Backend Java Engineer (salary up to GBP 250k+)

Ambition; England; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Ambition is seeking a Backend Java Engineer to join a team building scalable, cloud-native applications that power critical systems. You will design and maintain backend services using Java and Spring, delivering distributed microservices to support high-volume workloads.

You will work on AWS-based solutions, collaborate with architects and product owners, and help drive best practices in design, testing, and deployment. The role emphasizes performance, reliability, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 3–8+ years of software engineering experience developing enterprise-grade applications.
• Hands-on experience with Java and the Spring Framework (Spring Boot).
• Strong track record designing and building distributed systems and microservices architectures.
• Experience developing and deploying applications on AWS.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable backend applications using Java and the Spring Framework.
• Build and enhance microservices-based architectures for high-volume workloads.
• Develop solutions on AWS using cloud-native services and modern practices.
• Design and implement distributed systems with focus on performance, reliability, and scalability.
• Collaborate with product owners, architects, and engineers to translate business requirements into robust solutions.
• Drive best practices in software design, testing, code quality, observability, and operational excellence.
• Contribute to architecture decisions and guide platform direction.
• Support applications throughout their lifecycle, including deployment, monitoring, and optimisation.

Skills

Java

Spring Framework

Microservices

AWS

Distributed systems

RESTful APIs

SQL

Docker

Kubernetes

CI/CD

DevOps

Object-oriented design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Tools

None

Job description

We are partnering with a highly respected organisation seeking a Backend Java Engineer to join a team focused on building scalable, cloud-native applications that power business-critical systems.

This is an opportunity to work on complex distributed platforms, solve challenging engineering problems, and collaborate with a high-performing team of software engineers in an environment that values technical excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.

What You'll Be Doing

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable backend applications using Java and the Spring Framework.
• Build and enhance microservices-based architectures that support high-volume, mission-critical workloads.
• Develop solutions on AWS, leveraging cloud-native services and modern engineering practices.
• Design and implement distributed systems with a focus on performance, reliability, resilience, and scalability.
• Collaborate with product owners, architects, and fellow engineers to translate business requirements into robust technical solutions.
• Drive best practices in software design, testing, code quality, observability, and operational excellence.
• Contribute to architecture decisions and help shape the future direction of the platform.
• Support applications throughout their lifecycle, including deployment, monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimisation.
• 3-8+ years of software engineering experience developing enterprise-grade applications.
• Strong hands-on experience with Java and the Spring Framework (Spring Boot).
• Proven experience designing and building distributed systems and microservices architectures.
• Strong experience developing and deploying applications on AWS.
• Solid understanding of software design principles, object-oriented programming, and modern backend development practices.
• Experience working with RESTful APIs, event-driven architectures, and asynchronous processing patterns.
• Strong understanding of databases, SQL, and data modelling.
• Familiarity with containerisation technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and DevOps practices.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Why Apply?

• Work on modern cloud-native systems using Java, Spring, AWS, and microservices.
• Join a talented engineering team that values technical excellence and continuous learning.
• Tackle complex scalability and distributed systems challenges.
• Gain significant ownership and influence over architecture and technical design.
• Competitive compensation package and strong career progression opportunities.
• Collaborative culture with a focus on innovation and engineering best practices.