Senior Java Engineer, Distributed Systems & Real-Time Data

Senior Java Engineer - Distributed Systems & Real-Time Data Location: London Working Pattern: Hybrid - 3 days onsite Contract: 12 months Day rate: Competitive Robson Bale are currently supporting a leading organisation in the search for a Senior Java Engineer with strong experience across distributed systems, real-time data processing and cloud-native technologies. This is an opportunity to join a technically complex environment where you’ll be working on high-scale, mission-critical platforms using technologies including Java 21, Apache Flink, Kafka, Kubernetes and Azure. We’re particularly interested in engineers who enjoy solving complex technical challenges around performance, resilience, scalability and real-time data, while also embracing modern approaches to software engineering, including AI-assisted development. The Opportunity You’ll play a key role in designing and delivering highly scalable, event-driven platforms, working closely with architects, engineers and senior stakeholders to turn complex requirements into robust technical solutions. Your responsibilities will include: • Designing and developing distributed, event-driven systems for real-time data processing. • Building solutions using Java 21, Spring Boot and Flowable. • Developing highly resilient streaming platforms using Apache Flink and Kafka. • Applying CQRS and Event Sourcing patterns across scalable enterprise platforms. • Working closely with Solution Architects to deliver secure, resilient and high-performance systems. • Using AI-assisted development tools such as GitHub Copilot and LLMs to improve development speed and code quality. • Supporting strong engineering practices across automated testing, CI/CD and SDLC. • Working with Kubernetes and Terraform across cloud-native environments. • Translating complex business requirements into scalable technical solutions. • Optimising applications for high throughput, low latency and mission-critical workloads. • Implementing robust security, identity and authentication controls, including OAuth and Azure AD. What We're Looking For The successful candidate will bring a strong background in Java engineering and distributed systems, alongside hands-on experience with modern cloud and data technologies. Essential experience includes: • 15+ years' experience in Java development and distributed systems. • Strong hands-on experience with Java 21, Spring Boot and Flowable. • Experience with ORM frameworks including JPA and iBatis. • Deep knowledge of Apache Flink, Kafka, microservices and real-time data processing. • Strong understanding of cloud-native architectures, including Kubernetes, Docker, Terraform and Azure. • Experience working with CosmosDB, PostgreSQL, Redis or similar data technologies. • Strong knowledge of REST APIs, CI/CD and automated testing. • Experience with security frameworks such as Azure AD and OAuth. • Experience using AI-assisted software engineering tools, such as GitHub Copilot or equivalent. • Strong understanding of Computer Science fundamentals and SDLC best practices. • Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with technical and business stakeholders. Desirable Experience It would also be beneficial to have experience with: • Client Lifecycle environments. • Kotlin or Scala. • Oracle and Databricks. • Big data platforms. • LLMs and AI-enabled development. • Observability and resilience engineering. • Working within regulated or highly controlled environments. Why Consider This Opportunity? This role offers the chance to work on highly scalable, technically challenging platforms where distributed systems, real-time data and cloud engineering are central to the technology landscape. If you’re a senior Java engineer who enjoys working at the intersection of distributed systems, streaming data, cloud technology and modern software engineering, this could be an excellent opportunity to take on a technically significant role in London. Interested? Apply directly or get in touch with Robson Bale for a confidential conversation about the opportunity and the wider market.