Senior Java Software Engineer

GradBay; Wallingford; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

GradBay is seeking a Principal Java Engineer to provide technical leadership for a core SaaS platform. You will define the architecture and engineering standards, collaborating with Product, Data, Ops, DevOps, and QA to deliver secure, scalable software while mentoring engineers.

Responsibilities include owning architecture, designing high-quality Java and full-stack solutions, driving performance improvements, and promoting secure development practices across cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Degree in Computer Science or equivalent practical experience.
• Extensive Java software engineering experience with technical leadership.
• Deep knowledge of Spring Boot and Hibernate/JPA.
• Strong understanding of distributed systems, scalability, and security.
• Experience with cloud-native apps and container technologies.
• Familiarity with CI/CD practices and secure SDLC.

Responsibilities

• Own architecture and technical direction across multiple products.
• Design, implement, and review Java and full-stack solutions.
• Improve performance, scalability, resilience, and security.
• Lead engineering standards, reviews, and best practices.
• Mentor engineers and promote continuous improvement.

Skills

Technical leadership

Mentoring

Strategic thinking

Communication

Education

Degree in Computer Science

Tools

Spring Boot

Hibernate/JPA

REST APIs

Docker

AWS

CI/CD

OpenAPI

Job description

This organisation develops technology solutions that connect individuals with education, career, and employment opportunities. Working with a range of partners across education and industry, it builds digital platforms that help people discover opportunities, develop skills, and make informed career decisions.

Role Overview

As a Principal Java Engineer, you will provide technical leadership for a core SaaS platform. Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), you will define the technical direction, architecture, and engineering standards across the platform without direct line management responsibility. You will collaborate closely with Product, Data, Operations, DevOps, and QA teams to deliver secure, resilient, and scalable software solutions while mentoring engineers through technical leadership and best practices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own the application architecture and technical direction across multiple products and services.
• Design, implement, and review high-quality Java and full-stack solutions, APIs, and integrations.
• Lead initiatives to improve platform performance, scalability, resilience, and security.
• Promote secure software development practices and drive vulnerability remediation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure architectural alignment and operational excellence.

Technical Leadership

• Provide technical leadership across multiple Agile development teams.
• Translate business and product requirements into robust technical solutions.
• Facilitate collaboration to resolve technical challenges and reduce delivery risk.
• Mentor and coach engineers to improve technical capability and engineering quality.
• Define, maintain, and champion engineering standards, architectural principles, and development best practices.
• Conduct architecture, design, and code reviews to ensure quality, maintainability, and consistency.
• Continuously improve engineering processes and software development practices.
• Promote scalable, secure, and maintainable software design.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence.

Operational Excellence

• Lead root cause analysis and resolution of complex production issues.
• Improve system observability, monitoring, and operational performance.
• Ensure applications meet reliability, availability, and performance objectives.
• Work closely with Operations, DevOps, and QA teams to maintain production stability.
• Encourage proactive operational practices and continuous service improvement.

Typical Technology:

• Spring Framework / Spring Boot
• Hibernate ORM/ JPA
• REST APIs, OpenAPI
• Microservices and event-driven architecture
• Message brokers
• Docker and cloud platforms (e.g. AWS)
• Logging, metrics, and monitoring
• Relational databases and search technologies
• Modern front-end frameworks (e.g. Angular)
• AI-assisted development tools

Person Specification:

• Strategic and systems-thinking mindset
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to influence through technical leadership rather than formal management
• Proactive, pragmatic, and outcome-focused
• Strong mentoring and collaborative approach
• Commitment to engineering excellence and continuous improvement
• Trusted technical adviser with strong attention to detail

Skills and Experience:

• Degree in Computer Science or equivalent practical experience.
• Extensive experience in Java software engineering, including technical leadership.
• Expert knowledge of Java, JVM performance, and modern language features.
• Deep experience with Spring Boot, Hibernate/JPA, and enterprise application architecture.
• Strong understanding of distributed systems, scalability, resilience, and performance optimisation.
• Experience developing cloud-native applications using container technologies and CI/CD practices.
• Strong knowledge of application security principles and secure software development practices.

Additional Information:

• Permanent, full-time position
• Standard business working hours.
• Employment is subject to successful pre-employment background screening in accordance with company policy.