Principal Java Developer

NPA WorldWide; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent consultancy firm in the UK is looking for an experienced Principal Software Engineer (Java) to lead their software solutions for the Government and Defence sectors. This hands-on role offers flexibility, mentorship opportunities, and a competitive salary range of £55,000 to £70,000. Applicants should have deep Java expertise, strong leadership skills, and a passion for agile development.

Benefits

Flexible working

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.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and testing of secure, scalable systems using Java.
• Architect and maintain APIs, data pipelines, and cloud-native solutions.
• Drive adoption of DevOps practices and mentor engineers.

Skills

Java

Full-stack engineering

System architecture

Cloud solutions

API design

DevOps tools and automation

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 you’re an experienced Principal Software Engineer with expertise in Java and you’re excited to help deliver solutions that truly matter, we’d 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
• : £ 55000
• Salary Max
• : £ 70000
• Currency Type
• : GBP