Principal Backend Engineer - Java

<h4><strong>Principal Backend Engineer – Java</strong></h4> <h4><strong>Location: London (Hybrid) | Practice Area: Technology &amp; Engineering | Type: Permanent</strong></h4> <h4><strong>Build scalable backend solutions that help shape the future of financial services.</strong></h4> <h4><strong>The Role</strong></h4> <p>Capco is growing our Engineering team, and we’re looking for experienced Principal Backend Engineers with strong Java skills and a passion for delivering innovative solutions in financial services.</p> <p>As a Principal Backend Engineer at Capco, you’ll contribute to high-impact, client-facing projects and work with cloud-native technologies across different domains within Financial Services &amp; Energy. You’ll collaborate with talented engineers, contribute to architecture and engineering decisions, and have access to industry-leading learning and development opportunities.</p> <p>You’ll also use approved AI tools, automation and AI-enabled engineering workflows where appropriate to improve development speed, quality and productivity, while applying human judgement, responsible AI guardrails and appropriate review.</p> <p><strong>What You’ll Do</strong></p> <ul> <li> <p>Build and deliver scalable backend services using Java 11, 17+, designing APIs and microservices for enterprise systems.</p> </li> <li> <p>Work across cloud platforms, particularly AWS, applying cloud-native deployment techniques and contributing to architecture and solution design.</p> </li> <li> <p>Develop robust automated test coverage across unit, component, integration, end-to-end and performance testing.</p> </li> <li> <p>Collaborate with clients, product managers and engineers in agile teams to design, deliver and troubleshoot large-scale distributed systems.</p> </li> <li> <p>Use approved AI tools, automation and AI-enabled workflows to support engineering activities such as development, testing, troubleshooting and documentation, with appropriate human review and responsible AI controls.</p> </li> </ul> <p><strong>What We’re Looking For</strong></p> <ul> <li> <p>Expertise in Java 11, 17+ and Spring Boot, with experience designing and delivering large-scale enterprise backend systems.</p> </li> <li> <p>Experience with cloud-native and distributed architectures, including microservices, event-driven patterns and CQRS, preferably deployed within AWS.</p> </li> <li> <p>Experience with CI/CD, Infrastructure as Code such as CloudFormation, and SQL and NoSQL databases.</p> </li> <li> <p>Experience with Kafka, Java streaming, automated testing and troubleshooting distributed systems.</p> </li> <li> <p>Curiosity and practical experience using approved AI, GenAI or AI-enabled development tools to improve engineering productivity, with an understanding of human-in-the-loop review, responsible AI, guardrails and escalation where required.</p> </li> </ul> <p><strong>Bonus Points For</strong></p> <ul> <li> <p>An appetite to contribute to the wider Capco business through activities such as thought leadership, supporting RFPs and coaching or mentoring engineering colleagues.</p> </li> <li> <p>Proficiency with GitLab for CI/CD processes and experience writing automation test cases in Cucumber using Behaviour Driven Development (BDD).</p> </li> <li> <p>AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate or Professional level certification.</p> </li> <li> <p>Knowledge of security best practices, including IAM Roles and KMS.</p> </li> <li> <p>Experience exploring responsible AI-enabled engineering practices, including automation or Agentic AI workflows, while maintaining appropriate review, auditability and human oversight.</p> </li> </ul> <p><strong>Why Join Capco</strong></p> <ul> <li> <p>Deliver high-impact technology solutions for Tier 1 financial institutions.</p> </li> <li> <p>Work in a collaborative, flat, and entrepreneurial consulting culture.</p> </li> <li> <p>Access continuous learning, training, and industry certifications.</p> </li> <li> <p>Be part of a team shaping the future of digital financial services.</p> </li> <li> <p>Help shape the future of digital transformation across FS &amp; Energy.</p> </li> </ul> <p>We offer a competitive, people-first benefits package designed to support every aspect of your life:</p> <p><strong>Benefits</strong></p> <ul> <li> <p><strong>Core Benefits:</strong> Discretionary bonus, competitive pension, health insurance, life insurance and critical illness cover.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Mental Health:</strong> Easy access to CareFirst, Unmind, Aviva consultations, and in-house first aiders.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Family-Friendly:</strong> Maternity, adoption, shared parental leave, plus paid leave for sickness, pregnancy loss, fertility treatment, menopause, and bereavement.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Family Care:</strong> 8 complimentary backup care sessions for emergency childcare or elder care.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Holiday Flexibility:</strong> 5 weeks of annual leave with the option to buy or sell holiday days based on your needs.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Continuous Learning:</strong> Your growth, your way – minimum 40 hours of training annually. Take your pick from workshops, certifications and e-learning. Plus, a Business Coach assigned from Day One provides one-to-one guidance to support your goals and accelerate your development.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Healthcare Access:</strong> Convenient online GP services.</p> </li> <li> <p><strong>Extra Perks:</strong> Gympass (Wellhub), travel insurance, Tastecard, season ticket loans, Cycle to Work, and dental insurance.</p> </li> </ul> <p><strong>Inclusion at Capco</strong></p> <p>We’re committed to making our recruitment process accessible and straightforward for everyone. If you need any adjustments at any stage, just let us know – we’ll be happy to help. We value each person’s unique perspective and contribution. At Capco, we believe that being yourself is your greatest strength. Our #BeYourselfAtWork culture e