Capco
Principal Backend Engineer - Java

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Principal Backend Engineer – Java
Location: London (Hybrid) | Practice Area: Technology & Engineering | Type: Permanent
Build scalable backend solutions that help shape the future of financial services.
The Role
Capco is growing our Engineering team, and we’re looking for experienced Principal Backend Engineers with strong Java skills and a passion for delivering innovative solutions in financial services.
As a Principal Backend Engineer at Capco, you’ll contribute to high-impact, client-facing projects and work with cloud-native technologies across different domains within Financial Services & Energy. You’ll collaborate with talented engineers, contribute to architecture and engineering decisions, and have access to industry-leading learning and development opportunities.
You’ll also use approved AI tools, automation and AI-enabled engineering workflows where appropriate to improve development speed, quality and productivity, while applying human judgement, responsible AI guardrails and appropriate review.
What You’ll Do
- Build and deliver scalable backend services using Java 11, 17+, designing APIs and microservices for enterprise systems.
- Work across cloud platforms, particularly AWS, applying cloud-native deployment techniques and contributing to architecture and solution design.
- Develop robust automated test coverage across unit, component, integration, end-to-end and performance testing.
- Collaborate with clients, product managers and engineers in agile teams to design, deliver and troubleshoot large-scale distributed systems.
- Use approved AI tools, automation and AI-enabled workflows to support engineering activities such as development, testing, troubleshooting and documentation, with appropriate human review and responsible AI controls.
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.
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.
What We’re Looking For
- Expertise in Java 11, 17+ and Spring Boot, with experience designing and delivering large-scale enterprise backend systems.
- Experience with cloud-native and distributed architectures, including microservices, event-driven patterns and CQRS, preferably deployed within AWS.
- Experience with CI/CD, Infrastructure as Code such as CloudFormation, and SQL and NoSQL databases.
- Experience with Kafka, Java streaming, automated testing and troubleshooting distributed systems.
- Curiosity and practical experience using approved AI, GenAI or AI-enabled development tools to improve engineering productivity, with an understanding of human-in-the-loop review, responsible AI, guardrails and escalation where required.
Bonus Points For
- An appetite to contribute to the wider Capco business through activities such as thought leadership, supporting RFPs and coaching or mentoring engineering colleagues.
- Proficiency with GitLab for CI/CD processes and experience writing automation test cases in Cucumber using Behaviour Driven Development (BDD).
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate or Professional level certification.
- Knowledge of security best practices, including IAM Roles and KMS.
- Experience exploring responsible AI-enabled engineering practices, including automation or Agentic AI workflows, while maintaining appropriate review, auditability and human oversight.
Why Join Capco
- Deliver high-impact technology solutions for Tier 1 financial institutions.
- Work in a collaborative, flat, and entrepreneurial consulting culture.
- Access continuous learning, training, and industry certifications.
- Be part of a team shaping the future of digital financial services.
- Help shape the future of digital transformation across FS & Energy.


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Benefits
Core Benefits: Discretionary bonus, competitive pension, health insurance, life insurance and critical illness cover.
Mental Health: Easy access to CareFirst, Unmind, Aviva consultations, and in-house first aiders.
Family-Friendly: Maternity, adoption, shared parental leave, plus paid leave for sickness, pregnancy loss, fertility treatment, menopause, and bereavement.
Family Care: 8 complimentary backup care sessions for emergency childcare or elder care.
Holiday Flexibility: 5 weeks of annual leave with the option to buy or sell holiday days based on your needs.
Continuous Learning: Your growth, your way – minimum 40 hours of training annually. Take your pick from workshops, certifications and e-learning. Plus, a Business Coach assigned from Day One provides one-to-one guidance to support your goals and accelerate your development.
Healthcare Access: Convenient online GP services.
Extra Perks: Gympass (Wellhub), travel insurance, Tastecard, season ticket loans, Cycle to Work, and dental insurance.
Inclusion at Capco
We’re committed to making our recruitment process accessible and straightforward for everyone. If you need any adjustments at any stage, just let us know – we’ll be happy to help. We value each person’s unique perspective and contribution. At Capco, we believe that being yourself is your greatest strength. Our #BeYourselfAtWork culture encourages individuality and collaboration – a mindset that shapes how we work with clients and each other every day.
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