Software Engineer - Backend (Java) in London

Software Engineer - Backend (Java) in London

London Full-Time 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Develop innovative backend solutions using Java and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
  • Company: Join Rightmove, the UK's leading property portal with a supportive culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, hybrid work, 27 days holiday, and health perks.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values creativity and innovation.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on millions of users while working with cutting-edge technology.
  • Qualifications: Experience with Java, Spring Boot, and a passion for collaboration.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.

Our vision is to give everyone the belief they can make their move. We aim to make moving simpler, by giving everyone the best place to turn to and return to for access to the tools, expertise, trust, and belief to make it happen. We’re home to the UK’s largest choice of properties and are the go-to destination for millions of people planning their next move, reading the latest industry news, or just browsing what’s on the market.

The role

We are on a mission to make home moving easier and simpler. Home movers across the UK spend more than a billion minutes on Rightmove each month and our website and apps receive over 140 million visits per month. To support our mission, we need software engineers with vision and passion to deliver innovative and exciting solutions for our internal users, working on in-house applications and microservices integrated with third-party applications that underpin how Rightmove operates.

At Rightmove we work in autonomous cross-functional teams using Agile processes. Each team owns a part of the Rightmove experience made up of design, product, engineering and testing specialists. You will collaborate to ensure we deliver quality solutions that satisfy millions of users, thousands of agents and hundreds of passionate Rightmovers. You will be responsible for defining solutions to business and technical problems in a way which ensures maintainability, scalability and high-performance standards.

What you'll be doing

  • Develop new features and improvements using Java 17+, Spring Boot, Elasticsearch, Kafka, Gradle, Hibernate, Couchbase, SQL, and Docker.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams and stakeholders to align on goals and requirements.
  • Balance feature development with technical debt, making thoughtful trade-offs based on timing and impact.
  • Ensure high-quality, secure, and extensible code that meets current and future needs.
  • Communicate effectively with stakeholders and third parties to align technical solutions with business objectives.
  • Advocate for emerging technologies that drive value and align with the company roadmap.

We're looking for someone who

  • Commercial experience with Java 17+, Spring Boot, and Kafka.
  • Proven collaboration on complex projects.
  • Strong collaboration, coordination, and solution-oriented mindset.
  • Clear understanding of testing best practice and pipeline optimisation.
  • Enjoys delivering high quality code and likes to debate the merits of different solutions.
  • Has a keen interest in the performance of live applications and how our users use them.
  • Wants to use the latest technologies and takes initiative to improve the way the team works.
  • Looks to share their knowledge with the rest of the product development team.
  • Likes to ask questions and use the experience of those around them.
  • Has a sense of ownership and responsibility for the work you and your team deliver.

About Rightmove

Despite this growth, we’ve remained a friendly, supportive place to work, with employee #1 still working here! We’ve done this by placing the Rightmove How's at the heart of everything we do. These are the essential values that reflect our culture, and include:

  • We create value…by delivering results and building trust with partners and consumers.
  • We think bigger…by acting with curiosity and setting bold aspirations.
  • We care deeply…by being real, having fun, and valuing diversity.
  • We move together…by being one team - internally collaborative, externally competitive.
  • We make a difference…by focusing on delivering measurable impact.

We believe in careers that open doors, and help our team develop by providing an open and inclusive work environment, offering ongoing training opportunities, and supporting charity fundraising events. And with 88% of Rightmovers saying we’re a great place to work, we’re clearly doing something right!

What we offer

  • Cash plan for dental, optical and physio treatments.
  • Private Medical Insurance, Pension and Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Plan.
  • 27 days holiday plus two (paid) volunteering days a year to give back, and holiday buy schemes.
  • Hybrid working pattern with 2 days in office.
  • Contributory stakeholder pension.
  • Life assurance at 4x your basic salary to a spouse, family member or other nominated person in your life.
  • Competitive compensation package.
  • Paid leave for maternity, paternity, adoption & fertility.
  • Travel Loans, Bike to Work scheme, Rental Deposit Loan.
  • Charitable contributions through Payroll Giving and donation matching.
  • Access deals and discounts on things like travel, electronics, fashion, gym memberships, cinema discounts and more.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Rightmove will never discriminate on the basis of age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, or sexual orientation. At Rightmove, we believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce leads to better innovation, productivity, and overall success. We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of their background or identity, to develop and promote a diverse culture that reflects the communities we serve.

Software Engineer - Backend (Java) in London employer: Rightmove Careers

Rightmove is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, where employees are encouraged to innovate and grow. With a strong commitment to employee development, generous benefits including private medical insurance, flexible working arrangements, and a focus on diversity, Rightmove ensures that every team member feels valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact in the property market. Located in London, the hybrid working model allows for a balanced work-life experience while contributing to the UK's leading property portal.

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Contact Details:

Rightmove Careers Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Software Engineer - Backend (Java) in London

Join Local Tech Meetups

Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Rightmove Careers or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!

Contribute to Open Source Projects

Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Rightmove Careers.

Tap into Online Developer Communities

Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Rightmove Careers.

Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles

Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Rightmove Careers that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!

We think you need these skills to ace Software Engineer - Backend (Java) in London

Java 17+
Spring Boot
Kafka
Elasticsearch
Gradle
Hibernate
Couchbase

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.

Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Rightmove Careers.

Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Rightmove Careers and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!

Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!

How to prepare for a job interview at Rightmove Careers

Brush Up on Your Coding Skills

For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.

Know Your Tools and Frameworks

Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Rightmove Careers uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.

Showcase Your Projects

Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.

Prepare for Behavioural Questions

While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.