Lead Java Engineer — Hands-On, AI-Driven Backend

Experis (Austria); Nottingham; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Experis seeks a Lead Software Engineer (Java) in the UK, ideally within an hour of Nottingham. Stay hands on with Java while leading a small engineering squad and shaping the future of an established software platform.

You will guide technical delivery, mentor engineers and own delivery commitments. Roughly 60–70% of your time will be spent coding, reviewing AI-generated output, and making architectural decisions.

Qualifications

• Proven Java backend development experience.
• Experience leading technical delivery.
• Ability to design backend systems and handle evolving requirements.
• Experience with relational databases, automated testing and CI/CD.
• Interest in AI-assisted engineering and ability to challenge AI outputs.
• Strong communication skills and clear decision explanations.
• People management experience or readiness to lead a small team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of Java backend software.
• Make architectural decisions and explain technical choices to Engineering and Product colleagues.
• Review code and AI generated output for quality, security and maintainability.
• Help engineers use AI tools effectively through clear specifications and validation.
• Own delivery commitments, raise risks early and remove blockers.
• Contribute to a roadmap covering AWS, PostgreSQL, OpenSearch and containerised Linux environments.
• Manage and develop engineers through regular one-to-ones, feedback and development plans.

Skills

Java backend

Technical leadership

Backend design

Relational databases

Automated testing

CI/CD

AI in engineering

Communication

People management

Tools

AWS

PostgreSQL

OpenSearch

Containers

SQL Server

Job description

Experis seeks a Lead Software Engineer (Java) in the UK, ideally within an hour of Nottingham. Stay hands on with Java while leading a small engineering squad and shaping the future of an established software platform.

You will guide technical delivery, mentor engineers and own delivery commitments. Roughly 60–70% of your time will be spent coding, reviewing AI-generated output, and making architectural decisions.