Lead Java Software Engineer - Hybrid - Sunderland

Lead Java Software Engineer - Sunderland - Hybrid

Competitive Salary

Take the Lead. Drive the Vision. Ship the Future.

Looking for a role where your technical expertise doesn’t just build systems, it shapes the direction of an entire engineering culture? If you’re ready to step into a hands-on leadership role where influence extends beyond your own codebase, this could be the next chapter in your engineering career.

We're looking for someone who thrives on designing future-ready backend architectures, mentoring growing teams, and championing best-in-class engineering practices, someone who wants to build as much as they guide.

Why You’ll Want This Role

• You’ll shape the tech, not just code it: Set the architectural vision for robust, secure, and scalable backend systems.
• You’ll still get your hands dirty: Be the go-to engineer for complex challenges and high-impact initiatives.
• You’ll lead people, not just projects: Mentor, coach, and level up those around you. Your influence will ripple across teams.
• You’ll make smart engineering happen: From selecting technologies to refining DevOps processes, you’ll help raise the engineering bar.
• You’ll align tech with product vision: Translate business goals into scalable solutions that last.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Technical Strategy & Architecture
• Drive architectural decisions that ensure performance, maintainability, and growth.
• Champion secure-by-default development and industry best practices.
• Continuously improve systems, pipelines, and tooling across engineering.

Hands-On Engineering

• Tackle the most complex backend challenges when your expertise is needed.
• Review code with a lens for scalability, security, and long-term maintainability.
• Ensure reliability, monitoring, and performance are always baked into the solution.

Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Coach backend engineers to grow in confidence and capability.
• Lead cross-functional discussions and align teams on direction.
• Facilitate smart decisions not just fast ones.

Innovation & Improvement

• Introduce and advocate for new technologies where they make sense.
• Hunt down and remove technical debt before it becomes a problem.
• Help create a culture where engineering quality is everyone’s job.

Tech You’ll Work With

• Java (Java 11+), Spring Boot
• AWS, Kubernetes, Kafka
• REST APIs, Microservices
• SQL & NoSQL Databases
• CI/CD, Automated Testing, Agile Tooling (Git, Jira, etc.)
• Secure coding

What’s In It For You

• Autonomy and Influence: Lead, decide, and architect with purpose.
• Time Off That Counts: Generous holidays, your birthday off, plus a day off at Christmas.
• Balance Matters: Hybrid working, flexible hours, and a digital nomad policy.
• Rewarded for Impact: Performance bonuses, profit share scheme, and referral rewards.
• Perks That Support You: Cycle to Work scheme, tech loans, life cover, and more.
• Keep Growing: Dedicated training budget and personal development opportunities.
• Stay Connected: Quarterly socials, fresh office snacks, and a culture that values people.

This Role is Made for You If...

• You’re a natural technical leader who thrives on ownership.
• You love solving hard problems, not just writing clean code.
• You bring others along with you, mentoring as you go.
• You’re excited to shape a growing engineering culture and build systems that matter.

Ready to lead with impact? Let’s talk.