Principal Java Engineer

Ocho People; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology-focused company in Belfast is seeking a Principal Java Engineer with a strong background in backend software engineering. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years' experience with Java and a solid grasp of cloud-native microservices. This role offers architectural influence, mentorship opportunities, and a competitive salary package including bonuses. The position includes hybrid working arrangements, with a blend of in-office and remote collaboration.

Benefits

Generous benefits package

Hybrid working arrangements

Competitive salary up to £80k plus bonus

Qualifications

• 8+ years' experience in backend software engineering.
• Strong commercial experience using Java, with Kotlin exposure a plus.
• Proven experience designing and building scalable microservices.

Responsibilities

• Owning technical direction and architecture for key backend services.
• Designing, building and evolving scalable Java and Kotlin microservices.
• Driving best practices around TDD, BDD and clean code.
• Leading code reviews and setting high engineering standards.

Skills

Java

Kotlin

Cloud native architecture

Microservices

RESTful APIs

Problem solving

Communication

Tools

MySQL

Job description

Principal Java Engineer

Java | Kotlin | Cloud Native

At a glance

• Principal level backend role with architectural ownership
• Java and Kotlin microservices in a cloud native environment
• Hybrid working in Belfast
• Salary up to £80k plus bonus

The role

As a Principal Java Engineer, you will provide technical leadership across a critical product area, shaping architecture, guiding engineering standards and influencing how scalable backend systems are designed and delivered.

You will work closely with Senior, Staff and Principal Engineers across Belfast and the wider global engineering organisation, contributing to large scale distributed systems while acting as a technical authority within the team.

This role offers a strong mix of hands‑on development, architectural decision making and mentorship.

What you will be doing

• Owning technical direction and architecture for key backend services
• Designing, building and evolving scalable Java and Kotlin microservices
• Driving best practices around TDD, BDD and clean code
• Leading code reviews and setting high engineering standards
• Decomposing complex monolithic systems into modern distributed architectures
• Partnering with product, platform and engineering leadership on technical strategy
• Owning production systems including reliability, monitoring and on‑call standards
• Identifying and addressing technical debt with a long term mindset
• Mentoring Senior and mid‑level engineers across the team
• Contributing to continuous improvement of engineering processes and tooling

What you'll need:

• 8+ years' experience in backend software engineering
• Strong commercial experience using Java, with Kotlin exposure a plus
• Proven experience designing and building scalable microservices
• Strong background in Cloud native architectures
• Extensive experience designing and building RESTful APIs
• Deep understanding of SOLID principles and software design patterns
• Strong experience with relational databases such as MySQL
• Ability to influence architecture and technical decisions at team level and above
• Excellent problem solving and communication skills

What's on offer

• Competitive salary up to £80k plus bonus
• Generous benefits package
• Hybrid working with a modern Belfast office
• Principal level role with genuine technical influence and ownership

For more information on this opportunity, connect with Neill Ferguson on LinkedIn or submit your CV via the link below.