Software Engineer (Full Stack) - SFIA Level 5

Layer7; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 96,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

Layer7 is seeking an experienced SFIA Level 5 Software Engineer to join a high-profile public sector delivery programme. You will be a strong full-stack engineer with Java-based backend and modern web development frameworks.

You will work within agile teams to design, develop, test, and deliver scalable digital services for government initiatives, with a hybrid work pattern and occasional onsite in Newcastle or Manchester.

Qualifications

• Strong commercial experience as a Software Engineer (SFIA Level 5 or equivalent).
• Expertise in Java/Spring Framework/Spring Boot.
• Experience building and maintaining microservices architectures.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and maintain high-quality software solutions across the full technology stack.
• Build and enhance Back End services using Java and Spring-based technologies.
• Develop and maintain RESTful APIs and microservices architectures.
• Contribute to Front End development and user interface enhancements.
• Participate in code reviews, testing, and CI/CD activities.
• Work with architects, product managers, delivery managers, and other teams.
• Ensure solutions meet security, accessibility, and performance standards.
• Support agile delivery practices and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Java

Spring Framework

Spring Boot

Microservices

Node.js

TypeScript

REST APIs

CI/CD

Agile

Front End Development

Tools

Git

Job description

Rate: £575 per day Inside IR35

Location: Hybrid with occasional onsite attendance in Newcastle or Manchester
Clearance: Active SC Clearance or eligibility to obtain SC Clearance required
Contract Type: Contract

Overview

We are seeking an experienced SFIA Level 5 Software Engineer to join a high-profile public sector delivery programme. The successful candidate will be a strong full-stack engineer with extensive experience across Java-based Back End technologies and modern web development frameworks.

You will work within agile, multidisciplinary teams to design, develop, test, and deliver scalable digital services supporting critical government and public sector initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop and maintain high-quality software solutions across the full technology stack.
• Build and enhance Back End services using Java and Spring-based technologies.
• Develop and maintain RESTful APIs and microservices architectures.
• Contribute to Front End development and user interface enhancements.
• Participate in code reviews, testing, and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) activities.
• Work collaboratively with architects, product managers, delivery managers, and other engineering teams.
• Ensure solutions meet security, accessibility, and performance standards.
• Support agile delivery practices and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong commercial experience as a Software Engineer (SFIA Level 5 or equivalent).
• Excellent knowledge of - Java/Spring Framework/Spring Boot
• Experience developing and maintaining microservices architectures.
• Working knowledge of: Node.js/TypeScript
• Front End/UI development familiarity, with the ability to contribute across the full stack.
• Experience building and consuming REST APIs.
• Strong understanding of software engineering best practices, including testing, version control, and CI/CD.
• Experience working within Agile delivery teams.

Nice to have

• Previous experience delivering solutions within the Public Sector or Government environments.
• Experience working on secure or regulated programmes.
• Familiarity with cloud-native development and containerised applications.
• Knowledge of DevOps and modern engineering practices.