Free-Work UK
Data Engineer (Java Skills)

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Job title: Data Engineer (Java Skills)
Location: London - Hybrid
Contract: 6 months, with possibility of extension
Clearance: SC Cleared or eligible to obtain SC clearance
We are currently recruiting for an experienced Data Engineer with strong Java skills to support a major technology programme based in London.
The successful candidate will work within a technical engineering environment, helping to design, build and maintain scalable data solutions and services. The role requires strong hands-on development experience, particularly across Java, Kafka, Kubernetes and Python.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop and maintain scalable data engineering solutions and services.
- Develop robust applications and data-processing components using Java.
- Build and support event-driven and streaming solutions using Apache Kafka.
- Develop and maintain Python-based data processing, automation and integration solutions.
- Deploy and support applications and services within Kubernetes environments.
- Work with large and complex datasets across distributed systems.
- Develop reliable and maintainable data pipelines and integration services.
- Support the integration of data across applications, platforms and services.
- Troubleshoot technical issues across data pipelines, applications and infrastructure.
- Work closely with software engineers, architects, DevOps teams and other technical stakeholders.
- Contribute to technical design discussions and engineering best practices.
- Ensure solutions are scalable, secure, resilient and suitable for production environments.
- Support testing, deployment, monitoring and continuous improvement of engineering solutions.
- Produce and maintain appropriate technical documentation.
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.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
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.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
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.
Essential Skills & Experience
Candidates should have strong commercial experience across the following:
- Java - strong hands-on development experience.
- Apache Kafka - experience developing or supporting Kafka-based messaging, streaming or event-driven solutions.
- Kubernetes - experience deploying, managing or supporting containerised applications.
- Python - experience developing scripts, applications, APIs or data-processing solutions.
- Strong understanding of software and data engineering principles.
- Experience working with distributed systems and data integration.
- Experience developing reliable, scalable production solutions.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Experience working within Agile or collaborative engineering environments.
- Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Desirable Experience
Experience in any of the following would be beneficial:
- Cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure or GCP.
- Docker and containerised environments.
- CI/CD pipelines and automated deployment.
- REST APIs and microservices.
- SQL and relational or NoSQL databases.
- Data streaming and real-time processing.
- Infrastructure-as-Code or DevOps tooling.
- Working within large-scale enterprise or public-sector technology programmes.


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Due to the nature and urgency of this post, candidates holding or who have held high level security clearance in the past are most welcome to apply. Please note successful applicants will be required to be security cleared prior to appointment which can take a minimum 10 weeks. LA International is an award-winning partner of choice for many of the world's most influential companies and government organisations. Holding Enhanced Government Security Accreditation, we are recognised as the European market leader in the delivery of Security Cleared talent to organisations that demand the very highest levels of security, compliance and assurance.
An award-winning organisation, having secured the prestigious Queens Award for Enterprise: International Trade over multiple years. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of background or identity, and we encourage candidates who may not meet every listed requirement to still apply. If you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will work with you to ensure a fair and accessible experience.
Please Note: If a high volume of applications is received, only candidates shortlisted will be contacted.
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