Enable job alerts via email!

Lead Java Software Engineer

NPA WorldWide

Northampton

Hybrid

GBP 45,000 - 70,000

Full time

Today

Be an early applicant

Generate a tailored resume in minutes

Land an interview and earn more. Learn more

Job summary

A mission-led consultancy in the UK is looking for a Principal Software Engineer with expertise in Java to lead the design and development of secure software solutions. The ideal candidate has strong full-stack skills and experience leading teams, contributing hands-on during the development process. This role offers flexible working, a learning budget, and excellent career progression in a meaningful sector, with a salary range of £45,000 to £70,000.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Learning & development budget

Private healthcare

Matched pension scheme

Monthly socials

Quarterly company meetups

Career progression

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).

Responsibilities

Lead the design, development, and testing of secure, scalable systems.
Architect and maintain APIs, data pipelines, and cloud-native solutions.
Drive adoption of DevOps practices CI/CD, containers, infrastructure-as-code.
Guide and mentor engineers, promoting best practice and clean coding.
Collaborate with stakeholders and clients to ensure robust solutions.
Contribute across the full software development lifecycle.

Skills

Java

Full-stack engineering

System architecture

Cloud solutions

API design

DevOps tools

Stakeholder engagement

Agile methodology

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

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 :