Mid-Level Software Engineer (Java/ AWS)

The Role

We're looking for a Mid-Level Software Engineer to join a team building and enhancing critical integrations and backend services within a modern cloud-native platform.

This is primarily a backend engineering role, focused on developing scalable Java applications using Spring Boot, designing and consuming APIs, and building reliable integrations between business-critical systems. You'll work across cloud infrastructure, messaging services, containerised deployments, and observability tooling to ensure applications remain secure, resilient, and highly available.

You'll collaborate closely with product, engineering, and platform teams to deliver high-quality software that supports real-world business processes at scale.

What You'll Be Doing

• Design, develop, and maintain backend services using Java 21+ and Spring Boot
• Build and enhance integrations between internal and third-party platforms
• Design, develop and consume REST APIs
• Work with PostgreSQL databases, including schema design, optimisation, and migrations using Flyway
• Develop event-driven solutions leveraging AWS services including SQS and SNS
• Build cloud-native functionality using AWS services such as S3
• Write automated tests using modern testing frameworks, including Testcontainers
• Develop and maintain local development environments using Docker Compose
• Deploy and operate applications in Kubernetes environments
• Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimise application performance using Datadog
• Collaborate with stakeholders to gather requirements and translate them into robust technical solutions
• Contribute to CI/CD practices and continuous improvement initiatives
• Apply secure coding principles and software engineering best practices
• Support production systems, investigate issues, and drive operational excellence

What We're Looking For

• Strong commercial experience developing software using Java and Spring Boot
• Experience designing and building RESTful APIs
• Experience working with PostgreSQL in production environments
• Familiarity with database migration tools such as Flyway
• Experience building and maintaining containerised applications using Docker
• Experience with Kubernetes or other container orchestration platforms
• Understanding of cloud-native architectures and AWS services
• Experience working with messaging and event-driven systems
• Strong testing mindset, including automated integration testing
• Experience troubleshooting and supporting production applications
• Strong software engineering fundamentals and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills

Nice to Have

• Experience with AWS S3, SQS, and SNS
• Experience using Testcontainers for integration testing
• Experience with observability and monitoring platforms such as Datadog
• Familiarity with Docker Compose for local development environments
• Experience working in distributed systems or microservices architectures
• Exposure to CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices
• Experience using tools such as Postman for API development and testing
• Experience working in consulting or client-facing environments

Please note:

We offer flexible hybrid working, but candidates should be based in Northern Ireland and able to attend our Belfast office when required.

Why Join Instil?

At Instil, we believe great work starts with happy, motivated people. That’s why we’ve built a benefits package that supports your wellbeing, growth, and life outside of work, because when you thrive, so do we.

• Recognition That Matters: A discretionary annual performance bonus that rewards your impact and contribution to our success.
• Flexibility Built In: Flexible working arrangements and summer hours, because life isn’t 9 to 5, and balance matters.
• Financial Security: A highly competitive pension scheme with generous employer contributions, private healthcare, and life assurance for peace of mind.
• Health & Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme, mental health support, cycle-to-work scheme, and regular social events to keep our culture vibrant.
• Time to Recharge: 35 days holiday, enhanced maternity pay, and family-first policies so you can focus on what matters most.
• Learning Never Stops: From courses to certifications, we’ll invest in your development so you can keep growing and shaping what’s next.
• Community & Culture: Opportunities to volunteer, give back, and be part of initiatives that make Instil a truly inclusive and connected workplace.

Company Description

Instil has been delivering world‑class software engineering and technology solutions for over 20 years, trusted by global brands to solve complex challenges and drive innovation. From modernising legacy systems to building cutting‑edge applications, we help our clients navigate an ever‑changing digital landscape with confidence and agility.

We’re proud to be an award-winning employer , reflecting how our people are at the heart of everything we do.

• Recognised as a Great Place to Work® for three consecutive years, and in 2024 ranked in the Top 20 Best Workplaces in the UK for medium‑sized companies .
• Winner of Company of the Year at the Digital DNA Awards 2022 , celebrating excellence in Northern Ireland’s tech sector.

Driven by a love for technology and a commitment to excellence, we bring together people who want to make a difference. We’ll support your journey, because your success is part of ours.

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