Java Software Engineer (SC Cleared)

Sanderson Government & Defence; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Engineering business in the UK is looking for a Java Software Engineer to design, develop, and maintain secure Java applications and microservices. The role requires strong experience with Java and Spring Boot, alongside a solid understanding of RESTful APIs. You will join a trusted engineering organization, contributing to solutions that protect national security and counter threats. This is a permanent position with opportunities for impact in a high-growth environment.

Qualifications

• Strong commercial experience with Java and Spring Boot in enterprise or microservices environments.
• Solid understanding of RESTful API design and integration patterns.
• Proficiency with automated testing frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain secure, scalable Java applications and microservices.
• Translate technical designs into production-ready code.
• Build and maintain RESTful APIs and integrate with external services.
• Support core architectural components for performance and scalability.
• Collaborate with product and engineering teams to deliver solutions.
• Participate in Agile ceremonies for continuous improvement.

Skills

Java

Spring Boot

RESTful API design

Service-oriented architectures

Relational/NoSQL databases

Test-Driven Development (TDD)

Maven/Gradle

Job description

Talent Solutions Partner | National Security & Central Government

Java Software Engineer

Business Unit: Central Government, Law Enforcement and National Security

Level: Mid-Senior

Employment Type: Permanent

Clearance: Must hold active UK Security Clearance

About the Opportunity

We are partnering with a leading Engineering business seeking experienced Java Software Engineers to help deliver mission‑critical capabilities that protect the UK’s security and prosperity. You will work at the intersection of advanced engineering and real‑world problem‑solving, developing cutting‑edge products that counter evolving threats.

Our teams work with leading technologies across AI/DS, Cyber, Cloud, DevOps/SRE, and Platform Engineering, supporting customers across the National Security, Defence and Intelligence community. With long‑term programmes secured, this is an opportunity to join a high‑growth environment with genuine impact.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Designing, developing, and maintaining secure, scalable Java applications and microservices using Spring Boot.
• Translating technical designs into clean, test‑driven, production‑ready code aligned with engineering best practices.
• Building and maintaining RESTful APIs and integrating them with databases, messaging systems, and external services.
• Supporting and evolving core architectural components, ensuring performance, reliability, and scalability.
• Collaborating with product, architecture, and engineering teams to deliver solutions aligned with user and business needs.
• Participating in Agile ceremonies and contributing to technical strategy, continuous improvement, and innovation.

Key Skills & Experience

• Strong commercial experience with Java and Spring Boot in enterprise or microservices environments.
• Solid understanding of RESTful API design, service‑oriented architectures, and integration patterns.
• Experience with relational and/or NoSQL databases and ORM frameworks such as JPA/Hibernate.
• Proficiency with automated testing frameworks and Test‑Driven Development (TDD).
• Familiarity with Maven or Gradle and working across application, service, and data layers.
• Strong documentation and design discipline, with a curiosity for emerging Java and backend technologies.

Why Join?

You’ll be part of a trusted engineering organisation with over 60 years of heritage in sensors, communications, cyber, AI and ML. They solve complex challenges that make a tangible difference protecting people, platforms and missions, today and for the future.