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- Tasks: Lead the design and development of secure, scalable Java systems and mentor fellow engineers.
- Company: Mission-driven 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 Java expertise, strong leadership skills, and experience in agile environments.
- Other info: Join a diverse team that values different perspectives and fosters growth.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 70000 ÂŁ 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 insecure 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 and 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 are 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. Please send your CV and a cover letter highlighting your relevant experience.
Salary Annual: £45,000 – £70,000 (GBP)
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Engineering and Information Technology
Technical Java Specialist employer: NPAworldwide
Contact Detail:
NPAworldwide Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Java Specialist
✨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 Java projects and any relevant work you've done. This is your chance to demonstrate your full-stack capabilities and how you’ve contributed to secure, scalable systems.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with DevOps practices and how you’ve led teams in agile environments. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged in their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Java Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Technical Java Specialist role. Highlight your experience with Java, cloud solutions, and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your experience in agile environments and your approach to mentoring others.
Showcase Your Projects: If you've worked on relevant projects, make sure to include them in your application. We love seeing real examples of your work, especially those that demonstrate your ability to deliver secure, scalable systems and your familiarity with modern frameworks.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and we’ll be able to review your application more efficiently. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
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, system architecture, and API design. They’ll likely ask you to solve coding problems or explain your thought process, so practice coding challenges and be ready to showcase your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading teams and mentoring engineers, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led projects or guided team members in the past. Highlight your experience in promoting best practices and agile delivery, as well as any specific instances where your leadership made a significant impact.
✨Familiarise Yourself with DevOps Practices
Given the emphasis on DevOps in the job description, make sure you understand CI/CD, containers, and infrastructure-as-code. Be prepared to discuss how you've implemented these practices in previous roles and how they can benefit the organisation's goals.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Communication is key in this role, so think about how you've effectively engaged with stakeholders in the past. Prepare to discuss how you’ve shaped technical direction and ensured user-focused solutions. This will demonstrate your ability to collaborate and influence, which is crucial for success in this position.
