Job description:

Our client, amission-led consultancy, is looking for an experiencedPrincipal Software Engineer(Java) to join their growing team. They deliversecure, modern software solutionsto the UK Government and Defence sectors, enabling clients to buildscalable systemsandprogressive web applicationsthat drive real impact.

This is a senior-level opportunity for a hands-on engineer who enjoysleading by example, thrives inagile environments, and is passionate about shapingengineering best practicewhile still contributing to the codebase.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and testingof secure, scalable systems using Java with modern front-end frameworks (e.g., React)
• Architect and maintainAPIs, data pipelines, and cloud-native solutions(AWS, Azure, private cloud)
• Drive adoption ofDevOps practices CI/CD, containers, infrastructure-as-code
• Guide and mentor engineers, promotingbest practice, clean coding, and agile delivery
• Collaborate with stakeholders and clients toshape technical directionand ensure robust, user-focused solutions
• Contribute across thefull software development lifecycle, from discovery to production support

Essential Skills & Experience

• Deep expertise in Java, with strong full-stack engineering skills
• Proven experienceleading teams or projectsat a senior/principal level
• Strong knowledge ofsystem architecture, cloud solutions, and API design
• Familiarity withDevOps tools and automation(CI/CD, containers, IaC)
• Track record of deliveringsecure, production-grade systemsin agile teams
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing, and communication skills

Desirable

• Background insecure or classified environments
• Knowledge ofITSMor systems within thegovernment/defence sector
• Experience balancingtechnical leadership with hands-on development

Whats in It for You

• Flexible working 37.5 hrs/week with remote and hybrid options
• Learning & development budgetfor training, certifications, and conferences
• Private healthcare& matchedpension scheme
• Monthly socialsandquarterly company meetups
• Clearcareer progressioninto leadership roles in a high-impact sector

Diversity & Inclusion

Our client is anequal opportunities employerand aDisability Confident organisation, committed to fostering a workplace wherediverse perspectives are celebratedand everyone can thrive.

How to Apply

If youre an experienced Principal Software Engineer with expertise in Java, and youre excited to help deliver solutions that truly matter, wed love to hear from you.

• Deep expertise in Java, with strong full-stack engineering skills
• Proven experienceleading teams or projectsat a senior/principal level
• Strong knowledge ofsystem architecture, cloud solutions, and API design
• Familiarity withDevOps tools and automation(CI/CD, containers, IaC)

Flexitime 37.5 hrs/week structured your way + remote options

Learning budget for training, certifications, and conferences

Private healthcare and matched pension

Monthly socials and quarterly company meetups

Career growth in a fast-moving, meaningful sector

Salary Type : Annual Salary

Salary Min : £ 75000

Salary Max : £ 95000

Currency Type : GBP