Job Specifications
Java Developer / Full Stack Software Engineer (DV Eligible)
Location: London, UK (Hybrid – remote and client site as required)
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £45,000 – £65,000 (depending on experience)
About the Opportunity
Sanderson Government and Defence partnering with an exciting start-up workflow and AI orchestration consultancy delivering cutting-edge software into the public sector and national security domains. Their mission: modernise government through event-driven architectures, secure platforms, and automation at scale.
They’re now hiring Java-focused Full Stack Software Engineers - from ambitious early-career developers to experienced senior engineers - to join their expanding delivery team. You’ll be one of the first Engineers in the team, shaping culture, approach and strategy.
If you’re a driven and ambitious Java engineer who enjoys solving complex problems, working end-to-end across the stack, and influencing how a technology-driven consultancy evolves - this role is for you!
Key Responsibilities
Develop secure, scalable backend services using Java (Spring Boot)
Build and maintain microservices and event-driven systems
Contribute to full-stack applications using React
Work with Docker, Kubernetes, AWS/Azure
Model workflows with Camunda/BPMN (or learn on the job)
Design and optimise data models in PostgreSQL and MongoDB
Support CI/CD, automation, and DevOps practices
Collaborate with clients and internal teams; share technical expertise
Essential Experience
Strong Java/Spring Boot engineering background
Experience with microservices and modern API design
Exposure to Docker, Kubernetes, and cloud environments (AWS)
SQL/NoSQL experience (PostgreSQL, MongoDB)
Strong communication and problem-solving skills
Adaptable, proactive, and comfortable in a scaling organisation
Security Clearance Requirements
Due to the sensitive nature of projects, candidates must be eligible for SC and DV (Developed Vetting) security clearance.
Applicants must:
Be sole British citizens (dual nationality not accepted)
Have not spent more than 30 consecutive days outside the UK in the past 10 years
Have no criminal record
Have no significant financial concerns (e.g., bankruptcy, unresolved debts)
Candidates who do not meet these criteria unfortunately cannot be considered.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
Equity options: Real ownership as part of the company’s growth
Flexible working: Adapt your schedule around life and client needs
Outcome-driven culture: Focus on delivering value, not clock-watching
Work directly with founders: High trust, high challenge, high support
Shape the future: Influence engineering standards, culture, and service offerings
End-to-end ownership: Autonomy to design, build, and ship meaningful work
Impact that matters: Build solutions used by millions across the UK public sector
Low-ego environment: Collaborative, sociable, and free from big-firm bureaucracy
Professional growth: Sponsored Camunda certification and continuous learning opportunities
About the Company
Sanderson Government & Defence was established over 20 years ago as a bespoke solution to a unique talent problem: sourcing and placing high-calibre professional talent to work within the UK government and defence sector.
MISSION
We provide talent solutions for the UK government and their critical supply chains, including: Ministry of Defence and areas of National Security; Central Government and Arm’s Length Bodies; National Policing and Justice; and the broader Public Sector.
EXPERTISE & SKILL
Central to our success has b...
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