Senior Software Developer (Java, Node) Must have UK Government experience

Overview

Senior Software Developer

Remote with ad-hoc travel to Manchester Experience within UK central government required

The Company

At Amber Labs, we are a cutting-edge UK and European technology consultancy that prioritises empowering autonomy, promoting experimentation, and facilitating rapid learning to provide exceptional value to our clients. Our company culture is centred around collaboration, where all colleagues, regardless of their role, work together to minimise risk and shorten delivery times. Our team consists of highly skilled cross-functional consultants, analysts, and support staff.

About the Role

We're looking for a Senior Software Developer with strong expertise in Node.js (preferably), alongside Java or JavaScript, to join our growing team.

To be considered for this role, candidates must:

• be eligible for BPSS clearance.
• have proven experience delivering projects within UK central government.

You will play a key role in designing, developing, and deploying secure, scalable, and user-focused applications. This is a hands-on role where you'll work across both frontend and backend technologies, build services and APIs, and contribute to high-impact government programmes.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable applications using Node.js (primary), plus Java and/or JavaScript.
• Build and integrate REST APIs to support digital services.
• Work with event-driven architectures using Kafka and AWS SQS.
• Implement infrastructure as code and automated deployments using Terraform.
• Contribute to the design and delivery of microservices in containerised environments (Docker, AWS ECS).
• Implement authentication and identity management with AWS Cognito.
• Support and maintain CI/CD pipelines in GitLab.
• Collaborate with designers, product owners, and engineers to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Ensure clean, maintainable, and secure code through testing and best practices.
• Share knowledge and mentor junior developers where needed.

Key Skills & Experience

• Proven experience as a Senior Software Developer in complex environments.
• Strong expertise in Node.js (essential); Java and/or JavaScript also valuable.
• Hands-on experience designing and consuming REST APIs.
• Familiarity with event-driven systems (Kafka, SQS).
• Strong understanding of microservices architecture.
• Proficiency with Docker and containerisation.
• Experience with AWS services (ECS, SQS, Cognito).
• Infrastructure as Code with Terraform.
• Experience with GitLab pipelines / CI/CD.
• Prior experience working on UK central government projects (essential).
• Excellent communication skills with a collaborative, delivery-focused mindset.

Clearance Requirement

• Must be eligible for BPSS clearance.
• At this time, we are unable to consider candidates who require visa sponsorship.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Join a rapidly expanding consultancy where personal growth is part of our DNA.
• Flexible work environment focused on deliverable outcomes.
• Private medical insurance through Aviva.
• Company pension plan through Nest.
• 25 days of annual leave plus UK bank holidays.
• Access to Perkbox, a global employee rewards platform.
• Generous employee referral programme.
• Highly collaborative and collegial environment with clear opportunities for career advancement.
• Choice of device (PC or Mac).

Diversity & Inclusion

At Amber Labs, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace for all. We value the unique experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our employees and are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and supported.