Software Engineer

Government Recruitment Service; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A government digital service organization is seeking a Software Engineer to enhance legacy applications and support the transition to modern cloud-based systems. This role involves maintaining critical systems, writing SQL scripts, and contributing to cloud migration efforts. Ideal candidates will have experience with Linux servers, legacy technologies, and cloud platforms like AWS and Azure. This position presents a unique opportunity to drive digital change in government and improve citizen services.

Qualifications

• Experience configuring and maintaining Linux servers.
• Proficiency in writing and optimizing SQL scripts.
• Familiarity with legacy technologies like Actian Ingres and OpenROAD.
• Understanding of security and compliance in government systems.

Responsibilities

• Support and enhance legacy applications in live environments.
• Maintain and develop legacy systems for operational continuity.
• Contribute to cloud migration and service re-architecture.
• Respond to and resolve incidents with minimal service disruption.

Skills

Supporting complex legacy applications

Linux server configuration

SQL scripting

Application modernisation

Cloud integration (AWS, Azure)

Incident and problem management

Tools

Service management tools

DevOps practices

Job description

Are you ready to engineer solutions that directly impact millions of lives across the UK?

Do you thrive in complex environments where legacy meets innovation?

Join DWP Digital as a Software Engineer in our application development and maintenance teams, where your expertise will help maintain and evolve the backbone of the UK’s welfare infrastructure. You’ll work on critical systems that support frontline operations, ensuring they remain secure, resilient, and fit for purpose as we transition to modern cloud-based platforms.

This is more than just a technical role; it’s a chance to make a real difference. You’ll be part of a collaborative team that values innovation, continuous improvement, and service excellence.

What you’ll work on:

• Supporting and enhancing complex legacy applications in live environments.
• Maintaining and configuring Linux servers using shell scripting (KSH, Bash).
• Writing and optimising SQL scripts for relational databases.
• Application modernisation - rewriting applications and code.
• Contributing to the migration and integration of systems into cloud platforms (AWS, Azure).
• Writing and optimizing SQL scripts for relational databases.
• Ensuring service continuity through effective incident and problem management.

Please note this role requires you to pass Security Check clearance. For further information, please see 'Selection process details'.

• Maintain and develop legacy systems to ensure operational continuity.
• Respond to and resolve incidents and problems, ensuring minimal disruption to services.
• Support service management and knowledge management processes.
• Implement essential legislative and business changes.
• Remediate technical and security debt in line with application roadmaps.
• Ensure compatibility with evolving hosting and desktop environments
• Work across a diverse and evolving technology landscape, integrating legacy platforms with modern cloud-based services.

As part of DWP Digital’s transformation agenda, this role supports the strategic shift from legacy infrastructure to scalable, secure, and user-focused digital platforms. You’ll contribute to:

• Modernisation of core systems through cloud migration and service re-architecture.
• Improved service resilience and agility by embedding DevOps and automation practices.
• Enhanced citizen experience by ensuring systems are responsive, reliable, and future-ready.

It will also be helpful to have broad experience in the following areas:

• Legacy technologies Actian Ingres, OpenROAD.
• Modern platforms including AWS, Azure, and containerized services.
• Programming languages like Java, C, C++, .NET and JavaScript.
• Service management tools and practices.
• Experience with cloud platforms and a strong understanding of security and compliance in government systems is a plus.

This is a unique opportunity to be at the heart of digital change in government, balancing the stability of legacy systems with the innovation of modern engineering.