Senior Software Engineer - DWP - G7

Government Digital & Data; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A government digital transformation agency is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to lead agile teams in developing high-value applications. Strong proficiency in Java and COBOL is essential, along with experience in mentoring teams and delivering innovative technology solutions. This role offers the opportunity to significantly impact public services in the UK. Candidates must be prepared to pass Security Check clearance.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Senior Software Engineer with Java and COBOL.
• Experience managing and mentoring development teams.
• Ability to communicate technical details to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary agile delivery teams.
• Mentor other engineers and promote software engineering practices.
• Oversee the development process and ensure high-quality product delivery.

Skills

Java

COBOL

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Tools

Jira

Tuxedo

Job description

Location

This role will be located in one of the following locations: Birmingham, Blackpool, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle‑upon‑Tyne or Sheffield. Please find further information on the Corporate hub locations here. Please note that for candidates requesting to work in Newcastle, this role will be based at Benton Park View from September 2025, and then at 1 Pilgrim Place in Newcastle city centre by the end of 2027.

About the job

Are you a Senior Software Engineer with a real focus on Java, looking to utilise cutting edge technologies to develop and deliver products?

Do you want to use your skills and experience to help deliver high value applications and processes to a wide variety of stakeholders, supporting DWP's digital transformation?

If so, this is a fantastic opportunity to join an exciting, high‑profile team delivering real business value and improving the experience and outcomes for our many customers! We’re looking for an outstanding Senior Software Engineer who will have a strong background in Java & COBOL, who wants to contribute to demanding and exciting digital services for the UK Government. Be part of changing the face of public services with the potential to dramatically transform the future of millions of people. Our Engineers build and run applications as part of a multi‑functional agile delivery teams. What really excites the successful candidate is problem‑solving and the opportunity to deliver innovative technology that carries real value for users. The candidate will be expected to draw value from collaboration with others, actively seek input from colleagues and value a multidisciplinary team over hierarchy.
Please note this role requires you to pass Security Check clearance. For further information, please see 'Selection process details'.

Job description

Our Senior Software Engineers are skilled practitioners and role models for software craft within DWP.

• As a skilled practitioner you will work as a leader within one or more multidisciplinary agile delivery teams, line management and mentoring other engineers, promoting software engineering practices and establishing collaborative team cultures that produce world‑class software solutions.
• You will be an experienced software developer with experience of Java, COBOL and Tuxedo.
• You will be able to think fast, provide guidance and make decisions when dealing with time‑critical support incidents and problems.
• You will be willing to work with technical leads, architects and delivery managers on software development and delivery.
• You will be able to communicate technical details and decisions to developers, stakeholders at various forums for audiences with varying technical levels.
• You will manage and mentor the development team.
• You will have experience of overseeing the development process, guiding the team to deliver high‑quality software products efficiently.
• You will plan, coordinate, and supervise the work of the developers within the team, using Jira and other collaboration tools.
• You will create a positive and productive team culture, where developers can collaborate, learn, and grow.

Person specification

See selection process for further details.

Technical skills

• Programming and Build