Lead Java Developer

NPA WorldWide; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A mission-led consultancy in the UK is seeking an experienced Principal Software Engineer (Java) to lead the design and development of secure software solutions for the government and defence sectors. This role offers flexible working hours, a learning budget for professional development, and opportunities for career progression in a high-impact sector. Ideal candidates will have deep Java expertise and a proven record in leading engineering teams. Join and make a meaningful impact!

Benefits

Flexible working

Learning & development budget

Private healthcare

Matched pension scheme

Monthly socials

Quarterly company meetups

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of secure, scalable systems.
• Architect and maintain APIs and data pipelines.
• Guide and mentor engineers, promoting best practices.

Skills

Java

Full-stack engineering

System architecture

Stakeholder engagement

DevOps tools

Tools

AWS

Azure

CI/CD

Docker

Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

Job description

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

Whats 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.

Qualifications

• 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)

Why is This a Great Opportunity

• Flexitime
• 37.5 hrs / week structured your way + remote options
• Learning budget
• for training, certifications, and conferences
• Private healthcare
• and
• matched pension
• Monthly socials
• and quarterly company meetups

Career growth in a fast-moving, meaningful sector

• Salary Type
• : Annual Salary
• Salary Min
• : £ 55000
• Salary Max
• : £ 70000
• Currency Type
• : GBP