Technical Architect (Java)

Start: ASAP
Duration: 6-12 months
Location: Manchester (2-3 days on site)
Pay: INSIDE IR35, up to £555 p/day

Key Responsibilities
- Architect scalable, secure Back End systems using Java and related frameworks.
- Define and enforce coding standards and best practices.
- Lead code reviews, technical discussions, and mentoring sessions.
- Translate complex business needs into high-level technical solutions.
- Collaborate with senior stakeholders and enterprise architects on technology strategy.
- Design systems using microservices, event-driven, and serverless architectures (primarily AWS).
- Apply SOLID principles, C4 modelling, and established design patterns.
- Select appropriate tools, frameworks, and platforms to support delivery.
- Maintain system reliability, performance, and security.
- Contribute to estimation, planning, and technology evaluations.

Essential Skills & Experience:
- 10+ years in software development, 6+ in Java/AWS architecture.
- Strong knowledge of microservices and RESTful API design.
- Proficient with AWS (Lambda, ECS, EventBridge, DynamoDB, etc.) and GCP.
- Experience with PostgreSQL, DynamoDB, and other relational/NoSQL databases.
- Skilled in containerisation (Docker, Kubernetes).
- Solid grasp of OOP, design patterns, and clean coding practices.
- Experience with CI/CD (Git, Jenkins, Terraform).
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Desirable:
- Knowledge of asynchronous programming, messaging systems (SQS/SNS).
- Certifications (eg, AWS, TOGAF).
- Experience with GraphQL, API gateways, OAuth2/JWT, and CIAM platforms (eg, GIGYA).