Principal Java Engineer

Principal Engineer (Java | Microservices | Event-Driven Systems)Belfast/Hybrid | Scale-Up | Leadership Role | £85,000 - £95,000 plus bonus

We’re working with a fast-growing technology scale-up that’s building next-generation, real-time software products used across complex, high-impact environments.

They’re now hiring a Principal Java Engineer to take ownership of their backend evolution as they transition from a legacy monolith to a scalable, event-driven microservices architecture.

🔍 What You’ll Do

• Architect and build high-performance Java-based microservices
• Lead the technical transformation of core systems from monolith to distributed architecture
• Work cross-functionally with product, design, and platform teams to translate business goals into scalable backend solutions
• Mentor engineers, shape coding standards, and champion technical excellence across the team
• Balance short-term delivery with long-term platform stability and innovation

✅ What You Bring

• 6–10+ years of hands-on Java development experience
• Deep expertise in building and deploying microservices within event-driven systems
• Strong understanding of distributed systems, system design, and cloud-first infrastructure
• Experience modernising legacy platforms
• Proven ability to lead technically and influence architecture, tooling, and process decisions
• A pragmatic mindset -someone who balances innovation with maintainability

🎁 What’s On Offer

• Base salary up to £95k plus bonus and share scheme
• An opportunity to lead and shape foundational systems in a well-funded, product-focused scale-up
• A collaborative, forward-thinking engineering culture that values autonomy and impact

💬 Ready to architect real change in a high-growth environment?

Apply now or reach out for a confidential conversation - contact Carol on carol@vivatechtalent.com