Lead Java Developer
Summary
Six-month contract (inside IR35) for a hands-on Lead Java Engineer on a major enterprise modernisation programme in Telford (2 days onsite/week). Leads technical design and delivery of Java services, produces low-level designs, and mentors developers using Java, Spring Boot, and Kubernetes.
Lead Java Engineer
Umbrella Rate: £600.00 - £635.00 per day (Inside IR35)
Duration: 6 Months
Location: Telford (2 days per week onsite)
Clearance Required: BPSS
The Opportunity
We're looking for an experienced Lead Java Engineer to join a major modernisation programme, helping to design, build, and deliver scalable digital services within a complex enterprise environment.
This is a hands-on technical leadership role, ideal for someone who enjoys solving challenging engineering problems, guiding development teams, and driving high-quality delivery from design through to implementation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the technical design and delivery of Java-based services and applications.
- Produce Low-Level Designs (LLDs) based on high-level architectural designs.
- Drive engineering best practices, code quality, and technical standards.
- Collaborate with Architects, QA Leads, Delivery Managers, and engineering teams throughout the project lifecycle.
- Lead and mentor developers, supporting technical decision-making and problem-solving.
- Ensure successful integration with shared platforms and common services.
- Support backlog creation, technical planning, and delivery assurance.
- Contribute to the wider engineering community and help shape ways of working.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Strong commercial experience with Java.
- Experience developing applications using Spring Framework / Spring Boot.
- Hands-on experience with Kubernetes.
- Proven experience leading technical teams and delivering complex software solutions.
- Strong understanding of software architecture, design patterns, and engineering best practices.
- Experience working within Agile delivery environments.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Desirable Skills
- React
- Front-end development experience
- Microservices architecture
- Cloud-native application development
- CI/CD and DevOps practices
What We're Looking For
You'll be a technically strong engineer who enjoys leading from the front, solving complex challenges, and helping teams deliver high-quality software. You'll be comfortable defining solutions, mentoring others, and taking ownership of technical delivery within large-scale transformation programmes.