At a Glance
- Tasks: Build core backend services in Java for data governance and query manipulation.
- Company: Innovative tech firm based 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 in City of 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 ranging from £50,000 to £65,000, we provide ample opportunities for professional growth through challenging projects in backend engineering and data infrastructure. Our collaborative culture encourages creativity and ownership, making it an ideal place for passionate developers looking to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Backend Java Developer - Birmingham • Hybrid • £50–65k • Not London in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with other developers. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a GitHub profile showcasing your projects, especially those related to backend services and Java. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do beyond your CV.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your Java knowledge and understanding SQL parsing and query planning. Practice coding challenges that focus on data structures and algorithms to impress during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Backend Java Developer - Birmingham • Hybrid • £50–65k • Not London in City of 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 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 Modular:We appreciate a clean architecture! Mention your experience with modular design and dependency injection. This shows us you understand the importance of maintainable code in backend development.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply 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 see what you bring to the table!
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. 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 your experience with JDBC and any SQL planners you've worked with, like Apache Calcite. Real-world examples will help you stand out!
✨Showcase Your Testing Skills
Production-grade testing is key for this position. Be ready to talk about your experience with JUnit 5 and Mockito. Share specific instances where your testing improved code quality or performance, as this will demonstrate your commitment to reliability.
✨Familiarise Yourself with CI/CD Practices
This role requires ownership of CI/CD processes, so make sure you’re comfortable discussing your experience with tools like Docker, Maven, and Jenkins. Highlight any projects where you’ve implemented CI/CD pipelines and how they contributed to the overall success of the project.
