Software Engineer

Applause IT Recruitment Ltd; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading tech recruitment agency is seeking a Junior Software Engineer to work on secure software solutions for law enforcement and government clients. This role involves full lifecycle development utilizing Java and SQL in a hybrid work environment. Ideal candidates must be British nationals eligible for DV clearance and possess a passion for building impactful software. Join a specialized team committed to professional growth and engage directly with international clients on critical projects.

Benefits

Ongoing professional development

Opportunity to work on impactful projects

Engagement with international clients

Qualifications

• Commercial experience in Java development.
• Knowledge of SQL.
• Familiarity with Linux, preferably Red Hat/Rocky.

Responsibilities

• Design and build software solutions using Java and SQL.
• Collaborate with clients to define and deliver solutions.
• Test and debug software for reliability.

Skills

Java

SQL

Linux

Job description

Role: Junior Software Engineer
Location: Bimingham (Hybrid)
Employment Type: Full-time, permanent
Clearance: Must be a British national able to attain DV (Developed Vetting) security clearance

Are you a recent Junior Software Engineer with a passion for Java development and a keen interest in building secure software solutions for critical UK services? This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly specialised software team delivering innovative, bespoke systems to law‑enforcement and government customers.

The Role

As a Software Engineer, you'll work within a small, close‑knit team responsible for designing, developing and supporting custom‑built software products. You'll be involved throughout the full project lifecycle - from gathering requirements and writing clean, efficient code to testing, deployment and client support.

This role offers exceptional exposure to secure software environments, hands‑on development experience, and the opportunity to work directly with end‑users across the UK and abroad.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain bespoke software solutions using Java and SQL
• Work across the full software development lifecycle, from concept to delivery
• Collaborate with policing and government clients to define and deliver solutions
• Develop and maintain high‑volume, low‑latency applications ensuring strong performance
• Test and debug software to ensure reliability and maintainability
• Support and enhance existing applications and systems
• Research and present new technologies for continuous improvement
• Travel to customer sites for meetings, deployments, and support activities

Core Technologies

Essential Skills:

• Java (commercial experience required)
• SQL
• Linux (preferably Red Hat / Rocky)

Desirable Skills:

• J2EE, JPA, GWT / GXT, Vaadin
• Knowledge of secure software development practices
• Interest in full stack or web application development

About You

As this role supports sensitive national projects, you must be a British national able to achieve DV clearance, and hold a full UK driving licence.

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to contribute to real‑world projects in the public safety and security domain
• Work within a small, technically skilled team with clear ownership of projects
• Exposure to both backend and frontend Java technologies
• Direct engagement with customers across the UK and internationally
• Ongoing professional development and the chance to build a long‑term career in secure software engineering

If you're ready to start your software development career working on meaningful, high‑impact projects, click apply now to join a team that builds technology solutions making a real difference.