Senior Java Developer

About Version 1

Version 1 is a seasoned technology and transformation solutions provider with over 30 years of experience, trusted by global brands to help navigate the fast-changing tech environment. As a leading partner of major technology companies such as Microsoft, AWS, Oracle, Red Hat, OutSystems, and Snowflake, Version 1 delivers premium services and solutions. The company values its 3300+ employees and has earned numerous workplace accolades in the UK and Ireland for culture, wellbeing, and diversity.

Role Overview

We are hiring a skilled Senior Java Engineer to join our expanding UK Digital Data & Cloud Practice. You will engage directly with a dynamic financial services client operating a high-volume, Java-centric message processing system. The role requires deep technical expertise in scalable backend systems, especially those handling millions of messages daily, within environments utilizing Kafka, Kubernetes/OpenShift, caching solutions, and REST APIs.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect, develop, and maintain robust backend Java components emphasizing performance and system resilience.
• Deliver complex functionalities focused on messaging, caching, and distributed processing.
• Diagnose and resolve problems related to message sequencing, failure recovery, and high-volume data throughput.
• Support deployment activities including release management and ensuring production stability.
• Comply with CI/CD pipelines, maintain high standards for code quality, and uphold operational readiness.
• Implement and enforce best practices for performance optimization, security, and system resilience in large-scale messaging environments.

Collaboration and Communication

• Partner with technical leadership and teammates to meet project goals.
• Participate actively in design reviews, technical discussions, and knowledge exchange within the team.
• Communicate risks, impediments, and status updates transparently to all stakeholders.

Required Experience & Skills

• Proven background in trading or financial technology platforms managing millions of daily messages, with strong capabilities in latency optimization, fault tolerance, throughput enhancement, failover strategies, and backpressure management.
• Expertise in building cloud-native microservices leveraging Docker, OpenShift, and Kubernetes orchestration.
• Advanced Java programming and SQL database proficiency (SQL Server, Oracle), combined with experience in messaging systems like Kafka and MQ.
• Hands-on experience with Spring Framework and Spring Boot.
• Developing REST APIs in Java with a focus on application security standards such as OAuth and JWT.
• Familiarity with build tools (Gradle, Maven) and version control systems such as Git or Bitbucket.
• Knowledge of caching technologies, notably Redis.
• An understanding of AI-assisted coding tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Claude), including the ability to critically evaluate and integrate AI-generated code.
• Awareness of prompt engineering techniques to enhance coding, testing, documentation, and debugging workflows.
• Experience working within Agile and Scrum development methodologies.

Additional Benefits and Culture

• Participate in a quarterly profit-sharing program rewarding collective company success.
• Clear pathways for career progression and professional development via leadership and mentorship programs.
• Flexible and remote work options to support work-life balance tailored to individual needs.
• Comprehensive financial benefits including pension, private healthcare, life insurance, financial advice, and employee discounts.
• A wide range of wellbeing programs like gym discounts, bike to work schemes, fitness classes, mindfulness workshops, and employee assistance programs.
• Generous leave policies including holidays, enhanced parental leave, marriage/civil partnership leave, and special leave options.
• Support for educational certifications and accreditations from AWS, Microsoft, Oracle, and Red Hat.
• Recognition and reward schemes including annual excellence awards and a peer-to-peer appreciation platform.
• Strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community engagement through environment and social initiatives.

Inclusivity Statement

Version 1 prioritizes a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and empowered to thrive. Applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities are encouraged. Accommodations during recruitment are available on request to ensure an accessible hiring process.