Senior Java Engineer (AWS, REST, SOAP) – Hybrid – Sussex

Senior Java Engineer (AWS, REST, SOAP) - Hybrid - Sussex Daily rate: £500 - £700 (inside IR35) Duration: 6 months Hybrid: 2 days per week (Tues + Wed) Start: ASAP My new client is looking for a highly skilled Senior Java Engineer to join their engineering team. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with strong engineering discipline, independent problem‑solving ability, and a commitment to building robust, scalable systems. You will work across modern cloud‑native architectures, contribute to API and microservices development, and help drive best practices across the engineering organisation. Key Responsibilities Design, develop, and maintain high‑quality Java applications using Spring Boot. Build and optimise RESTful APIs and contribute to GraphQL service development. Develop cloud‑native solutions using AWS services such as Lambda, API Gateway, DynamoDB, ECS, S3, and others. Contribute to microservices architecture, event‑driven systems, and distributed design patterns. Implement CI/CD pipelines using tools such as Jenkins, GitHub Actions, or AWS CodePipeline. Work with containerisation technologies (Docker) and orchestration platforms (ECS/EKS). Ensure code quality through unit, integration, and automated testing. Apply secure coding practices, including OAuth2/JWT authentication and general security best practices. Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to deliver high‑impact features and improvements. Participate in code reviews, architectural discussions, and continuous improvement initiatives. Required Skills & Experience Strong proficiency in Java, Spring Boot, and modern backend development. Hands‑on experience with AWS cloud services (Lambda, API Gateway, DynamoDB, ECS, S3, etc.). Solid understanding of RESTful API design and exposure to GraphQL. Experience with microservices, event‑driven architectures, and distributed systems. Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices. Knowledge of Docker and container orchestration fundamentals (ECS, EKS). Experience with unit testing, integration testing, and automation frameworks. Understanding of security best practices, authentication/authorisation standards (OAuth2, JWT). Experience with SOAP/WSDL, JAXB, and legacy service integration. Experience with test automation and Cucumber. Preferred Attributes Strong proficiency in software engineering fundamentals, including clean code, design patterns, and maintainable architecture. Demonstrated ability to think independently, validate information, and apply sound engineering judgment - including the ability to use AI tools effectively without over‑reliance on them. Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and contribute to continuous improvement. Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset. *Rates depend on experience and client requirements