Senior Java Engineer

Build Products Used by Millions. Shape the Future of Retail Technology.

We don’t think we’re exaggerating when we say we have one of the most exciting data sets in the country. The insights we gain help us build scalable, high‑performance products using cutting‑edge technology—products that give our customers an amazing shopping experience, including our award‑winning SmartShop app.

In our inclusive, agile environment, you’ll have the space to be curious, experiment, innovate and solve real‑world challenges. Best of all, the work you deliver will be used by millions of people across the UK.

As a Senior Java Engineer, you’ll play a crucial role within one of our Engineering teams. You’ll use Java (17+) and modern frameworks to build high‑performance, secure, and scalable services, while helping shape technical direction and mentoring others. You’ll be a champion of engineering excellence and a valued contributor to our broader engineering community.

What You’ll Do

• Own the design and development of large‑scale, high‑performance services using Java (17+), Spring Boot, Maven, and related tools.
• Build and enhance websites, apps, microservices, and event‑driven architectures.
• Contribute to and influence the product technical roadmap.
• Work with modern cloud and container technologies, including Kubernetes on AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.
• Lead the design and support of internal frameworks that enhance engineering capabilities across the Sainsbury’s Group.
• Engineer across the entire product lifecycle—from inception through to decommissioning.
• Consider cost, scalability, and operational support implications in your technical decision‑making.
  
  

Essential Criteria

• Strong programming expertise in Java and Spring Boot.
• Deep understanding of engineering principles, architecture, unit testing, and TDD.
• Proven experience in software design, implementation, security, cloud technologies, infrastructure‑as‑code, and CI/CD.
• Experience and a passion for Agile and Lean delivery practices.
• Strong advocate for DevSecOps, with experience owning the full SDLC.
• Curiosity for emerging technologies and a commitment to continuous learning.
• Excellent problem‑solving, communication, and mentoring skills.
• Empathy and the proven ability to support, coach, and empower colleagues to deliver their best.
• Self‑driven with a desire to improve processes, teams, and engineering practices.
  
  

Benefits

• Colleague discount across Sainsbury’s, Argos, and Habitat.
• Competitive holiday allowance.
• Bonus scheme.
• Pension plan.
• Flexible / smart working policy.
• Exclusive offers on gym memberships, restaurants, holidays, retail vouchers and more.
  
  

Work–life balance matters.

We offer as much flexibility as possible, trusting our colleagues to decide how, where, and when they work. You’ll enjoy a blend of remote and collaborative working with the flexibility to support life outside of work—while still delivering against our business goals.