Lead Software Engineer

Summary

Join Amber Labs, a cutting-edge technology consultancy, as a Lead Software Engineer specializing in Java, SQL, and Azure. You will provide technical leadership to a team, guiding them in delivering high-quality cloud-native applications. Key responsibilities include software development, cloud infrastructure management, CI/CD implementation, and team mentorship. This remote contract position requires proven leadership experience, strong Java and SQL skills, Azure expertise, and experience with Kubernetes and containerization. Amber Labs offers a flexible work environment, private medical insurance, a company pension plan, generous annual leave, and access to employee rewards and wellness resources.

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

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of engineers, providing guidance on software development best practices
• Design, develop, and maintain Java-based applications with optimized SQL database integration
• Architect, deploy, and manage applications on Azure using Kubernetes and containerization
• Streamline development workflows by implementing GitLab-based CI/CD pipelines
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, fostering a culture of learning and growth
• Make key technical decisions on system architecture, scalability, and security
• Work closely with Product Owners, DevOps, and other stakeholders to align engineering efforts with business goals
• Ensure applications are built with efficiency, scalability, and security in mind
• Work with Kafka for event-driven architectures and Kong API Gateway for API management

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

• 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