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- Tasks: Lead the design and development of secure, scalable systems using Java and modern frameworks.
- Company: Mission-led consultancy delivering impactful software solutions to the UK Government and Defence sectors.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, learning budget, private healthcare, and clear career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by shaping engineering best practices in a high-impact sector.
- Qualifications: Deep expertise in Java and strong leadership skills in agile environments.
- Other info: Diverse workplace celebrating different perspectives and fostering growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Our client, a mission-led consultancy, is looking for an experienced Principal Software Engineer (Java) to join their growing team. They deliver secure, modern software solutions to the UK Government and Defence sectors, enabling clients to build scalable systems and progressive web applications that drive real impact. This is a senior-level opportunity for a hands-on engineer who enjoys leading by example, thrives in agile environments, and is passionate about shaping engineering best practice while still contributing to the codebase.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design, development, and testing of secure, scalable systems using Java with modern front-end frameworks (e.g., React)
- Architect and maintain APIs, data pipelines, and cloud-native solutions (AWS, Azure, private cloud)
- Drive adoption of DevOps practices – CI / CD, containers, infrastructure-as-code
- Guide and mentor engineers, promoting best practice, clean coding, and agile delivery
- Collaborate with stakeholders and clients to shape technical direction and ensure robust, user-focused solutions
- Contribute across the full software development lifecycle, from discovery to production support
Essential Skills & Experience
- Deep expertise in Java, with strong full-stack engineering skills
- Proven experience leading teams or projects at a senior/principal level
- Strong knowledge of system architecture, cloud solutions, and API design
- Familiarity with DevOps tools and automation (CI / CD, containers, IaC)
- Track record of delivering secure, production-grade systems in agile teams
- Excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing, and communication skills
Desirable
- Background in secure or classified environments
- Knowledge of ITSM or systems within the government/defence sector
- Experience balancing technical leadership with hands-on development
What’s in It for You
- Flexible working – 37.5 hrs/week with remote and hybrid options
- Learning & development budget for training, certifications, and conferences
- Private healthcare & matched pension scheme
- Monthly socials and quarterly company meetups
- Clear career progression into leadership roles in a high-impact sector
Diversity & Inclusion
Our client is an equal opportunities employer and a Disability Confident organisation, committed to fostering a workplace where diverse perspectives are celebrated and everyone can thrive.
How to Apply
If you’re an experienced Principal Software Engineer with expertise in Java, and you’re excited to help deliver solutions that truly matter, we’d love to hear from you.
Lead Java Developer in Sheffield employer: NPAworldwide
Contact Detail:
NPAworldwide Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Java Developer in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech industry, especially those who work in consultancy or government sectors. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best Java projects and any contributions to open-source. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and how you lead by example.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your agile methodologies and DevOps practices. Be ready to discuss how you've driven adoption of these in past roles, as it’s a big deal for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love hearing from passionate candidates who want to make a real impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Java Developer in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your Java expertise and any leadership roles you've had, as this will show us you're a great fit for the Principal Software Engineer position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about the role and how your experience aligns with our mission. Share specific examples of projects where you've led teams or implemented best practices in agile environments.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your experience with modern front-end frameworks and cloud solutions. We want to see how you’ve architected secure systems and driven DevOps practices in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at NPAworldwide
✨Know Your Java Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Java skills before the interview. Be prepared to discuss your experience with full-stack development and how you've used Java in previous projects. They’ll want to see that you can not only code but also architect secure, scalable systems.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Since this role involves leading teams, be ready to share specific examples of how you've guided engineers or led projects. Talk about your approach to mentoring and promoting best practices in coding and agile delivery. This will demonstrate your ability to lead by example.
✨Familiarise Yourself with DevOps Practices
Get comfortable discussing DevOps tools and practices like CI/CD, containers, and infrastructure-as-code. They’re looking for someone who can drive adoption of these practices, so be prepared to explain how you've implemented them in past roles.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Communication is key in this role, so think about how you've collaborated with stakeholders in the past. Prepare to discuss how you’ve shaped technical direction and ensured user-focused solutions. This will show that you can effectively engage with clients and team members alike.