Software Engineer - Backend (Java) London, UK

Software Engineer - Backend (Java) London, UK

Full-Time 60000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Rightmove

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Develop scalable backend services using Java and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
  • Company: Rightmove, the UK's largest property portal, fostering innovation and teamwork.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, health plans, 27 days holiday, and hybrid working options.
  • Other info: Embrace a culture of diversity and inclusion while advancing your career.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team to create impactful solutions in a thriving tech environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience with Java, Spring Boot, and a passion for collaboration and quality code.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.

The role is based in London (Hybrid – 2 days in the London office) and reports to the Engineering Manager. Rightmove is the UK’s largest property portal, supporting millions of users who plan their next move. We are looking for an experienced software engineer to join our autonomous cross‑functional teams and help build high‑quality, scalable backend services and applications that power the platform.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop new features and improvements using Java 17+, Spring Boot, Elasticsearch, Kafka, Gradle, Hibernate, Couchbase, SQL and Docker.
  • Collaborate cross‑functionally with product, design, testing and business 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.

Qualifications:

  • 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 debating the merits of different solutions.
  • Keenness to understand the performance of live applications and how users interact with them.
  • Desire to use the latest technologies and take initiative to improve team processes.
  • Passion for sharing knowledge with the wider product development team.
  • Willingness to ask questions and learn from peers.
  • Sense of ownership and responsibility for the work you and your team deliver.

Benefits:

  • 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 and holiday buy schemes.
  • Hybrid working pattern with a minimum of 2 days in office.
  • Contributory stakeholder pension.
  • Life assurance at 4× basic salary to a spouse, family member or other nominated person.
  • Competitive compensation package.
  • Paid leave for maternity, paternity, adoption and fertility.
  • Travel loans, bike‑to‑work scheme, rental deposit loan.
  • Charitable contributions through payroll giving and donation matching.
  • Access to deals and discounts on travel, electronics, fashion, gym memberships, cinema and more.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Rightmove is an equal opportunity employer and will never discriminate on the basis of age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, or sexual orientation. We believe 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.

Software Engineer - Backend (Java) London, UK employer: Rightmove

Rightmove is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of London. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we provide comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance, generous holiday allowances, and opportunities for professional growth. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while ensuring that our teams remain engaged and connected, making Rightmove a rewarding place to advance your career in software engineering.

Rightmove

Contact Details:

Rightmove Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

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

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 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.

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.

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 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) London, UK

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.

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 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

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 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.