Lead Java Engineer

FDM is a global business and technology consultancy seeking Lead Java Engineers to work with our global systems integrator client, supporting a major enterprise technology modernisation programme. You will play a key role in leading the design, development, and enhancement of critical digital services that support high-volume business processes and essential public-facing services. This is initially a 5 month contract with very good prospects to extend and will be a remote role with occasional travel to client site in Telford.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the modernisation of a large-scale legacy platform, helping to improve resilience, maintainability, security, and operational performance through the adoption of modern engineering practices and technologies.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced technical leader who enjoys remaining hands-on whilst providing technical direction, mentoring engineering teams, and delivering scalable enterprise solutions within complex environments.

About the Role

We are seeking Lead Java Engineers to provide technical leadership across the design, build, modernisation, and support of critical enterprise applications as part of a large-scale technology transformation programme.

The role is delivery-focused, supporting the transformation of a long-established business-critical platform through the development of modern services, engineering standards, and architectural improvements. You will be responsible for leading engineering teams, shaping technical solutions, and ensuring the successful delivery of secure, scalable, maintainable, and high-performing software solutions aligned to programme objectives.

You will form part of a blended delivery team working alongside client and consultancy stakeholders, contributing to the successful delivery of multiple workstreams within a dynamic programme environment.

Responsibilities

• Leading the design, development, and maintenance of enterprise Java applications using modern engineering practices and frameworks
• Providing technical leadership across Scrum teams supporting the modernisation of legacy platforms and services
• Defining technical approaches and ensuring solutions are scalable, secure, maintainable, and supportable
• Designing and overseeing the development of RESTful APIs and microservices using Java and Spring Boot
• Collaborating with Architects, Delivery Managers, and business stakeholders to shape solution designs and technical roadmaps
• Providing technical oversight of software development activities and ensuring engineering best practices are consistently applied
• Leading code reviews and establishing high standards for code quality, testing, and documentation
• Supporting testing, deployment, defect resolution, and live service activities
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives across engineering teams and delivery processes
• Managing technical risks, dependencies, and issues across workstreams
• Mentoring and coaching Senior, Mid-Level, and Junior Engineers
• Providing technical leadership during Agile ceremonies and contributing to delivery planning activities
• Ensuring solutions adhere to security, governance, operational, and quality standards
• Providing regular progress updates and technical reporting to programme stakeholders

• Strong commercial experience leading the development of enterprise applications using Java
• Extensive experience building applications and APIs using Spring Boot
• Experience developing automated tests using JUnit
• Proven ability to lead engineering teams within Agile delivery environments
• Strong experience producing technical designs and making architectural decisions
• Ability to translate complex business requirements into robust technical solutions
• Strong understanding of object-oriented design principles, design patterns, and software engineering best practices
• Experience conducting code reviews and enforcing development standards
• Experience working with source control systems and collaborative development workflows
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• Experience mentoring and developing technical talent within delivery teams
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams
• Self-directed and delivery-focused, able to manage competing priorities and technical workstreams

Nice to Have

• Experience leading teams within large-scale modernisation or transformation programmes
• Knowledge of AWS cloud services and cloud-native development practices
• Experience with JPA and relational database technologies
• Experience working with SQL and data-driven applications
• Knowledge of GitLab, CI/CD pipelines, and DevOps practices
• Experience using Maven for dependency management and build automation
• Experience with Mockito and automated testing frameworks
• Knowledge of OpenAPI specifications and API-first development approaches
• Experience with Helm and containerised deployments
• Knowledge of Kibana and application monitoring tools
• Experience with Shell Scripting and automation activities
• Experience working within regulated or security-conscious environments
• Experience contributing to technology strategy, architecture roadmaps, and engineering governance

Technologies

Core Technologies

• Java
• Spring Boot
• JUnit

Desirable Technologies

• JPA
• Maven
• Mockito
• SQL
• AWS
• GitLab
• OpenAPI
• Helm
• Kibana
• Shell Scripting

FDM is an award-winning global leader in tech and business talent solutions, backed by more than 35 years of industry experience. We have centres across Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific, and a global workforce of over 2500 employees. FDM has shown exponential growth throughout the years, firmly establishing itself as an award-winning employer, currently listed on the FTSE4Good Index and as a 2026 Financial Times UK ‘Best Employer’.