Lead Java Backend Engineer

Harvey Nash Group; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 72,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading tech recruitment firm is seeking a Lead Java Backend Engineer in Newcastle upon Tyne. This role involves shaping technical direction, guiding backend architecture, and influencing design decisions. Candidates should be proficient in Java and Spring Boot, with strong communication skills. This opportunity offers a salary up to £85,000 and promotes hybrid working arrangements.

Qualifications

• Proficient in Java 11 or higher.
• Experience with Spring Boot frameworks.
• Strong background in solution architecture.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering initiatives and integrate modern best practices.
• Ensure high performance, security, and reliability in backend architecture.
• Mentor and support engineering teams through hands-on guidance.

Skills

Java (11+)

Spring Boot

Solution architecture experience

Strong communicator able to influence decisions

Tools

AWS

Kubernetes

SQL

NoSQL databases

CI/CD pipelines

automated testing

microservices

Kafka

Job description

Lead Java Backend Engineer

This is an opportunity for a Lead Java Backend Engineer to shape the backend technical direction, bring teams together, and introduce modern engineering practices that support scalable, secure, and high‑performing systems.

What You'll Do

• Lead key engineering initiatives and introduce modern best practices (design patterns, new languages, modern architecture approaches)
• Guide backend architecture and ensure high standards in performance, security, and reliability
• Support engineers through pair programming, technical guidance, and resolving high‑priority issues
• Drive solution architecture and influence major technical and design decisions
• 30-40% hands‑on, 60% leadership/strategy
• Mentor engineers, run design reviews, and foster continuous improvement

Top Priority Skills

• Java (11+)
• Spring Boot
• Solution architecture experience
• Strong communicator able to influence decisions

Tech Stack & Environment

• Java, Spring Boot, REST APIs, microservices
• Kafka & event‑driven systems
• AWS (preferred), Kubernetes, containers
• SQL & NoSQL databases
• CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, modern deployment practices

This opportunity is paying up to £85,000 and will be hybrid working.

If this sounds like the right next step for you, get in touch today to find out more.