Lead Software Engineer - Java / Kubernetes / Kafka

Location: BOURNEMOUTH, DORSET, United Kingdom

Job Family: Software Engineering

About the Role

At JP Morgan Chase, we are building the future of global payments with innovative technology that powers secure, efficient transactions for millions of customers worldwide. As a Lead Software Engineer in our brand-new Payments Technology team based in Bournemouth, Dorset, United Kingdom, you will play a pivotal role in designing and leading the development of cutting-edge systems. This position requires deep expertise in Java, Spring Boot, Kubernetes, Kafka, and Oracle to create robust, scalable solutions that handle high-volume payment processing while adhering to stringent financial regulations. You will lead a dynamic team in an agile environment, driving the end-to-end lifecycle of microservices that integrate seamlessly with JP Morgan's vast ecosystem, ensuring reliability and innovation in the competitive financial services landscape. Your responsibilities will span technical leadership and hands-on development, from architecting event-driven platforms using Kafka for real-time data flows to deploying containerized applications on Kubernetes for optimal performance. You will collaborate with product managers, data scientists, and compliance experts to deliver features that enhance payment speed, security, and user experience. In this role, you will mentor engineers, conduct code reviews, and champion best practices to foster a culture of excellence within the team. As part of JP Morgan's commitment to technological advancement, you will contribute to strategic initiatives that position our Payments Technology as a leader in fintech, tackling challenges like fraud detection and cross-border transactions with precision and foresight. Joining JP Morgan Chase means becoming part of a prestigious institution renowned for its stability and global impact in finance. This opportunity in Bournemouth offers a chance to work on groundbreaking projects in a supportive, inclusive environment that values work-life balance and professional growth. We seek a passionate leader who thrives in a fast-paced setting and is eager to shape the next generation of payment solutions. If you have a track record of delivering high-impact software in regulated industries, this role will allow you to leverage your skills to make a meaningful difference in the world of finance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and maintenance of Java-based applications using Spring Boot for JP Morgan's Payments Technology platform
• Design and deploy scalable microservices on Kubernetes clusters to ensure high availability and performance
• Implement event-driven architectures using Kafka for real-time data processing in payment transactions
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate Oracle databases and optimize query performance
• Mentor junior engineers and conduct code reviews to uphold best practices and security standards
• Drive agile ceremonies, including sprint planning and retrospectives, for the new Payments Technology team
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues in production environments, minimizing downtime for global payment systems
• Contribute to the architectural roadmap, ensuring alignment with JP Morgan's innovation goals in financial services
• Ensure all solutions comply with regulatory requirements such as PCI-DSS and GDPR
• Stay updated on emerging technologies to enhance the efficiency of payment processing workflows

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field
• 7+ years of professional software engineering experience with a focus on Java development
• Proven experience leading engineering teams in agile environments
• Strong knowledge of microservices architecture and containerization technologies
• Experience with relational databases, particularly Oracle
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement scalable, high-throughput systems in financial services
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance standards in payments and banking sectors

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science or related discipline
• Experience in payments technology or fintech platforms
• Certifications in Kubernetes (CKA) or Apache Kafka
• Prior work at a global financial institution like JP Morgan Chase
• Knowledge of cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure

Required Skills

• Expertise in Java and Spring Boot frameworks
• Proficiency in Kubernetes for container orchestration
• Strong experience with Apache Kafka for streaming data
• Advanced SQL and Oracle database management
• Microservices design and RESTful API development
• Agile methodologies and tools like Jira or Confluence
• Problem-solving and debugging in high-stakes environments
• Leadership and team collaboration skills
• Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab)
• Understanding of security best practices in financial systems
• Version control with Git
• Performance optimization and monitoring tools (e.g., Prometheus)
• Communication skills for stakeholder engagement
• Adaptability to fast-paced fintech innovations
• Attention to detail in compliance-driven development

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and performance-based annual bonuses
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Retirement savings plan with generous company matching contributions
• Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and parental leave
• Professional development opportunities with access to JP Morgan's learning academy
• Employee stock purchase plan and financial wellness programs
• Hybrid work model with flexibility for Bournemouth-based roles
• Global mobility support and relocation assistance if applicable

JP Morgan Chase is an equal opportunity employer.