Senior Software Development Engineer (SDE3) - Java/API/Backend

DCV Technologies; Welwyn Garden City; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading tech company is looking for a Senior Software Development Engineer (SDE3) based in Welwyn Garden City. This hybrid role involves architecting and building scalable Java-based backend applications for a next-generation Fulfilment Platform. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in Java and Spring Boot, experience in agile product development, and proven skills in developing robust APIs and microservices. Join a dynamic global engineering team that promotes innovation and mentorship while working on mission-critical systems.

Qualifications

• Experience in agile product development and delivering scalable, distributed Java applications.
• Proven background in building and supporting reliable full-stack or backend services.
• Experience working within globally distributed engineering teams is highly beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Architect, build, and enhance high-performance Java-based backend applications.
• Improve scalability, efficiency, and reliability of crucial systems.
• Develop robust APIs and microservices integrating with enterprise systems.
• Deliver clean, maintainable, well-documented, and test-driven code.
• Diagnose and resolve complex production issues.
• Support and guide junior engineers while promoting best practices.
• Collaborate with hardware, data science, and operations teams.

Skills

Java

Spring Boot

API development

Microservices

CI/CD

Docker

Kubernetes

Tools

PostgreSQL

Couchbase

Azure Cloud

Job description

Senior Software Development Engineer (SDE3) - Java/API/Backend

Location: Welwyn Garden City, UK (Hybrid, 2-3 days onsite)

Contract: 6 months, with possible extension

Overview

This role supports the development of a next-generation, scalable, and resilient Fulfilment Platform powering both manual and robotic warehouse operations across multiple product categories. You will join a global Java-focused engineering team working with modern microservices, event-driven architecture, cloud technologies, and a strong DevOps culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Design & Development: Architect, build, and enhance high-performance Java-based backend applications for new fulfilment capabilities.
• System Optimisation: Improve scalability, efficiency, and reliability of mission-critical systems in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• API & Microservices Integration: Develop robust APIs and microservices integrating with enterprise and third-party systems.
• Code Quality: Deliver clean, maintainable, well-documented, and test-driven code aligned with industry standards.
• Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve complex production issues to ensure uninterrupted operational performance.
• Mentorship: Support and guide junior engineers while promoting best practices and continuous improvement.
• Innovation & Collaboration: Work closely with hardware, data science, and operations teams to drive forward-thinking technical solutions.

Required Experience

• Experience in agile product development and delivering scalable, distributed Java applications.
• Proven background in building and supporting reliable full-stack or backend services.
• Experience working within globally distributed engineering teams is highly beneficial.

Technical Skills

Programming

• Deep expertise in Java, Spring Boot, IDEs, and associated toolsets.
• Strong understanding of frameworks, abstraction layers, TDD, and debugging complex issues.

Design

• Ability to apply design patterns, domain modelling, idempotence, CQRS, and eventual consistency principles.
• Able to design for performance at all levels and leave code in a better state ("boy scout principle").

Tech Stack

• Java, Spring Boot, Kafka, PostgreSQL, Couchbase
• Azure Cloud, Docker, Kubernetes
• CI/CD using Azure Pipelines or GitHub Actions