Principal Java Engineer

We're working with an established software business looking to appoint a Principal Java Engineer to play a key role in the evolution of its suite of SaaS products.

This is an opportunity to combine hands on software engineering with technical leadership, helping shape architecture, influence engineering standards and guide technical decision making across multiple engineering teams.

The role is centred around technical influence rather than people management, making it ideal for someone who enjoys remaining close to the technology while mentoring and supporting other engineers.

You'll be joining a business that designs, builds and owns its own software products. Rather than delivering software for clients, you'll be helping evolve long term platforms, giving you the opportunity to influence both the technology and its future direction.

The Role
Working closely with Engineering, Product, DevOps, Data and QA teams, you'll help design and deliver secure, scalable software while driving engineering excellence across the business.

Key responsibilities include:
- Providing technical leadership across multiple engineering teams
- Designing and developing high quality backend services and APIs
- Influencing software architecture and long term technical direction
- Improving platform scalability, reliability, security and performance
- Promoting engineering best practice and modern development approaches
- Mentoring engineers and supporting technical growth
- Evaluating and adopting emerging technologies and AI assisted development tools where appropriate

Technology
You'll be working with technologies including:
- Java 21
- Spring Boot
- AWS
- Docker
- REST APIs
- Microservices
- Event driven architecture
- RabbitMQ
- CI/CD
- MySQL
- Git
- Angular, beneficial
- AI developer tooling including Claude, Codex and GitLab Duo

About You
You'll likely already be working as a Principal Engineer, Staff Engineer, Technical Lead or Senior Java Engineer looking for a role with greater technical influence.

We're interested in people with experience across many of the following:
- Modern Java development
- Spring Boot and enterprise application architecture
- Designing scalable, resilient distributed systems
- Cloud native application development, particularly AWS
- Containers and modern CI/CD practices
- Software architecture and engineering best practice
- Mentoring engineers and influencing technical decisions
- Building secure, reliable and maintainable software

If you don't tick every box but have transferable experience and a passion for building high quality software, we'd still love to hear from you.

What's on Offer
- Up to £100,000 base salary
- Hybrid working, 3 days per week in Oxfordshire
- Genuine technical ownership and influence
- Modern technology stack
- Long term product development
- Collaborative engineering culture where technical ideas are valued
- Professional development and continuous learning opportunities

Interested?
If you're looking for a role where you'll have genuine influence over technical direction while remaining hands on with modern Java engineering, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today or get in touch for a confidential conversation.

Reference: ID49911

Humand Talent Solutions and our client are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and identities. Recruitment decisions are based on skills, potential and experience, and reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process for candidates who require them.