Hands-On Lead Java Engineer for AI-Driven Platform

Experis UK; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Experis UK is seeking an experienced Lead Software Engineer (Java) to lead a small engineering squad while staying hands-on in Java. The role focuses on delivering a modern, AI-enabled enterprise platform and shaping the technical direction.

You will oversee architecture decisions, ensure code quality, and guide the team with regular feedback and development plans. The position is permanent and ideally located near Nottingham, with on-site work in the UK.

Qualifications

• Strong commercial Java development experience and solid software engineering fundamentals.
• Experience leading technical delivery and supporting engineers.
• Confidence designing backend systems and making iterative decisions as requirements evolve.
• Experience with relational databases, automated testing, and CI/CD.
• Interest in AI-assisted engineering and ability to critically assess AI output.
• Strong communication skills to explain technical decisions clearly.
• People management experience or readiness to lead a small team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of Java backend software.
• Make architectural decisions and explain choices to Engineering and Product teams.
• Review code and AI-generated output for quality, security, and maintainability.
• Help engineers use AI tools effectively through clear specs and validation.
• Own delivery commitments, raise risks early and remove blockers.
• Contribute to a roadmap covering AWS, PostgreSQL, OpenSearch and containerised Linux.
• Manage and develop engineers through regular one-to-ones and development plans.

Skills

Java development

Technical leadership

Architecture decisions

Backend design

Relational databases

CI/CD

AI tooling awareness

Job description

Experis UK is seeking an experienced Lead Software Engineer (Java) to lead a small engineering squad while staying hands-on in Java. The role focuses on delivering a modern, AI-enabled enterprise platform and shaping the technical direction.

You will oversee architecture decisions, ensure code quality, and guide the team with regular feedback and development plans. The position is permanent and ideally located near Nottingham, with on-site work in the UK.