Senior Java Engineer - Distributed Systems & Real-Time Data

Vallum Associates; Greater London; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Vallum Associates is seeking a senior Java architect to design, develop, and optimize distributed systems and event-driven architectures for real-time data processing. You will implement solutions using Java 21, Spring Boot, Flowable, and cloud-native technologies, and build streaming platforms with Flink and Kafka.

You will apply CQRS and Event Sourcing patterns to ensure scalability and reliability, collaborating with solution architects to define secure, resilient systems while leveraging

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in Java development and advanced distributed systems design.
• Hands-on expertise with Java 21, Flowable, Spring Boot, and ORM frameworks (JPA, iBatis).
• Deep knowledge of data streaming technologies (Apache Flink, Kafka), time-series processing, and microservices.
• Proficiency in cloud-native architectures with Kubernetes, Docker, Terraform, and Azure platforms.
• Experience with CosmosDB, PostgreSQL, Redis, and other relevant data stores.
• Strong background in security frameworks (Azure AD, OAuth).
• Proficiency in REST API development, CI/CD pipelines, and automated testing.
• AI-assisted software engineering experience using GitHub Copilot or equivalent tools.
• Solid understanding of Computer Science fundamentals and SDLC best practices.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize distributed systems and event-driven architectures.
• Implement solutions using Java 21, Spring Boot, Flowable, and cloud-native technologies.
• Build robust streaming data platforms leveraging Apache Flink and Kafka.
• Apply CQRS and Event Sourcing patterns for scalable, reliable systems.
• Collaborate with solution architects to define secure, resilient, and high-performance systems.
• Leverage AI-enabled tools to accelerate development and improve code quality.
• Ensure SDLC best practices with automated testing, CI/CD, and deployment using Kubernetes and Terraform.
• Engage with stakeholders to translate business requirements into innovative technical solutions.
• Optimize application performance in mission-critical environments with minimal latency and high throughput.
• Maintain strong security controls by implementing identity, access, and OAuth-based authentication mechanisms.

Skills

Java development

Distributed systems

Real-time data processing

Security awareness

CI/CD practices

Tools

Flowable

Spring Boot

Kubernetes

Terraform

Azure

Apache Kafka

Apache Flink

GitHub Copilot

OAuth

Job description

• Design, develop, and optimize distributed systems and event-driven architectures supporting real-time data processing
• Implement solutions using Java 21, Spring Boot, Flowable, and cloud-native technologies
• Build robust, fault-tolerant streaming data platforms leveraging Apache Flink and Kafka
• Apply CQRS and Event Sourcing patterns, ensuring scalability, consistency, and reliability
• Collaborate with solution architects to define secure, resilient, and high-performance systems
• Leverage AI-enabled tools (GitHub Copilot, LLMs) to accelerate development and improve code quality
• Ensure compliance with SDLC best practices, including automated testing, CI/CD, and deployment using Kubernetes and Terraform
• Engage with stakeholders to translate business requirements into innovative technical solutions
• Optimize application performance in mission-critical environments, ensuring minimal latency and high throughput
• Maintain strong security controls by implementing identity, access, and OAuth-based authentication mechanisms

Requirements

• 15+ years of experience in Java development and advanced distributed systems design
• Hands-on expertise with Java 21, Flowable, Spring Boot, and ORM frameworks (JPA, iBatis)
• Deep knowledge of data streaming technologies (Apache Flink, Kafka), time-series processing, and microservices
• Proficiency in cloud-native architectures with Kubernetes, Docker, Terraform, and Azure platforms
• Experience with CosmosDB, PostgreSQL, Redis, and other relevant data stores
• Strong background in security frameworks (Azure AD, OAuth)
• Proficiency in REST API development, CI/CD pipelines, and automated testing
• AI-assisted software engineering experience using GitHub Copilot or equivalent tools
• Solid understanding of Computer Science fundamentals and SDLC best practices
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

Nice to Have Skills

• Experience in Client Lifecycle domain
• Familiarity with Kotlin, Scala, Oracle, Databricks, and big data platforms
• Knowledge of LLMs, observability, and resilience engineering approaches for regulated environments