Senior Software Development Engineer (SDE3) – Java/API/Backend
Location: Welwyn Garden City, UK (Hybrid, 2–3 days onsite)
Contract: 6 months, with possible extension
Overview
This role supports the development of a next-generation, scalable, and resilient Fulfilment Platform powering both manual and robotic warehouse operations across multiple product categories. You will join a global Java-focused engineering team working with modern microservices, event-driven architecture, cloud technologies, and a strong DevOps culture.
Key Responsibilities
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Design & Development: Architect, build, and enhance high-performance Java-based backend applications for new fulfilment capabilities.
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System Optimisation: Improve scalability, efficiency, and reliability of mission-critical systems in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
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API & Microservices Integration: Develop robust APIs and microservices integrating with enterprise and third-party systems.
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Code Quality: Deliver clean, maintainable, well-documented, and test-driven code aligned with industry standards.
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Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve complex production issues to ensure uninterrupted operational performance.
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Mentorship: Support and guide junior engineers while promoting best practices and continuous improvement.
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Innovation & Collaboration: Work closely with hardware, data science, and operations teams to drive forward-thinking technical solutions.
Required Experience
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Experience in agile product development and delivering scalable, distributed Java applications.
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Proven background in building and supporting reliable full-stack or backend services.
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Experience working within globally distributed engineering teams is highly beneficial.
Technical Skills
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Programming:
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Deep expertise in Java, Spring Boot, IDEs, and associated toolsets.
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Strong understanding of frameworks, abstraction layers, TDD, and debugging complex issues.
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Design:
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Ability to apply design patterns, domain modelling, idempotence, CQRS, and eventual consistency principles.
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Able to design for performance at all levels and leave code in a better state (“boy scout principle”).
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Tech Stack:
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Java, Spring Boot, Kafka, PostgreSQL, Couchbase
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Azure Cloud, Docker, Kubernetes
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CI/CD using Azure Pipelines or GitHub Actions