CG DWP Lead Software Engineer

Amber Labs Ltd; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK technology consultancy is seeking a Lead Software Developer with strong expertise in backend development and cloud-native technologies. The role involves leading technical delivery on government programmes, mentoring colleagues, and overseeing the software development lifecycle. Candidates must have proven experience in Java and/or Node.js, hands-on REST API design, and familiarity with microservices architecture. The position offers a competitive salary, flexible work environment, and professional growth opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure

Flexible work environment

Private medical insurance

Company pension plan

25 days of annual leave plus UK bank holidays

Access to Perkbox

Generous employee referral programme

Career advancement opportunities

Choice of device (PC or Mac)

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Lead or Senior Software Developer in complex environments.
• Strong expertise in Java and/or Node.js development.
• Hands-on experience designing and consuming REST APIs.
• Experience with Docker, containerisation, and AWS ECS.
• Experience setting up and managing CI/CD pipelines in GitLab (or similar).

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership across the full software development lifecycle.
• Design, develop, test, and deploy secure, scalable backend services and APIs.
• Champion microservices architecture and event-driven systems using Kafka and SQS.
• Lead infrastructure-as-code practices with Terraform for deployments.
• Build and manage containerised applications using Docker and AWS ECS.

Skills

Java

Node.js

Microservices architecture

REST APIs

Kafka

SQS

Docker

AWS ECS

Terraform

AWS Cognito

GitLab CI/CD

Job description

Job Overview

We're looking for a Lead Software Developer with deep expertise in backend development and cloud‑native technologies to join our growing team. To be considered for this role, candidates must:

• Be eligible for BPSS clearance.
• Have proven experience delivering projects within UK central government.

You will lead technical delivery on high‑impact government programmes, shaping solutions that are secure, scalable, and user‑focused. As a Lead, you'll guide development teams, make key architectural decisions, and mentor colleagues while remaining hands‑on with coding and delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership across the full software development lifecycle.
• Design, develop, test, and deploy secure, scalable backend services and APIs.
• Champion microservices architecture and event‑driven systems using Kafka and SQS.
• Lead infrastructure‑as‑code practices with Terraform for deployments.
• Build and manage containerised applications using Docker and AWS ECS.
• Implement secure authentication and authorisation solutions with AWS Cognito.
• Oversee GitLab pipelines and CI/CD best practice.
• Collaborate with product owners, business analysts, and stakeholders to define and deliver high‑quality outcomes.
• Mentor and support software developers, encouraging knowledge‑sharing and professional growth.
• Promote best practices in clean code, testing, and agile delivery.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Lead or Senior Software Developer in complex environments.
• Strong expertise in Java and/or Node.js development.
• Hands‑on experience designing and consuming REST APIs.
• Familiarity with event‑driven systems (Kafka, SQS).
• Strong knowledge of microservices architecture.
• Experience with Docker, containerisation, and AWS ECS.
• Infrastructure as Code with Terraform.
• Secure authentication (AWS Cognito desirable).
• Experience setting up and managing CI/CD pipelines in GitLab (or similar).
• Prior experience working on UK central government projects (essential).
• Excellent communication skills with a collaborative, delivery‑focused mindset.

Company Culture

At Amber Labs, we are a cutting‑edge UK and European technology consultancy that prioritises empowering autonomy, promoting experimentation, and facilitating rapid learning to provide exceptional value to our clients. Our company culture is centred around collaboration, where all colleagues, regardless of their role, work together to minimise risk and shorten delivery times. Our team consists of highly skilled cross‑functional consultants, analysts, and support staff.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance‑based bonus structure.
• Join a rapidly expanding consultancy where personal growth is part of our DNA.
• Flexible work environment focused on deliverable outcomes.
• Private medical insurance through Aviva.
• Company pension plan through Nest.
• 25 days of annual leave plus UK bank holidays.
• Access to Perkbox, a global employee rewards platform.
• Generous employee referral programme.
• Highly collaborative and collegial environment with clear opportunities for career advancement.
• Choice of device (PC or Mac).

Diversity & Inclusion

At Amber Labs, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace for all. We value the unique experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our employees and are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and supported.