Senior Software Engineer I – Backend (Java)

Overview

In this role, you will design and deliver scalable backend features for Rightmove’s internal tools and microservices. You’ll work with cross-functional teams to solve meaningful, high-impact problems at scale. You’ll own technical decisions end-to-end and drive performance, reliability, and growth. You’ll mentor colleagues and champion new technologies that align with the product roadmap. This is a hands-on role at a market-leading platform that shapes how millions move and search for property.

Pay / Benefits

• Cash plan for dental, optical and physio
• Private Medical Insurance
• Pension and Life Insurance
• 27 days holiday plus volunteering days
• Life assurance 4x salary
• Hybrid working with minimum 2 days in the office

Responsibilities

• Design and build features using Java 17+, Spring Boot, Elasticsearch, Kafka, Gradle, Hibernate, Couchbase, SQL and Docker
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to align priorities and shape solutions
• Take ownership of technical decisions and deliver end-to-end projects
• Balance new features with technical debt through pragmatic trade-offs
• Write secure, extensible code that supports current needs and future growth
• Communicate with stakeholders and third parties to ensure business alignment
• Champion new and emerging technologies that add value and align with roadmaps
• Mentor junior engineers and foster a culture of growth and ownership

Key requirements

• Strong commercial experience with Java 17+ and Spring Boot
• Experience with Kafka and distributed systems
• Led complex projects with coordination across multiple engineers
• Collaborative, organized, and solution-focused approach
• Deep understanding of TDD and pipeline optimisation (left-shifting)
• Ability to balance technical priorities with business OKRs
• Interest in performance, scalability, and user behavior
• Willingness to share knowledge and contribute to an inclusive environment

• collaborative
• organised
• solution-focused
• Java 17+
• Spring Boot
• Kafka

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