Job Description Java Developer Location: Gloucester, London or Manchester (Up to 4 days per week onsite) Salary: Competitive Clearance: Enhanced DV Required The Opportunity This organisation delivers secure software, data and operational capabilities into some of the UK's most sensitive National Security and Defence environments. Their engineering teams build the platforms, services and applications that enable users to process, exploit and act upon complex information in high-side environments. The work sits at the intersection of software engineering, secure delivery, data exploitation and operational mission support. For engineers already working within the cleared community, one of the biggest attractions is the environment itself. Teams are deliberately kept small, creating opportunities to contribute beyond pure development and gain exposure across architecture, design, delivery and customer challenges. Engineers are trusted to influence technical decisions, work closely with experienced specialists and see the direct impact of the systems they build. If you're looking for broader ownership, modern engineering practices and the opportunity to work across multiple mission-focused programmes rather than a single long-running delivery stream, this offers a genuinely interesting move. The Role Joining a multidisciplinary engineering team, you'll design, develop and maintain secure Java-based services and applications supporting operational and mission-critical environments. You'll work on scalable backend systems, distributed applications and modern microservices architectures, helping to deliver resilient software capable of processing large volumes of information securely and efficiently. The role combines backend engineering, secure software development and integration with wider data and analytics platforms, providing exposure to a range of operational and technical challenges. Responsibilities include: Designing and developing secure Java backend services and applications Building scalable microservices and RESTful APIs Developing distributed systems capable of processing large-scale data workloads Integrating applications with data platforms, streaming services and analytics pipelines Applying secure coding practices throughout the development lifecycle Contributing to architecture discussions, technical design and code reviews Supporting automated testing, CI/CD and continuous improvement activities Implementing monitoring, logging and observability capabilities for production systems Technology Environment You'll work across technologies including: Java 11 Spring Boot / Spring Framework REST APIs Microservices architectures Docker Kubernetes CI/CD pipelines Automated testing frameworks Observability and monitoring tooling The wider environment includes secure cloud platforms, modernisation programmes, data-intensive systems and operational software supporting mission-focused outcomes. What We're Looking For We're interested in adaptable engineers who enjoy solving complex technical problems and working across different aspects of software delivery. You'll likely bring: Strong experience developing Java backend applications Experience building scalable distributed systems and microservices Good understanding of object-oriented design and software architecture Experience delivering secure, reliable and high-performing applications Familiarity with DevSecOps practices and modern engineering environments The ability to collaborate effectively with engineers, architects and stakeholders Strong communication skills and a willingness to contribute beyond your immediate technical area Experience within Defence, National Security or other secure environments would be beneficial, although engineers from similarly complex and highly regulated domains are also encouraged to apply. Why Join? This role offers the opportunity to work on systems that directly support operational outcomes across the UK National Security community. You'll be part of an engineering-led culture where technical quality matters, collaboration is valued and engineers are given the autonomy to make meaningful contributions. Teams work closely together, knowledge is shared openly and individuals are encouraged to broaden their technical exposure across projects and technologies. For engineers who enjoy solving difficult problems, working alongside experienced colleagues and building software that operates in genuinely challenging environments, this is an opportunity to make a tangible impact. Security Requirements: Due to the nature of the work, applicants must hold current Enhanced DV clearance.