At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and design scalable cloud-native backend systems with a focus on Java technologies.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking tech company in London with a hybrid work model.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible working, and opportunities for mentorship.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for long-term engagement and career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology while mentoring the next generation of engineers.
- Qualifications: 10-15+ years in backend systems, strong Java and cloud expertise required.
Location: London - Hybrid – 2 days per week onsite
Working Pattern: On call shifts
Start Day: ASAP
Contract Rate: £420 – £460 per day inside IR35
Duration: 6 to 12 months initially
Role Overview
Our client is seeking a Staff Engineer to provide hands-on technical leadership across highly scalable, cloud-native backend systems. This role suits an experienced engineer who can shape architecture, lead complex initiatives across teams, and mentor engineers while remaining technically deep.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and drive backend technical strategy and architecture
- Design scalable, fault-tolerant, event-driven, and cloud-native systems
- Lead multi-team engineering initiatives and complex system designs
- Build and optimise Java (Java 17+) backend services using Spring Boot or Micronaut
- Design RESTful APIs, messaging systems, and microservices
- Own performance, reliability, security, monitoring, and observability
- Lead system design sessions, architecture reviews, and technical decision-making
- Champion engineering standards, CI/CD, testing, automation, and DevEx
- Mentor engineers and collaborate with Product, DevOps, SRE, and Architecture teams
- Participate in on-call support as required
Skills & Experience
Essential
- 10–15+ years building large-scale backend systems
- Strong Java, Spring Boot (or Micronaut/Quarkus), and JVM expertise
- Deep experience with distributed systems, concurrency, and performance engineering
- Hands-on experience with Kafka, RabbitMQ, or Pulsar
- Strong API design and event-driven architecture experience
- Solid SQL/NoSQL, caching, and data modelling knowledge
- Azure cloud experience with Docker and Kubernetes
Desirable
- CI/CD using GitHub Actions, Azure DevOps, or Jenkins
- Automated testing frameworks
- Observability tools (Dynatrace, ELK, OpenTelemetry)
If you have the relevant skills and experience, please do apply promptly to be considered.
Staff Engineer in London employer: Queen Square Recruitment Ltd
Join a forward-thinking company in London as a Staff Engineer, where you will thrive in a hybrid work environment that promotes flexibility and collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to lead innovative projects, mentor fellow engineers, and shape the future of cloud-native systems while enjoying competitive rates and a supportive work culture that values technical excellence and teamwork.
Contact Details:
Queen Square Recruitment Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Staff Engineer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and engage in online forums. 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 portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects, especially those involving Java, Spring Boot, or cloud-native systems. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on system design and architecture principles. Be ready to discuss your experience with distributed systems and how you've tackled performance challenges in past roles.
✨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 Staff Engineer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience with cloud-native systems and backend architecture. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your Java expertise and any relevant projects you've led.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Staff Engineer role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your leadership in multi-team initiatives and your hands-on technical skills.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:When filling out your application, make sure to highlight your experience with tools like Spring Boot, Kafka, and Azure. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know how you’ve used these technologies in past 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’re considered promptly. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Queen Square Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, especially Java, Spring Boot, and cloud-native systems. Brush up on your knowledge of distributed systems and performance engineering, as these will likely come up during technical discussions.
✨Prepare for System Design Questions
Expect to tackle system design scenarios during your interview. Practice designing scalable and fault-tolerant systems, and be ready to discuss your thought process. Use real-world examples from your experience to illustrate how you've approached similar challenges.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Staff Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor. Be prepared to share examples of how you've guided teams through complex projects or helped junior engineers grow. Highlight your experience in driving technical strategy and architecture.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with questions that show your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about their current tech stack, team dynamics, and how they approach CI/CD and observability. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
