Lead Java Software Engineer

NPA WorldWide; Northampton; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A mission-led consultancy in the UK is seeking an experienced Principal Software Engineer (Java) to design and develop secure software solutions for the Government and Defence sectors. This senior-level role offers leadership opportunities in an agile environment with a focus on engineering best practices. The position features flexible working hours, remote options, private healthcare, and a learning development budget. Salary ranges from £45,000 to £70,000 annually, based on experience and skills.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

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.
• Familiarity with DevOps tools and automation (CI/CD, containers, IaC).
• Track record of delivering secure, production-grade systems in agile teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of secure, scalable systems using Java.
• Architect and maintain APIs, data pipelines, and cloud-native solutions.
• Drive adoption of DevOps practices including CI/CD and containers.
• Guide and mentor engineers promoting best practices and agile delivery.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to shape technical direction.

Skills

Java

Full-stack engineering

System architecture

DevOps tools

Stakeholder engagement

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 youre an experienced *Principal Software Engineer *with expertise in* Java*, and youre excited to help deliver solutions that truly matter, wed 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 * : £ 45000
• Salary Max * : £ 70000
• Currency Type * : GBP