Principal Java Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Belfast; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Principal Java Engineer to drive the technical evolution of their core backend systems. You will work within a modern team, designing scalable microservices and mentoring fellow engineers. This role requires extensive Java experience and a passion for clean, event-driven architectures, while contributing to a mission-driven scaleup tackling real-world problems.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

ESOP scheme

Private health cover, dental & optical

Cycle-to-work & tech scheme

Flexible working environment

Qualifications

• 6+ years of Java development experience required.
• Experience with microservices and service architecture.
• Capable of mentoring engineers in a high-growth environment.

Responsibilities

• Designing and building modern Java microservices.
• Leading the transition from monolithic to microservices architectures.
• Mentoring junior engineers and ensuring code quality.

Skills

Java development

Microservices

System design

Distributed systems

Leadership

Communication

Job description

Job Description

Principal Engineer (Java)

The Opportunity

One of our scaleup partners is hiring a Principal Java Engineer to lead the technical evolution of their core backend system.

You’ll join a modern engineering team delivering high-scale, event-driven microservices. This is more than just a hands-on Java role ,you’ll be mentoring engineers, defining architecture, and setting engineering standards that will scale as the business grows.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Designing and building modern Java microservices in an event-driven architecture
• Leading the break-up of legacy monolith systems into scalable, decoupled services
• Driving best practices in code quality, architecture, and delivery
• Collaborating closely with product managers, designers, and engineering peers
• Providing mentorship and leadership within the team, from pairing to code review
• Helping the business scale safely and efficiently through pragmatic engineering decisions

What You’ll Bring

• 6+ years of Java development experience, including deep knowledge of microservices
• Experience migrating monolithic systems into modern service architectures
• Strong grasp of system design, distributed systems, and cloud- development
• A technical mindset grounded in real-world delivery and commercial impact
• Experience in mentoring or leading engineers in a high-growth environment
• Great communication skills and a collaborative, team-first approach

Why Apply

• Generous annual leave
• ESOP scheme
• Private health cover, dental & optical
• Cycle-to-work & tech scheme
• Flexible working environment
• Work with a mission-led scaleup, solving real-world safety problems

Interested?

If you're a pragmatic Java engineer who loves clean systems, building for scale, and leading others toward technical excellence. Feel free to apply for the role or reach out to Ryan Quinn directly on LinkedIN.