Principal Java Engineer

JR United Kingdom; Newtownabbey; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing scaleup is seeking a Principal Java Engineer to lead the evolution of their backend systems. This role involves mentoring engineers and shaping architecture while delivering high-scale microservices solutions. If you have a passion for clean systems and leading teams, this opportunity could be for you.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Flexible working environment

Qualifications

• 6+ years of Java development experience with microservices.
• Experience in migrating monolithic systems to modern architectures.
• Strong grasp of distributed systems and cloud-native development.

Responsibilities

• Designing and building Java microservices in an event-driven architecture.
• Leading the break-up of legacy systems into scalable services.
• Driving best practices in code quality and delivery.

Skills

Java development

Microservices

System design

Cloud-native development

Mentoring

Communication

Job description

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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-native 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
• 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.