Overview

Join to apply for the Senior Software Engineer I (Java) role at hackajob.

The role is a collaboration with Rightmove to connect them with exceptional tech professionals for this position. Role: Senior (Java + PHP) Backend Engineer I. Location: London (Hybrid - 2 days in the Soho Office). Reports to: Engineering Manager.

The mission is to make home moving easier and simpler. Rightmove processes millions of visits monthly, and this role contributes to in-house applications and microservices that underpin Rightmove operations.

You will work in autonomous cross-functional teams using Agile processes, collaborating with design, product, engineering and testing specialists to deliver quality solutions for millions of users, thousands of agents and many Rightmovers. You will define solutions to business and technical problems with maintainability, scalability and high-performance standards.

What you'll be doing

• Develop new features and improvements using Java 17+, Spring Boot, Elasticsearch, Kafka, Gradle, Hibernate, Couchbase, SQL, and Docker as part of a PHP-to-Java migration.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams and stakeholders to align on goals and requirements.
• Take ownership of key technical decisions and end-to-end project delivery.
• Balance feature development with technical debt, making thoughtful trade-offs based on timing and impact.
• Ensure high-quality, secure, and extensible code that meets current and future needs.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders and third parties to align technical solutions with business objectives.
• Advocate for emerging technologies that drive value and align with the company roadmap.
• Mentor junior engineers and foster a culture of growth, ownership, and continuous improvement.

We're looking for someone who

• Extensive commercial experience with Java 17+, PHP, Spring Boot, and Kafka.
• Proven leadership on complex projects, including task assignment across multiple engineers.
• Strong collaboration, coordination, and solution-oriented mindset.
• Deep understanding of TDD practices and pipeline optimisation, including left-shifting.
• Skilled in balancing technical and business OKRs through pragmatic decision-making.
• Passionate about application performance and user behaviour insights.
• Proactive in introducing new technologies and improving team practices.
• Committed to knowledge sharing, fostering team ownership, and creating a psychologically safe environment.

About Rightmove

Our vision is to give everyone the belief they can make their move. We aim to make moving simpler by providing tools, expertise and trust to help people move. We are home to the UK’s largest selection of properties and a go-to destination for millions planning their next move.

Rightmove is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment and values the contribution of every employee.

What we offer

• Cash plan for dental, optical and physio treatments
• Private Medical Insurance, Pension and Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Plan
• 27 days holiday plus two paid volunteering days per year, holiday buy schemes
• Hybrid working pattern with 2 days in office
• Contributory stakeholder pension
• Life assurance at 4x basic salary
• Competitive compensation package
• Paid leave for maternity, paternity, adoption & fertility
• Travel Loans, Bike to Work scheme, Rental Deposit Loan
• Charitable contributions through Payroll Giving and donation matching
• Access deals and discounts on various services

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Rightmove will not discriminate on age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, pregnancy/maternity, marital status, or sexual orientation.