Principal Backend Developer - Java

Capco; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Health insurance

Maternity and adoption leave

5 weeks annual leave

40 hours training annually

Gympass

Job summary

A leading consulting firm in Edinburgh is looking for a Principal Backend Engineer (Java) to architect secure, scalable backend systems. This role involves leading technical decision-making, mentoring teams, and ensuring engineering excellence for top financial clients. You'll need expertise in Java, AWS cloud solutions, and strong coaching capabilities. The position combines innovative technology with a collaborative culture, providing ample opportunity for personal growth and contributions to high-impact projects.

Qualifications

• Proven track record architecting secure, scalable services using microservices.
• Strong experience in CI/CD pipelines and streaming frameworks.
• Advanced understanding of system security protocols (e.g., OAuth, IAM).

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of secure, scalable backend systems.
• Architect distributed microservices and event‑driven systems.
• Guide technical decision‑making and align solutions to enterprise strategies.

Skills

Java 11/17+

Spring Boot

AWS

Microservices

CI/CD

SQL/NoSQL

Kafka

Tools

GitLab CI/CD

CloudFormation

Cucumber

Job description

Location: Edinburgh (Hybrid) | Practice Area: Technology & Engineering | Type: Permanent

Architect the next generation of financial platforms. Lead with Java expertise. Deliver impact at scale.

The Role

We’re looking for a Principal Backend Engineer (Java) to join our Technology & Engineering team. This leadership-level role calls for deep technical acumen, a security‑first mindset, and strong coaching capabilities. You’ll architect cloud‑native backend systems, shape our engineering standards, and mentor teams to deliver high‑performance platforms for global financial clients.

This role will sit in our Scotland office, with a need to potentially work in either Glasgow or Edinburgh depending on client expectations.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the design and development of secure, scalable backend systems using Java 11+ and Spring Boot
• Architect distributed microservices and event‑driven systems deployed to public cloud (preferably AWS)
• Guide technical decision‑making across teams and align solutions to enterprise strategies
• Champion engineering excellence, continuous improvement, and a test‑first culture
• Coach developers, shape delivery processes, and influence broader engineering practices across Capco

What We’re Looking For

• Expertise in Java 11/17+, Spring Boot, and AWS‑based enterprise cloud solutions
• Proven track record architecting secure, scalable services using microservices and CQRS patterns
• Strong experience in CI/CD pipelines, SQL/NoSQL, Kafka, CloudFormation, and streaming frameworks
• Advanced understanding of system security protocols (e.g., OAuth, IAM, TLS, encryption)
• Leadership capability to manage and mentor teams while driving technology strategy

Bonus Points For

• Contributions to thought leadership, mentoring, or RFPs within consultancy or tech environments
• Hands‑on experience with GitLab CI/CD, Cucumber, and Behaviour Driven Design
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect (Associate or Professional)
• History of delivering large‑scale customer‑facing applications
• Passion for experimenting with new tools and approaches within backend engineering

Why Join Capco

• Deliver high‑impact technology solutions for Tier 1 financial institutions
• Work in a collaborative, flat, and entrepreneurial consulting culture
• Access continuous learning, training, and industry certifications
• Be part of a team shaping the future of digital financial services
• Help shape the future of digital transformation across FS & Energy.

We offer a competitive, people‑first benefits package designed to support every aspect of your life:

• Core Benefits: Discretionary bonus, competitive pension, health insurance, life insurance and critical illness cover.
• Mental Health: Easy access to CareFirst, Unmind, Aviva consultations, and in‑house first aiders.
• Family‑Friendly: Maternity, adoption, shared parental leave, plus paid leave for sickness, pregnancy loss, fertility treatment, menopause, and bereavement.
• Family Care: 8 complimentary backup care sessions for emergency childcare or elder care.
• Holiday Flexibility: 5 weeks of annual leave with the option to buy or sell holiday days based on your needs.
• Continuous Learning: Your growth, your way - minimum 40 hours of training annually. Take your pick; workshops, certifications, e‑learning. Also, Business Coach assigned from Day One: Get one‑on‑one guidance to fast‑track your goals and accelerate your development.
• Extra Perks: Gympass(Wellhub), travel insurance, Tastecard, season ticket loans, Cycle to Work, and dental insurance.

Inclusion at Capco

We’re committed to making our recruitment process accessible and straightforward for everyone. If you need any adjustments at any stage, just let us know – we’ll be happy to help. We value each person’s unique perspective and contribution. At Capco, we believe that being yourself is your greatest strength. Our #BeYourselfAtWork culture encourages individuality and collaboration – a mindset that shapes how we work with clients and each other every day.