Role: Technical Lead (Java) Location: Telford (2 days per week on-site) Duration: 6 months Rate: Inside IR35 About the Role We're seeking an experienced Technical Lead (Java) to join a large-scale central government programme, supporting the delivery of high-quality, secure, and scalable digital services. You'll lead technical direction across development teams, ensuring best practice in software engineering, architecture, and delivery. This role requires hands-on Java expertise alongside the ability to mentor engineers and influence technical decisions across multiple workstreams. Key Responsibilities Provide technical leadership and guidance to software engineering teams Define and implement best practices in software design, coding, testing, and deployment Lead the development of secure and scalable Java-based applications Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Architects, and Delivery Leads to ensure technical alignment Contribute to continuous improvement and innovation within a complex, multi-team environment Essential Skills & Experience Strong Java expertise (Java 8), with experience designing and building enterprise-scale applications Proven experience as a Tech Lead or Senior Engineer in central government or large public sector programmes Solid understanding of microservices, API development, and integration patterns Experience with cloud environments (AWS, Azure, or similar) Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines, containerisation, and infrastructure as code principles Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills