Lead Software Engineer (Java/Azure)
Location: Remote
Work Pattern: Contract
The Company:
At Amber Labs, we are a cutting-edge UK and European technology consultancy that prioritises empowering autonomy, promoting experimentation, and facilitating rapid learning to provide exceptional value to our clients. Our company culture is centred around collaboration, where all colleagues, regardless of their role, work together to minimise risk and shorten delivery times. Our team consists of highly-skilled cross-functional consultants, analysts, and support staff.
The Role:
We are seeking a Lead Software Engineer with expertise in Java, SQL, and Azure to provide technical leadership and guide a team in delivering high-quality cloud-native applications. The ideal candidate will have experience working with containerized environments, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud infrastructure while mentoring and leading engineering teams.
You will play a key role in architectural decision-making, driving best practices, and ensuring the successful delivery of scalable, high-performance applications. Experience with Kafka and Kong is a plus but not mandatory.
Key Responsibilities:
Technical Leadership: Lead a team of engineers, providing guidance on software development best practices.
Software Development: Design, develop, and maintain Java-basedapplications with optimized SQL database integration.
Cloud Infrastructure: Architect, deploy, and manage applications on Azure using Kubernetes and containerization.
CI/CD & DevOps: Streamline development workflows by implementing GitLab-based CI/CD pipelines.
Team Mentorship: Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, fostering a culture of learning and growth.
Architecture & Design: Make key technical decisions on system architecture, scalability, and security.
Agile Collaboration: Work closely with Product Owners, DevOps, and other stakeholders to align engineering efforts with business goals.
Performance Optimization: Ensure applications are built with efficiency, scalability, and security in mind.
Optional: Work with Kafka for event-driven architectures and Kong API Gateway for API management.
Requirements:
Proven leadership experience as a Lead Engineer or Senior Software Engineer.
Strong Java development skills, with experience in designing scalable applications.
Expertise in SQL and database optimization techniques.
Azure cloud experience, including deploying and managing cloud-native applications.
Hands-on experience with Kubernetes and containerization.
Strong understanding of GitLab for CI/CD and version control.
Ability to mentor engineers, conduct code reviews, and set engineering best practices.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to guide technical teams effectively.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work with stakeholders at all levels.
Nice-to-Have:
Experience with Kafka for messaging and event-driven architectures.
Familiarity with Kong API Gateway for managing and securing APIs.
Exposure to microservices architecture and cloud-native development best practices.
Previous experience working in public sector or consulting environments.
Benefits:
Join a rapidly expanding start-up where personal growth is a part of our DNA.
Benefit from a flexible work environment focused on deliverable outcomes.
Receive private medical insurance through Aviva.
Enjoy the benefits of a company pension plan through Nest.
25 days of annual leave plus UK bank holidays.
Access Perkbox, a global employee rewards platform offering discounts, perks, and wellness resources.
Participate in a generous employee referral program.
A highly collaborative and collegial environment with opportunities for career advancement.
Be encouraged to take bold steps and embrace a mindset of experimentation.
Choose your preferred device, PC or Mac.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Here at Amber Labs, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace for all. Our commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion includes:
Valuing the unique experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of all employees and creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and valued. Prohibiting all forms of harassment, bullying, discrimination, and victimisation and promoting a culture of dignity and respect for all. Educating all new hires on our Diversity and Inclusion policies and ensuring they are aware of their rights and responsibilities to create a safe and inclusive workplace. By taking these steps, we are dedicated to building a workplace that reflects and celebrates the diversity of our employees and communities.
This role at Amber Labs is a Contract position, and all employees are required to meet the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Please be advised that, at this time, we are unable to consider candidates who require sponsorship or hold a visa of any type.
What Happens Next?
Our Talent Acquisition Team will be in touch to advise you on the next steps. We have a two-stage interview process for most of our consultants. In certain cases, we may include a third and final stage, which is a conversation with the company Partners. This will only be considered if deemed necessary.
