Backend Java Software Developer

This role is strictly focused on backend software development, with a strong emphasis on building scalable Java-based services to replace legacy monolithic solution and contribute to the development of a modern solution based on microservices utilizing the cloud platform.

This role reports to Head of Service Management & Application Development.

Context

• This role will be reporting to the Head of Service Management & Application Development, in the Technology Department.

Objective

The objective of this role is to actively:

• Contribute to the transformation of the organisation’s central transactional data store by migrating existing monolithic solution into robust, maintainable, and scalable Java backend microservices, and/or
• Focused on backend software engineering, with a strong emphasis on building scalable Java- based services to replace legacy Oracle data contracts and contribute to the development of modern data products aligned with Open Data Product standards.
• The developer will play a key role in building the Smart Data Ecosystem by delivering production-grade microservices, based on modern software engineering standards., * Develop, maintain and operate Java-based backend microservices
• Refactor and migrate monolithic central data store into Java microservices
• Build RESTful APIs and microservices for data access and integration
• Implement domain-driven, data-centric microservices
• Ensure performance, scalability, and reliability of backend systems
• Integrate with event streaming platforms (Kafka) when applicable
• Contribute to CI/CD pipelines (GitLab) and DevOps practices
• Deploy and operate services in cloud environments (Azure)
• Apply modern software engineering best practices (testing, code quality, versioning)
• Collaborate with data engineers, architects, and data product owners
• Leverage AI-assisted coding tools (e.g. Claude, GitHub Copilot) to improve development efficiency and code quality

Tech stack

• Languages & Frameworks: Java (21+), Spring Boot / Spring Framework
• CI/CD & DevOps: GitLab (repositories, pipelines, CI/CD)
• Cloud Platform: Microsoft Azure
• Data & Databases: Oracle (legacy), PostgreSQL, SQL
• Streaming & Integration: Kafka
• Containerisation: Kubernetes , Docker
• AI-assisted development: Claude or equivalent tools

• Education: Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or equivalent experience Experience
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in Java backend development
• Experience in building enterprise-grade backend systems and APIs
• Experience in modernising legacy systems (especially data-centric architectures)
• Experience working in event-driven platform environments
• Experience with cloud-native development (Azure preferred)

Skills

• Backend Engineering (Core requirement)
• Expertise in Java and Spring Boot
• Good understanding of microservices architecture
• Proven experience with REST API design and implementation

Data & Migration

• Knowledge of Domain Driven Design and hexagonal architecture.
• Knowledge of database design and normalization.
• Understanding of data models, contracts, and data flows
• Experience with PostgreSQL

Platform & DevOps

• Hands-on experience with GitLab CI/CD pipelines
• Experience deploying and operating services in Azure
• Familiarity with Docker and container-based deployment in Kubernetes

Event-driven & Integration

• Experience (or strong understanding) of Kafka / event streaming architectures

Engineering Excellence

• Strong focus on clean code, testing, and maintainability
• Experience with unit testing and integration testing frameworks
• Solid understanding of Agile / Scrum methodologies

Modern Development Practices

• Experience using AI-assisted coding tools (e.g. Claude, Copilot) as part of the development workflow
• Ability to integrate AI tools in a secure, efficient, and controlled engineering process
• Excellent English communication skills, both verbal and written.

Soft Skills

• Curious about the full solution lifecycle (Business Requirement -> Architecture -> Implementation -> Test (including manual test) -> Operate
• Ownership and accountability
• Pragmatic and solution-oriented mindset
• Ability to work hands-on, independently with guidance from tech lead/senior developer
• Comfortable working in a transformational environment with evolving standards
• Team player with strong collaboration skills.
• Sees necessary documentation as a habit.
• Quality-driven and detail-oriented.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of API governance and data governance frameworks
• Experience in international or distributed teams.