Java Developer (Public Sector)

Sanderson Government & Defence; England; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A government solutions firm seeks a Java Developer / Full Stack Software Engineer for a hybrid role in London. The position involves developing secure backend services and contributing to full-stack applications while working with modern technologies like Java, Docker, and Kubernetes. Ideal candidates will have experience with microservices, strong problem-solving skills, and must meet security clearance criteria. This role offers equity options, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Equity options

Flexible working

Outcome-driven culture

Professional growth opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong Java / Spring Boot engineering background.
• Experience with microservices and modern API design.
• Exposure to Docker, Kubernetes, and cloud environments (AWS).
• SQL / NoSQL experience (PostgreSQL, MongoDB).
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop secure, scalable backend services using Java (Spring Boot).
• Build and maintain microservices and event-driven systems.
• Contribute to full-stack applications using React.
• Support CI / CD, automation, and DevOps practices.

Skills

Java

Spring Boot

Microservices

Docker

Kubernetes

AWS

SQL

PostgreSQL

MongoDB

Problem-solving

Job description

Overview

Java Developer / Full Stack Software Engineer (DV Eligible)

Location: London, UK (Hybrid – remote and client site as required)

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £45,000 – £65,000 (depending on experience)

About the Opportunity

Sanderson Government and Defence partnering with an exciting start-up workflow and AI orchestration consultancy delivering cutting-edge software into the public sector and national security domains. Their mission: modernise government through event-driven architectures, secure platforms, and automation at scale.

They’re now hiring Java-focused Full Stack Software Engineers - from ambitious early-career developers to experienced senior engineers - to join their expanding delivery team. You’ll be one of the first Engineers in the team, shaping culture, approach and strategy.

If you’re a driven and ambitious Java engineer who enjoys solving complex problems, working end-to-end across the stack, and influencing how a technology-driven consultancy evolves - this role is for you!

Key Responsibilities

• Develop secure, scalable backend services using Java (Spring Boot)
• Build and maintain microservices and event-driven systems
• Contribute to full-stack applications using React
• Work with Docker, Kubernetes, AWS / Azure
• Model workflows with Camunda / BPMN (or learn on the job)
• Design and optimise data models in PostgreSQL and MongoDB
• Support CI / CD, automation, and DevOps practices
• Collaborate with clients and internal teams; share technical expertise

Essential Experience

• Strong Java / Spring Boot engineering background
• Experience with microservices and modern API design
• Exposure to Docker, Kubernetes, and cloud environments (AWS)
• SQL / NoSQL experience (PostgreSQL, MongoDB)
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills
• Adaptable, proactive, and comfortable in a scaling organisation

Security Clearance Requirements

Due to the sensitive nature of projects, candidates must be eligible for SC and DV (Developed Vetting) security clearance.

Applicants must

• Be sole British citizens (dual nationality not accepted)
• Have not spent more than 30 consecutive days outside the UK in the past 10 years
• Have no criminal record
• Have no significant financial concerns (e.g., bankruptcy, unresolved debts)

Candidates who do not meet these criteria unfortunately cannot be considered.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Equity options : Real ownership as part of the company’s growth
• Flexible working : Adapt your schedule around life and client needs
• Outcome-driven culture : Focus on delivering value, not clock-watching
• Work directly with founders : High trust, high challenge, high support
• Shape the future : Influence engineering standards, culture, and service offerings
• End-to-end ownership : Autonomy to design, build, and ship meaningful work
• Impact that matters : Build solutions used by millions across the UK public sector
• Low-ego environment : Collaborative, sociable, and free from big-firm bureaucracy
• Professional growth : Sponsored Camunda certification and continuous learning opportunities