Java Architect SC Cleared

ZipRecruiter; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A tech recruitment firm is seeking an SC Cleared Java Architect for a contract position in London. The role involves providing technical leadership in a secure government environment, focusing on Java application architecture and best practices. Candidates must have active SC clearance and a strong Java background, alongside experience with microservices and cloud platforms. This position offers a hybrid working environment with competitive pay.

Qualifications

• Must have active SC clearance.
• Strong experience as a Java Architect or Senior Java Developer.
• Proven background with Java 11+, Spring Boot, and Spring Cloud.
• Experience with microservices and containerization.
• Strong understanding of security principles and data protection regulations.

Responsibilities

• Define and own the Java application architecture.
• Provide technical leadership to development teams.
• Design, review, and optimize microservices and cloud architectures.
• Work with stakeholders to translate requirements.
• Ensure solutions meet security and compliance requirements.
• Support the adoption of DevOps practices.

Skills

Active SC clearance

Java Architect / Senior Java Developer

Java 11+ / Spring Boot / Spring Cloud

Microservices and containerisation

Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP)

Messaging and integration technologies

Databases (SQL and NoSQL)

Agile / DevOps environments

Communication skills

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

OpenShift

Kafka

ActiveMQ

Job description

Overview

Job Description

Job Specification – SC Cleared Java Architect (Contract) – London

Job Title: SC Cleared Java Architect

Location: London (Hybrid – 2–3 days onsite per week, remainder remote)

Contract Type: Contract (Outside IR35)

Duration: 6–12 months (with potential extension)

Clearance Requirement: Active SC (Security Clearance) – must be valid and transferable

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Java Architect with current SC clearance to join a large-scale transformation programme within a secure government/defence environment. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership, architectural direction, and hands-on expertise across Java-based platforms, ensuring solutions are robust, scalable, and compliant with security and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and own the Java application architecture and integration patterns.
• Provide technical leadership to development teams and ensure best practices are followed.
• Design, review, and optimise microservices and cloud- architectures.
• Work closely with stakeholders, business analysts, and solution architects to translate requirements into high-level and low-level designs.
• Ensure solutions meet security, compliance, and performance requirements in line with government standards.
• Support the adoption of DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and automated testing frameworks.
• Conduct architecture reviews, risk assessments, and technical governance.
• Mentor engineers and contribute to building a strong technical culture.

Required Skills & Experience

• Active SC clearance (mandatory).
• Strong background as a Java Architect / Senior Java Developer with architecture responsibilities.
• Proven experience with:
  • Java 11+ / Spring Boot / Spring Cloud
  • Microservices and containerisation (Docker, Kubernetes, OpenShift)
  • Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
  • Messaging and integration technologies (Kafka, ActiveMQ, REST, GraphQL)
  • Databases (SQL and NoSQL)
• Familiarity with enterprise integration patterns and secure system design.
• Experience working in Agile / DevOps environments.
• Strong understanding of security principles and data protection regulations.
• Excellent stakeholder communication and documentation skills.

Desirable Skills

• Experience in government or defence projects.
• Exposure to CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, GitLab, GitHub Actions).
• Knowledge of API management platforms.
• TOGAF or equivalent architecture certification.

Contract Details

• Day Rate: Competitive (based on experience and market rate)
• Engagement: Outside IR35 (subject to assessment)
• Start Date: Immediate / within 4–6 weeks
• Location: London (Hybrid working)