Lead Java Developer

JR United Kingdom; Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading gaming company is seeking a Lead Java Developer for a hands-on leadership role. This position involves developing and leading high-performance betting products and collaborating within a skilled engineering team to ensure technical excellence. Candidates should have strong skills in Java, microservices, and database management, and be eager to innovate in the online gaming sector.

Benefits

Private healthcare

Learning & Development software

Hybrid working (3 days on-site)

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of strong Java experience.
• Proficient with SQL databases (PostgreSQL preferred).
• Deep knowledge of microservices architecture and API design.

Responsibilities

• Drive development of scalable gaming products using Java.
• Design and implement microservices architecture.
• Manage and optimize SQL-based databases.

Skills

Java 11+

Microservices

Cloud (AWS)

SQL Databases

Job description

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Lead Java Developer – Gaming | Hybrid (London – 3 days on-site) | Up to £95,000 per annum basic salary + Bonus & Benefits

James Adams Recruitment has partnered with a fast-growing company at the forefront of the online gaming industry. Our client is an innovator in the iGaming space, delivering cutting-edge online gaming to a global audience. They are looking for a Lead Java Developer to play a pivotal role in shaping the architecture and development of their real-time gaming platform.

The Role

This is a hands-on leadership role (90% coding, 10% leadership) where you will take ownership of high-performance betting products. You will work closely with a highly skilled engineering team to drive technical excellence, establish coding standards, and optimise real-time services for a fast-growing platform.

You’ll be responsible for backend architecture, microservices design, database management (SQL), and cloud integration (AWS) while collaborating with designers, engineers, and product teams to deliver world-class gaming solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Develop & Lead – Drive the development of scalable, interactive gaming products using Java (11+), Scala & Spring Boot.

Microservices & API Design – Design and implement modular microservices architecture with 3-tier API design.

Cloud & DevOps – Work within an AWS environment (supported by an in-house DevOps team) to ensure high availability, scalability, and performance.

Database Management – Manage and optimise SQL-based databases with at least 2-3 years of experience.

Real-time Streaming & Low Latency – Implement real-time communication protocols such as WebSockets to create engaging, live betting and gaming experiences.

Code Quality & CI/CD – Lead the coding standards across the backend team, drive unit testing, automated testing, and CI/CD best practices.

Mentor & Collaborate – Support a team of engineers, providing guidance on best practices and emerging technologies.

What We’re Looking For

Strong Java Expertise – 5-7 years of Java 11+ experience (currently using Java 21).

SQL Database Proficiency – Strong experience with SQL databases (PostgreSQL preferred).

Microservices & Cloud – Deep knowledge of microservices architecture, API design, and AWS.

Betting, Gaming, or Big Data Background – Experience in real-time data environments such as betting, finance, stock markets, video streaming (sports/TV), or news is highly desirable.

Problem-solving Mindset – Ability to troubleshoot and resolve performance issues in high-volume applications.

The Package & Benefits

? Up to £95K base salary

? Private healthcare & Learning & Development software

? Hybrid working – 3 days on-site in Hammersmith, 2 days remote

Interview Process

? Tech Test → 1-hour final interview (2 stage process)

If you're looking to take technical ownership of cutting-edge gaming products in a fast-moving and innovative industry, this role could be perfect for you.