Job Specification – SC Cleared Java Architect (Contract) – London
Please read the following job description thoroughly to ensure you are the right fit for this role before applying.
Job Title: SC Cleared Java Architect
Location: London (Hybrid – 2–3 days onsite per week, remainder remote)
Contract Type: Contract (Outside IR35 preferred)
Duration: 6–12 months (with potential extension)
Clearance Requirement: Active SC (Security Clearance) – must be valid and transferable
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Java Architect with current SC clearance to join a large-scale transformation programme within a secure government/defence environment. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership, architectural direction, and hands-on expertise across Java-based platforms, ensuring solutions are robust, scalable, and compliant with security and regulatory standards.
Key Responsibilities
* Define and own the Java application architecture and integration patterns.
* Provide technical leadership to development teams and ensure best practices are followed.
* Design, review, and optimise microservices and cloud-native architectures.
* Work closely with stakeholders, business analysts, and solution architects to translate requirements into high-level and low-level designs.
* Ensure solutions meet security, compliance, and performance requirements in line with government standards.
* Support the adoption of DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and automated testing frameworks.
* Conduct architecture reviews, risk assessments, and technical governance.
* Mentor engineers and contribute to building a strong technical culture.
Required Skills & Experience
* Active SC clearance (mandatory).
* Strong background as a Java Architect / Senior Java Developer with architecture responsibilities.
* Proven experience with:
* Java 11+ / Spring Boot / Spring Cloud
* Microservices and containerisation (Docker, Kubernetes, OpenShift)
* Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
* Messaging and integration technologies (Kafka, ActiveMQ, REST, GraphQL)
* Databases (SQL and NoSQL)
* Familiarity with enterprise integration patterns and secure system design.
* Experience working in Agile / DevOps environments.
* Strong understanding of security principles and data protection regulations.
* Excellent stakeholder communication and documentation skills.
Desirable Skills
* Experience in government or defence projects.
* Exposure to CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, GitLab, GitHub Actions).
* Knowledge of API management platforms.
* TOGAF or equivalent architecture certification.
Contract Details
* Day Rate: Competitive (based on experience and market rate)
* Engagement: Outside IR35 (subject to assessment)
* Start Date: Immediate / within 4–6 weeks
* Location: London (Hybrid working)