Senior Java Engineer

Initialize IT; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 54,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

Initialize IT in London is seeking a Senior Java Engineer for a 12-month hybrid role. You will design, build, and optimize backend services and web applications, collaborating with frontend teams to deliver integrated solutions.

Ideal candidates have strong Java fundamentals, Spring Boot expertise, REST API experience, and familiarity with React, SQL databases, and CI/CD pipelines. A remote-friendly but London-based hybrid setup is supported.

Qualifications

• Strong Java fundamentals with modern Java (Java 21 preferred).
• Proven experience with Spring Framework and Spring Boot.
• Experience building and consuming REST APIs.
• Knowledge of React and frontend-backend integration.
• Strong understanding of web app architecture and client-server models.
• Experience with relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL).
• Proficient with Git and Maven/Gradle build tools.
• Commitment to clean code, unit tests, and code reviews.
• Familiarity with Agile practices and Linux-based environments.
• 4–8+ years of software engineering experience.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to design, development, and implementation of backend services and web apps.
• Write clean, maintainable, and well-tested code following engineering standards.
• Participate in design discussions with senior engineers and architects.
• Collaborate with frontend developers to integrate backend services with UI components.
• Troubleshoot, debug, and optimize performance of applications.
• Break down user stories into technical tasks and deliver on timelines.
• Work in Agile teams with product owners, QA, and other developers.
• Maintain and improve existing systems ensuring stability and reliability.
• Foster positive team relationships and clear communication with stakeholders.
• Continuously develop technical skills and stay current with new tech.

Skills

Java

Spring

REST API

React

Web architecture

SQL

Git

Maven/Gradle

Unit testing

Agile

Linux

Tools

JSF/JSP

Docker

CI/CD

Kubernetes

Job description

Senior Java Engineer - 12 months London City/hybrid - £341 - fantastic financial client

Essential skills

• Strong Java fundamentals (Java 21 preferred) including core concepts (collections, concurrency, memory management).
• Solid experience with Spring Framework (Spring 4+) and Spring Boot 3.x.
• Experience building and consuming REST APIs.
• Good knowledge of React (version 17) and integration with Back End services.
• Strong understanding of web application architecture and Client Server communication.
• Experience with SQL and relational databases (eg PostgreSQL).
• Proficiency with version control (Git) and build tools (Maven/Gradle).
• Strong focus on clean code, unit testing, and code reviews.
• Familiar with Agile development practices.
• Comfortable working in Linux/Unix environments.
• 4-8+ years of software engineering experience.

Other desirable skills

• Experience with JSF/JSP applications and Legacy UI technologies.
• Familiarity with modern Front End practices and component-based architectures.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and testing practices.
• Exposure to Docker/containerization.
• Basic understanding of distributed systems.
• Familiarity with Spring ecosystem tooling.
• Knowledge of financial systems or trading platforms is a plus.

Role

• Contributes to design, development, and implementation of Back End services and web applications.
• Writes clean, maintainable, and well-tested code following established engineering practices.
• Participates in technical design discussions and collaborates with senior engineers and architects.
• Works closely with Front End developers to integrate Back End services with UI components.
• Supports troubleshooting, debugging, and performance optimization of applications.
• Breaks down user stories into technical tasks and delivers within agreed timelines.
• Collaborates effectively in Agile teams with product owners, QA, and other developers.
• Maintains and improves existing systems while ensuring stability and reliability.Builds positive relationships within the team and contributes to a collaborative environment.
• Communicates technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Continuously develops technical expertise and stays up to date with modern technologies and frameworks.