Principal Engineer (Java | Microservices | Event-Driven Systems)
Belfast/Hybrid | Scale-Up | Leadership Role | £85,000 - £95,000 plus bonus
We’re working with a fast-growing technology scale-up that’s building next-generation, real-time software products used across complex, high-impact environments.
They’re now hiring a Principal Java Engineer to take ownership of their backend evolution as they transition from a legacy monolith to a scalable, event-driven microservices architecture.
🔍 What You’ll Do
* Architect and build high-performance Java-based microservices
* Lead the technical transformation of core systems from monolith to distributed architecture
* Work cross-functionally with product, design, and platform teams to translate business goals into scalable backend solutions
* Mentor engineers, shape coding standards, and champion technical excellence across the team
* Balance short-term delivery with long-term platform stability and innovation
✅ What You Bring
* 6–10+ years of hands-on Java development experience
* Deep expertise in building and deploying microservices within event-driven systems
* Strong understanding of distributed systems, system design, and cloud-first infrastructure
* Experience modernizing legacy platforms
* Proven ability to lead technically and influence architecture, tooling, and process decisions
* A pragmatic mindset — someone who balances innovation with maintainability
🎁 What’s On Offer
* Base salary up to £95k plus bonus and share scheme
* An opportunity to lead and shape foundational systems in a well-funded, product-focused scale-up
* A collaborative, forward-thinking engineering culture that values autonomy and impact
💬 Ready to architect real change in a high-growth environment?
Apply now or reach out for a confidential conversation - contact Carol on carol@vivatechtalent.com