Hays
Application Development

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My clients are looking for a Backend Developer with strong Java and Kafka experience to build and support a cloud-native microservices platform for a major Energy & Utilities client. Experience with OpenShift and microservices development would be highly advantageous. Remote working is available, though the role is aligned to London, and candidates must be eligible for SC clearance. The rate is £520 per day inside IR35.
Your new role
Overview
I'm looking for an experienced Application Developer to join a major client programme within the Energy & Utilities sector. This role will focus on the design, development, and deployment of backend components within a modern cloud-native, microservices-based architecture.
The successful candidate will play a key role in building scalable, resilient services and integrating event-driven technologies to support business-critical applications. This is an excellent opportunity to work on a large-scale enterprise transformation programme leveraging modern cloud and containerisation technologies.
Key Responsibilities
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
- Design, develop and maintain high-quality backend services using Java.
- Develop scalable and resilient applications within a microservices architecture.
- Build and support event-driven integrations using Apache Kafka.
- Participate in the full software development lifecycle, including design, development, testing, and deployment.
- Collaborate with architects, developers, testers, and business stakeholders to deliver technical solutions.
- Ensure applications meet performance, security, and reliability requirements.
- Support deployment and operational activities within cloud-native environments.
- Contribute to technical design discussions and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Follow Agile development methodologies and engineering best practices.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Strong commercial experience developing applications using Java.
- Hands-on experience with Apache Kafka and event-driven architectures.
- Experience designing and developing backend services within enterprise environments.
- Understanding of cloud-native development principles.
- Experience working within Agile delivery teams.
- Ability to troubleshoot, optimise, and support production applications.
- Eligible for or already holding SC clearance.


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Desirable Skills
- Experience with OpenShift container platforms.
- Previous experience building and supporting microservices-based applications.
- Exposure to containerisation and cloud deployment technologies.
- Experience working on large-scale digital transformation programmes.
- Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices.
What you'll need to succeed
Strong Java and Kafka experience
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
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