Senior Software Engineer

DWP Digital; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

A government digital services provider is looking for a Senior Software Engineer to lead software projects that impact millions of UK users. This role emphasizes collaboration within agile teams, managing development workflows, and ensuring applications meet user needs. The position offers a hybrid working model and competitive pay up to £78,517, alongside generous perks including a comprehensive pension and flexible working hours.

Benefits

Civil service pension

Generous leave package starting at 26 days

Flexible working hours

Discounts and savings on shopping

Interest-free loans for commuting

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in developing and maintaining enterprise-level applications using Java and COBOL.
• Ability to manage and guide development teams promoting best practices.
• Skilled in working within multidisciplinary agile teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of high-impact software projects that support millions of users.
• Design, build, and maintain applications to meet user needs.
• Manage development workflows using tools like Jira.

Skills

Java

COBOL

Leadership and mentoring

Agile delivery

Effective communication

Tools

Jira

Job description

Overview

DWP. Digital with Purpose.

We are looking for a Senior Software Engineer to join our community of tech experts in DWP Digital.

We're using fresh ideas and leading-edge tech to build and maintain digital solutions that will be used by nearly every person in the UK, every day and at key moments in their lives.

DWP is the UK's largest government department. We help people into work and make payments worth over £195bn a year to support and empower millions of people.

The scale of what we do is extraordinary, and our purpose is unique. We'd love you to join us.

Qualifications

• Strong proficiency in Java and COBOL: Proven experience in developing and maintaining enterprise-level applications using these technologies, including legacy system integration.
• Leadership and mentoring: Ability to manage and guide development teams, promote best practices, and foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture.
• Agile delivery and problem-solving: Skilled in working within multidisciplinary agile teams, handling time‑critical incidents, and delivering innovative, user‑focused solutions.
• Effective communication and collaboration: Capable of explaining technical decisions to varied audiences and working closely with architects, stakeholders, and delivery managers.

Responsibilities

As a Senior Software Engineer at DWP Digital, you'll lead the delivery of high‑impact software projects that support millions of users across the UK. Working within agile, multidisciplinary teams, you'll design, build, and maintain applications, ensuring they meet user needs and government standards. You'll be hands‑on in solving technical challenges and driving continuous improvement.

You’ll also play a key role in managing development workflows, using tools like Jira to coordinate tasks and monitor progress. Your work will span across legacy system transformation, new feature development, and critical‑incident support. Collaboration is central to the role‑whether it’s mentoring engineers, engaging with stakeholders, or contributing to architectural decisions, you’ll help shape the future of digital public services.

Details. Wages. Perks.

Location: You'll join us in one of our brilliant digital hubs in Birmingham, Blackpool, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle‑upon‑Tyne and Sheffield, whichever is most convenient for you.

Hybrid Working: We work a hybrid model – you'll spend some time working at home (40%) and some time collaborating face to face in a hub (60%).

Pay: We offer competitive pay of up to £78,517.

Pension: You'll get a brilliant civil service pension with employer contributions worth 28.97%, worth up to £19,758 per year.

Holidays: A generous leave package starting at 26 days rising to 31 days over time. You can also take up to 3 extra days off a month on flexi‑time. You'll also get all the usual public holidays.

We have a broad benefits package built around your work‑life balance which includes:

• An award‑winning environment and culture: Employer of the Year 2023 (Women In IT Awards), Founders Award for Outstanding Digital Leadership 2023 (Digital 100)
• Flexible working including flexible hours and flex‑friendly policies
• Time off volunteering and charitable giving
• Bring your authentic self to work with 'I Can Be Me in DWP'
• Discounts and savings on shopping, fun days out and more
• Interest‑free loans to buy a bike or a season ticket, so it's even easier for you to get to work and start making a difference
• Sports and social activities
• Professional development, coaching, mentoring and career progression opportunities.

Process

We know your time is valuable so our application and selection process is just two stages:

1. Apply: complete your application on Civil Service Jobs. There'll be full instructions when you click through.
2. Interview: a single stage interview online.

CLICK APPLY for more information and to start your application.