Software Engineer

Opportunity Review: Cloud-Native Software Developer (Fixed Term Contract)

This role presents an exciting opportunity for a skilled software developer to contribute to critical internet infrastructure at Nominet, a world-leading domain name registry and a public benefit company. If you are passionate about building scalable, resilient, and modern service architectures, this position offers a chance to make a tangible impact on the UK internet and beyond.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Impactful Work: As a public benefit company, Nominet's work directly benefits society. You'll be contributing to the foundational elements of the UK internet, supporting vital services like the NHS. Your work will be more than just code; it will be about enhancing digital well-being.
• Modern Technology Stack: This role is at the forefront of cloud-native development. You will gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies such as containerised microservices, CI/CD pipelines, Kubernetes, Docker, and a major public cloud provider (AWS, Azure, or GCP). This is an excellent opportunity to deepen your expertise in these in-demand skills.
• DevSecOps Culture: You'll be embedded in a DevSecOps environment, fostering a collaborative approach between development and security. This means security is a shared responsibility, integrated into the entire development lifecycle, which is a highly valued skill in today's tech landscape.
• Career Growth and Mentorship: While a 12-month fixed-term contract, this role offers significant learning opportunities. The description explicitly mentions contributing to agile ways of working and mentoring junior developers, indicating a culture that values knowledge sharing and personal development.
• Exceptional Benefits: Nominet offers an attractive benefits package that stands out. The "Early Finish Friday" (34-hour working week for full pay), generous annual leave, comprehensive healthcare, and a robust rewards platform demonstrate a commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance.
• Hybrid Working: The hybrid model, requiring a minimum of 20% in the Oxford office, provides a good balance between collaborative in-person work and the flexibility of remote working.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Fixed-Term Contract: This is a 12-month fixed-term contract. Candidates should consider their career goals and whether this duration aligns with their long-term aspirations. It's an excellent opportunity for a focused project or to gain specific experience.
• Essential Skills: Proficiency in Java is a mandatory requirement. While experience in Go, Python, or similar languages is beneficial, a strong Java foundation is crucial. Similarly, solid API development and database experience (Postgres/Oracle + SQL) are expected.
• Cloud and Containerisation Experience: While experience with a public cloud is essential, specific experience with containerisation and orchestration tools like Docker and Kubernetes is listed as "nice to have." However, given their prevalence in the role's responsibilities, strong familiarity with these technologies will significantly enhance your application.
• Security Clearance: Be aware that all roles are subject to a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check, and some may require additional security clearance due to the sensitive nature of the work.
• Pace of Work: The description highlights a "fast-paced" environment. Candidates should be comfortable working in such settings and adapting quickly to evolving project needs.

Career Path Guidance:

For developers looking to specialize in cloud-native development, microservices, and DevSecOps, this role is a fantastic stepping stone. The practical experience gained in building and modernising scalable applications using modern tooling will be highly transferable. The emphasis on CI/CD, observability, and secure coding practices will equip you with skills that are in high demand across the tech industry. If you're aiming for senior developer or architect roles in cloud environments, the hands-on experience with Kubernetes and cloud platforms here will be invaluable. Furthermore, the opportunity to mentor junior developers can be a stepping stone towards leadership positions.

This is a role for a proactive and skilled developer who is eager to contribute to a mission-driven organisation and advance their expertise in cutting-edge cloud technologies.