Staff Backend Engineer (Node/JVM)

TL;DR

Staff Backend Engineer (Node/JVM): Guiding and contributing to a software delivery team focused on building scalable, high-quality backend solutions with an accent on technical best practices, strategic application design, and technical debt management. Focus on fostering continuous improvement, mentoring engineers, and ensuring secure, resilient system delivery aligned with business value.

Location: London

Company

hirify.global (L&G) is a leading UK financial services group and major global investor, safeguarding financial futures and building a better society since 1836.

What you will do

• Promote and leverage technically optimal engineering practices across teams.
• Design and build elegant, scalable software solutions, partnering with Solutions Architects.
• Define and guide the strategy for managing technical debt to maintain system resilience.
• Foster continuous improvement and mentor less experienced engineers.
• Coach the Developer Community on development standards for security and compliance.
• Ensure engineering work reflects commitment to Customer Experience principles.

Requirements

• Backend: 4+ years as a backend developer, 2+ years with JavaScript/TypeScript, React, REST-based microservices using JVM Spring or Node.js.
• Solid understanding of mobile/backend architecture patterns (MVP, MVVM, Flux, Hexagonal, Onion) and clean code (SOLID).
• Proven experience with test-driven development, testing pyramid strategies, security, usability, and accessibility.
• Familiarity with Agile (Scrum/Kanban), Git, CI/CD, Docker, Kubernetes.
• 2+ years commercial experience with React or React Native, GraphQL, AWS services, mobile performance optimization.
• Understanding of web, API, and mobile security, observability, and ability to remediate flaws.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor, facilitate workshops, drive alignment, and contribute to process improvements.
• Skilled in diagnosing complex issues, root cause analysis, and contributing to architectural evolution.

Culture & Benefits

• Annual performance-related bonus plan and valuable share schemes.
• Generous pension contribution and life assurance.
• Healthcare Plan (permanent employees only).
• At least 25 days holiday, plus public holidays, with option to buy/sell holiday.
• Competitive family leave and electric car scheme (permanent employees only).
• Discounts for company products and high street stores.
• Welcoming, inclusive culture with opportunities for collaboration and career development.
• Open to discussing flexible working options including part-time, term-time, and job shares.