Lead Java Developer

Experis UK; Greater Lincolnshire; Hybrid; GBP 111,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

Experis UK is seeking an experienced Lead Java Engineer to join a major modernisation programme in the UK. The role is hands-on leadership designing, building, and delivering scalable Java services in a complex enterprise environment, with 2 days per week onsite in Telford.

You will lead technical design, produce low-level designs, drive best practices, mentor developers, and ensure integration with shared platforms. Strong Java, Spring Boot, Kubernetes, and agile delivery experience required.

Qualifications

• Must have strong commercial experience with Java and Spring framework.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and deliver complex software solutions.
• Experience with Kubernetes and cloud-native architectures is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical design and delivery of Java-based services and applications.
• Produce Low-Level Designs (LLDs) based on high-level architectural designs.
• Drive engineering best practices, code quality, and technical standards.
• Collaborate with Architects, QA Leads, Delivery Managers, and engineering teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead and mentor developers, supporting technical decision-making and problem-solving.
• Ensure successful integration with shared platforms and common services.
• Support backlog creation, technical planning, and delivery assurance.

Skills

Java

Spring Framework/Spring Boot

Kubernetes

Team leadership

Software architecture

Agile delivery

Communication

Tools

Kubernetes

CI/CD

DevOps practices

Job description

Lead Java Engineer

Umbrella Rate: £600.00 - £635.00 per day (Inside IR35)

Duration: 6 Months

Location: Telford (2 days per week onsite)

Clearance Required: BPSS

The Opportunity

We\'re looking for an experienced Lead Java Engineer to join a major modernisation programme, helping to design, build, and deliver scalable digital services within a complex enterprise environment.

This is a hands-on technical leadership role, ideal for someone who enjoys solving challenging engineering problems, guiding development teams, and driving high-quality delivery from design through to implementation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the technical design and delivery of Java-based services and applications.
• Produce Low-Level Designs (LLDs) based on high-level architectural designs.
• Drive engineering best practices, code quality, and technical standards.
• Collaborate with Architects, QA Leads, Delivery Managers, and engineering teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead and mentor developers, supporting technical decision-making and problem-solving.
• Ensure successful integration with shared platforms and common services.
• Support backlog creation, technical planning, and delivery assurance.
• Contribute to the wider engineering community and help shape ways of working.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong commercial experience with Java.
• Experience developing applications using Spring Framework / Spring Boot.
• Hands-on experience with Kubernetes.
• Proven experience leading technical teams and delivering complex software solutions.
• Strong understanding of software architecture, design patterns, and engineering best practices.
• Experience working within Agile delivery environments.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable Skills

• React
• Front-end development experience
• Microservices architecture
• Cloud-native application development
• CI/CD and DevOps practices

What We\'re Looking For

You\'ll be a technically strong engineer who enjoys leading from the front, solving complex challenges, and helping teams deliver high-quality software. You\'ll be comfortable defining solutions, mentoring others, and taking ownership of technical delivery within large-scale transformation programmes.