
- Tasks: Build core backend services in Java for data governance and query manipulation.
- Company: Innovative tech firm in Birmingham with a hybrid work model.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on performance and reliability.
- Why this job: Join a cutting-edge team and work on impactful data infrastructure projects.
- Qualifications: Strong Java experience and knowledge of SQL parsing and optimization.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Birmingham (Hybrid)
Employment: Fixed Term Contract
Salary: £50,000 – £65,000 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 - Birmingham • Hybrid • £50–65k • Not London employer: NextWave Consulting Ltd
Join a forward-thinking company in Birmingham that values innovation and technical excellence, offering a hybrid work environment that promotes work-life balance. With competitive salaries and a focus on employee growth, you'll have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge backend services while collaborating with a talented team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of data infrastructure. Embrace a culture of continuous learning and contribute to impactful projects that shape the future of data governance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Backend Java Developer - Birmingham • Hybrid • £50–65k • Not London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your industry on LinkedIn or at local meetups. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a GitHub repository with some of your best projects. We love seeing real-world applications of your coding prowess, especially when it comes to backend services and data platforms.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your Java, SQL parsing, and backend performance knowledge. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable with the process.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate developers who want to make an impact in the backend engineering space.
We think you need these skills to ace Backend Java Developer - Birmingham • Hybrid • £50–65k • Not London
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 robust services, so don’t hold back on those examples!
Talk About Your Data Experience:Since we're diving deep into data governance and query manipulation, share any relevant projects or experiences you’ve had with SQL parsing, planning, or working with data platforms. This will show us you're the right fit for our core backend services.
Keep It Clean and Structured:We love clean architecture! When writing your application, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of modular design and dependency injection. This will help us see how you approach building scalable and maintainable systems.
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 tackled backend challenges in previous roles. They’ll want to see that you can go beyond the basics!
✨Understand SQL Parsing and Query Planning
Since this role involves SQL parsing and query planning, it’s crucial to have a solid grasp of these concepts. Prepare to explain how you've worked with SQL planners or similar technologies, and be ready to share specific examples of your past projects.
✨Show Off Your Testing Skills
Production-grade testing is key for this position. Familiarise yourself with JUnit 5 and Mockito, and be prepared to discuss how you ensure code quality and reliability in your projects. Bring examples of how your testing strategies have improved performance.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Architecture Decisions
This role requires contributing to architecture decisions, so think about your experience with modular design and dependency injection. Be prepared to talk about how you’ve approached architecture in past projects and how it impacts performance and maintainability.
