Java Software Engineer

Role: Senior Backend Engineer (Java / GCP)

Type: 6-Month Contract (High likelihood of extension)

Location: UK-Based Remote

Start Date: Immediate

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Backend Engineer for a 6-month contract to join a high-throughput engineering team at a global Big Tech media platform. You will lead a key infrastructure initiative: reading and refactoring legacy Python codebases into standardized, production-ready Java microservices on Google Cloud Platform (GCP).

Key Responsibilities

• Legacy Refactoring: Analyze legacy Python frameworks and migrate core business logic into high-performance Java microservices.
• Core Backend Development: Build and operate low-latency backend services, dynamic routing layers, and service registries.
• ML Integration: Partner closely with Machine Learning and Data Engineering teams to design clean gRPC and HTTP interfaces for model-serving infrastructure.
• Full Lifecycle Ownership: Own services end-to-end—from initial architecture to deployment, monitoring, and performance tuning on GCP.

Requirements

Product Company Background: Experience coming from a tech product company background is highly desirable.

• 6+ Years Experience: Proven background in building and operating distributed backend microservices.
• Java Expertise (Mandatory): Strong production-level Java skills (Spring Boot, modern Java).
• GCP Infrastructure (Mandatory): Hands-on experience building and deploying cloud-native applications strictly on Google Cloud Platform.
• Python Proficiency: Ability to read, understand, and translate Python codebases effectively into Java.
• Modern Systems Architecture: Practical knowledge of gRPC/HTTP APIs, event-driven architectures, and system design principles.
• Immediate Availability: Ability to onboard immediately / by late August.

Nice-to-Have

• Experience leveraging AI development tools (Claude, GitHub Copilot) for refactoring, test generation, and documentation.
• Prior experience working within high-scale streaming or digital media platforms.

How to Apply

If you are a UK-based contractor available for an immediate start, submit your CV directly or send a message to discuss rate and interview details.