Principal Java Engineer

Ocho People; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cybersecurity engineering team in Belfast is seeking a Principal Java Engineer to lead the design and development of complex Java and microservices-based systems. This role involves ensuring secure coding practices and optimizing performance while mentoring engineers. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with Java and Spring Boot, a strong understanding of cybersecurity principles, and a collaborative mindset. Enjoy a hybrid work culture with three days onsite in the vibrant Belfast city centre.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience with Java, Spring Boot and distributed systems.
• Strong understanding of secure development and cybersecurity principles.
• Experience designing scalable, resilient, cloud native solutions.
• Background working in high performing engineering teams.
• Clear communicator with leadership ability and a collaborative mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of complex Java and microservices based systems.
• Shape architecture, performance optimisation and secure coding practices.
• Collaborate closely with engineers and architects to define technical direction.
• Contribute to cloud based development, CI/CD, testing and automation.
• Mentor engineers and support the continued scaling of the team.

Skills

Java

Spring Boot

Distributed systems

Secure development

Collaboration

Tools

Cloud services

CI/CD tools

Automation tools

Job description

Principal Java Engineer

Belfast city centre, hybrid (3 days onsite)

Up to £90,000 salary

We are working with a scaling cybersecurity engineering team led by one of Northern Ireland's most respected technical architects. Their client list reads like a who's who of the Fortune 500, and the engineering culture is built around high standards, deep collaboration and pushing the boundaries of modern Java based solutions. This role suits technologists with a genuine passion for engineering who enjoy learning new skills and exploring modern approaches.

This position sits at the heart of their platform engineering group. You'll help design and deliver complex, secure and scalable systems used globally, while working closely with senior engineers, architects and product teams. The team is fully in office three days a week, giving you real collaboration, visibility and meaningful technical influence.

Key responsibilities

• Lead design and development of complex Java and microservices based systems.
• Shape architecture, performance optimisation and secure coding practices.
• Collaborate closely with engineers and architects to define technical direction.
• Contribute to cloud based development, CI/CD, testing and automation.
• Mentor engineers and support the continued scaling of the team.

Required experience

• Extensive experience with Java, Spring Boot and distributed systems.
• Strong understanding of secure development and cybersecurity principles.
• Experience designing scalable, resilient, cloud native solutions.
• Background working in high performing engineering teams.
• Clear communicator with leadership ability and a collaborative mindset.

Why this role

• Work directly with one of NI's leading technical architects.
• Cybersecurity domain with global reach and major brand exposure.
• Highly collaborative culture with genuine technical challenges.
• For engineers who love learning and exploring new technologies.
• Belfast city centre, three days onsite, high energy and hands on.

Apply here or reach out to Aaron Somers at Ocho for more information via LinkedIn.