Backend Engineer (Java) - Future Opportunity

hedgehog lab; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

hedgehog lab, a leading digital consultancy, is looking to build a talent pipeline for backend developers in Newcastle. Successful candidates will guide junior developers, design scalable applications using Java, and implement modern tech solutions. Join an innovative environment that prioritizes growth, autonomy, and inclusion.

Benefits

Annual personal development budget

2 wellbeing days a year

Free therapy with Spill

36 days holiday

Flexibility in working patterns

Qualifications

• Strong experience in Java development, particularly with Spring and Java EE frameworks.
• Expertise in working with SQL/NoSQL databases and designing scalable data solutions.
• Solid understanding of technical design principles and robust applications architecture.
• A passion for modern development practices and agile methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Guide and support junior and mid-level developers.
• Design and develop high-quality, scalable applications.
• Utilise AI, Blockchain, DevOps to accelerate development.

Skills

Java

SQL/NoSQL

Cloud Technologies

Agile Methodologies

JavaScript

CI/CD

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Please note: This is not a current job opening. By applying, you'll join our talent pool, and we'll contact you when a role that matches your skills becomes available. We're proactively connecting with top talent so we can reach out quickly when future opportunities align with your experience and career goals.

Location: Newcastle or the North East

hedgehog lab is on the lookout for exceptional individuals to join our talent pipeline for future opportunities. Whether you're a seasoned expert or an emerging talent, every project at hedgehog lab is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact, exceed expectations, and help redefine what's possible in the world of digital innovation.

Our culture thrives on turning constraints into catalysts for innovation, empowering our team to unleash their full potential and deliver unparalleled value to our clients. Beyond our award-winning work , we're also known for our Flexa-certified company culture .

hedgehog lab is a globally renowned digital product consultancy with two decades of experience and a reputation as true masters of our craft. Proudly operating from the heart of Northern England, we are on a mission to digitally craft a better world by delivering transformative solutions that align seamlessly with strategic visions.

The Potential Opportunity

• Guide and support junior and mid-level developers, fostering a culture of growth and innovation.
• Design and develop high-quality, scalable applications using Java (Spring, Java EE) and cloud-native technologies.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver seamless software solutions.
• Utilise AI, Blockchain, DevOps, and cloud-native technologies to accelerate development and optimise performance.
• Use agile methodologies to prototype and refine key pages, ensuring smooth and intuitive user experiences.
• Build, maintain, and fine-tune applications for optimal performance in cloud environments.

About You

• Strong experience in Java development, particularly with Spring and Java EE frameworks.
• Expertise in working with SQL/NoSQL databases and designing scalable data solutions.
• Solid understanding of technical design principles and the ability to architect robust applications.
• A passion for modern development practices, cloud technologies, and agile methodologies.
• Hands-on experience with JavaScript & web development.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and automation best practices.
• Experience with containerisation technologies like Docker and Kubernetes.
• Strong architectural and project management experience.
• A track record of leading teams and delivering high-impact solutions.

Note: Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often refrain from applying to positions unless they meet all the specified criteria. If you believe you possess the necessary qualities for this role but do not fulfil every requirement, don't hesitate to apply. We actively encourage you to showcase your skills and what you can contribute.

Why join us at hedgehog lab?

At hedgehog lab, we've built a workplace where people genuinely enjoy what they do and who they do it with.

We're proud to be:
Rated #1 in the UK on Clutch for mobile development
A Great Place to Work ! 93% of our team said so
Flexa -certified with an 85% FlexScore for flexible working
Holders of the Advanced Good Work Pledge in the North East

But culture goes beyond certifications. We're a team that values trust, autonomy, and inclusion. Whether you're working from our Newcastle HQ, home, or a café, we support what works for you. We've created an environment where neurodiverse, LGBTQ+, and underrepresented voices are celebrated, and where every person can be their authentic self.

Read what our team says on Glassdoor .

What we offer:

How we support your growth

• Annual personal development budget
• Career frameworks and coaching support
• Impact Days - 5 days a year to spend on learning, volunteering, or making a difference in ways that matter to you

How we support your wellbeing

• 2 wellbeing days a year (in addition to leave)
• Free therapy with Spill
• Bupa health cash plan (UK)
• Wellbeing budget
• Multisport card (Bulgaria)
• Bippit (UK) - access to a financial coach, tools, and resources to support your money goals

How we stay connected

• Monthly payday socials
• Annual summer & Christmas parties
• Celebrations for cultural and team milestones

How we support your work/life balance

• Work from anywhere: home, office or hybrid
• Flexa-certified employer with 85% FlexScore
• Enhanced parental policies
• 36 days holiday (UK), 30 days (Bulgaria) including bank/public holidays
• Open to alternate working patterns to suit you

Diversity & inclusion statement

We strongly believe that having diversity within our team is integral to doing our best work and creating the most innovative products for our customers. We encourage people from underrepresented backgrounds to apply to our roles.

We're a family-friendly employer with a culture based on trust, autonomy and flexibility. With a current 85% FlexScore, we're learning as we go. By listening to our team and always asking for feedback, we can continue to improve and offer a working environment worthy of attracting the most creative and dedicated people in technology.

If you require any adjustments to submit an application for a vacancy, or if you require any reasonable adjustment should you be invited to interview, please let us know.

For any questions about this role or future opportunities, please contact Holly Orange, Senior Talent Acquisition Adviser, at [e-mail] or [e-mail]

Department Engineering Role Backend Developer Locations Newcastle upon Tyne Remote status Hybrid