Lead Java Developer

NPAworldwide; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A mission-led consultancy is seeking an experienced Principal Software Engineer to join their team in Leeds, UK. This role involves designing and developing secure software solutions for the government and defense sectors. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in Java, strong leadership skills, and a passion for engineering best practices. Include benefits like flexible working, healthcare, and a clear career progression into leadership roles.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Learning & development budget

Private healthcare

Matched pension scheme

Monthly socials

Quarterly company meetups

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in Java and strong full-stack engineering skills.
• Proven experience leading teams or projects at a senior or principal level.
• Strong knowledge of system architecture, cloud solutions, and API design.
• Familiarity with DevOps tools and automation.
• Track record of delivering secure, production-grade systems in agile teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and testing of secure, scalable systems using Java.
• Architect and maintain APIs and cloud-native solutions.
• Drive adoption of DevOps practices in the team.
• Guide and mentor engineers, promoting best practices.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to shape technical direction.

Skills

Expertise in Java

Full-stack engineering skills

Team leadership

System architecture knowledge

Knowledge of DevOps tools

Stakeholder engagement

Tools

AWS

Azure

CI/CD tools

Containers

Job description

Our client, a mission‑led consultancy , is looking for an experienced Principal Software Engineer (Java) to join their growing team. They deliver secure, modern software solutions to the UK Government and Defence sectors, enabling clients to build scalable systems and progressive web applications that drive real impact.

This is a senior‑level opportunity for a hands‑on engineer who enjoys leading by example , thrives in agile environments , and is passionate about shaping engineering best practice while still contributing to the codebase.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and testing of secure, scalable systems using Java with modern front‑end frameworks (e.g., React)
• Architect and maintain APIs, data pipelines, and cloud‑native solutions (AWS, Azure, private cloud)
• Drive adoption of DevOps practices – CI / CD, containers, infrastructure‑as‑code
• Guide and mentor engineers, promoting best practice, clean coding, and agile delivery
• Collaborate with stakeholders and clients to shape technical direction and ensure robust, user‑focused solutions
• Contribute across the full software development lifecycle , from discovery to production support

Essential Skills & Experience

• Deep expertise in Java , with strong full‑stack engineering skills
• Proven experience leading teams or projects at a senior / principal level
• Strong knowledge of system architecture , cloud solutions, and API design
• Familiarity with DevOps tools and automation (CI / CD, containers, IaC)
• Track record of delivering secure, production‑grade systems in agile teams
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing, and communication skills

Desirable

• Background in secure or classified environments
• Knowledge of ITSM or systems within the government / defence sector
• Experience balancing technical leadership with hands‑on development

What’s in It for You

• Flexible working – 37.5 hrs / week with remote and hybrid options
• Learning & development budget for training, certifications, and conferences
• Private healthcare & matched pension scheme
• Monthly socials and quarterly company meetups
• Clear career progression into leadership roles in a high‑impact sector

Diversity & Inclusion

Our client is an equal opportunities employer and a Disability Confident organisation , committed to fostering a workplace where diverse perspectives are celebrated and everyone can thrive.

How to Apply

If you’re an experienced Principal Software Engineer with expertise in Java , and you’re excited to help deliver solutions that truly matter, we’d love to hear from you.