Java Technical Lead

The Bridge IT Recruitment; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialized IT recruitment firm is seeking a Java Technical Lead for a long-term contract role to shape and direct the engineering of large-scale digital platforms. The position involves hands-on engineering and technical leadership within a hybrid environment. Candidates should have strong experience in Java, cloud technologies, and a track record of leading successful engineering teams. Day rate between £600-£625 Inside IR35.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in software engineering with a focus on Java.
• Hands-on experience with MongoDB and Kafka in production.
• Understanding of AWS and cloud infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams and shape technical direction.
• Deliver secure, high-quality scalable services.
• Coach and mentor team members in engineering practices.

Skills

Software Engineering (Java focus)

Data & Messaging (MongoDB, Kafka)

Cloud Infrastructure (AWS)

Infrastructure as Code (Terraform)

CI/CD Pipelines (GitLab CI, Jenkins)

Technical Leadership

Engineering Best Practice

Collaboration

Job description

Overview

Java Technical Lead Contract Opportunity - Inside IR35 - UK Wide

The Bridge IT are supporting a flagship digital transformation programme, seeking experienced Java Technical Leadsto join established engineering teams. This is a long-term contract with significant scope for impact, working on critical national services.

Day rate: £600-£625 p/d (Inside IR35)

Location: Hybrid - with occasional travel

Duration: Until March 2026 (initial), with expectation of 12-month extension

Clearance: SC Clearance required (will sponsor if required)

The Role

As a Technical Lead, you will be both a hands-on engineer and a leader of a cross-functional team, helping shape the technical direction of large-scale digital platforms. You will work closely with product and engineering colleagues to deliver high-quality, secure, and scalable services, while also coaching and mentoring team members to build capability and best practice.

This is a role for someone who enjoys technical problem-solving, driving engineering standards, and making a positive impact at scale.

Key Skills & Experience

• Software Engineering (Java focus) - modern development of digital products using Java, microservice architectures, and hexagonal architecture.
• Data & Messaging - hands-on experience with MongoDB and Kafka in production environments.
• Cloud & Automation - understanding of modern cloud infrastructure (AWS), Infrastructure as Code (Terraform), CI/CD pipelines (GitLab CI, Jenkins).
• Technical Leadership - experience leading engineering teams, setting direction, establishing standards, and providing mentorship and guidance.
• Engineering Best Practice - strong knowledge of version control, secure design, quality assurance, and resilient system design.
• Collaboration - proven ability to work in multi-disciplinary environments, engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, and contributing to wider engineering communities.

If this sounds of interest, please apply to hear more