Remote Principle Backend Developer

WA Consultants Ltd; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology consulting firm is seeking a Principal Java Developer to play a key role in modernising their core platform. You will lead the redesign of the application stack, implement microservices using Java, and collaborate closely with senior stakeholders. The ideal candidate has strong Java and Python skills, experience with Docker and AWS, and a track record of guiding teams in achieving high engineering standards. This role offers flextime and additional holidays.

Benefits

Flextime

Up to 2 extra holiday days a month

25 days plus bank holidays, increasing yearly

Qualifications

• Expert-level proficiency in Java with microservices architecture.
• Advanced hands-on experience with Docker in production.
• Strong scripting and data manipulation skills using Python.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architectural redesign of the core Java-based application.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to implement a scalable platform.
• Guide and mentor a team of engineers on best coding practices.

Skills

Java

Microservices architecture

Spring Boot

Apache Airflow

Python

Docker

AWS SQS

CI/CD principles

Tools

Kubernetes

Pandas

Job description

We are seeking a Principal Java Developer (Some Python experience is a must) to take a strategic and hands-on role in modernising and re-architecting our core platform. This individual will be instrumental in driving the migration away from legacy systems, designing scalable, cloud-native architectures, and working closely with the IT Director to align technical direction with business goals. You will lead key decisions around backend infrastructure, integration, and data processing pipelines, ensuring engineering best practices and system performance.

Key Responisbilities

• Lead the architectural re-design of our core Java-based application stack and database infrastructure.
• Collaborate directly with the IT Director and senior stakeholders to shape and implement a future-proof, scalable, and resilient platform.
• Design and implement robust microservices using Java, Spring Boot, Spring Data, and JPA.
• Integrate asynchronous workflows using message brokers such as AWS SQS.
• Own and evolve containerised deployment pipelines using Docker and CI/CD principles.
• Develop and manage data pipelines with Apache Airflow, with data transformation using Python and Pandas.
• Guide and mentor a team of engineers, setting high standards for clean code, testing, and technical design.
• Promote engineering excellence, code quality, and system performance optimisation.
• Participate in cross-functional planning, architecture design sessions, and code reviews.

Backend & Microservices

• Expert-level proficiency in Java with a strong understanding of microservices architecture.
• Deep experience with Spring Boot, Spring Data, JPA, and Hibernate.
• Strong knowledge of message brokers (particularly AWS SQS, SNS, or Kafka).
• Solid experience working with RESTful APIs, event-driven systems, and distributed architectures.

Containerisation & DevOps

• Advanced hands-on experience with Docker in production environments.
• Familiarity with orchestration tools such as Kubernetes (a plus).
• Understanding of infrastructure-as-code and CI/CD practices.

Data Engineering & Scripting

• Strong scripting and data manipulation skills using Python.
• Proficient with Pandas for handling and transforming complex datasets.
• Hands-on experience with Apache Airflow for data orchestration and pipeline scheduling.

Architecture & Communication

• Proven experience designing and leading architectural changes in enterprise systems.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to present complex technical ideas to non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience working in a leadership or advisory capacity with CTOs, enterprise architects, or senior management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in cloud-based environments (especially AWS).
• Familiarity with legacy migration strategies and monolith-to-microservices transitions.
• Background in FinTech, InsurTech, or other regulated industries (optional but preferred).

Python experience is also a must

Benefits include flextime working up to 2 days extra holiday a month. 25 days plus bank holidays increases yearly