Engineering Lead

Job Title: Engineering Lead (Java + AI + Project Management) 📍 Location: London, UK (Hybrid) 💼 Experience: 8+ Years (Immediate Joiners Preferred) 📄 Employment Type: Contract (InsideIR35) 🏦 Domain Experience: Banking (Mandatory) Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Engineering Lead with a strong background in Java development, exposure to AI/ML technologies, and proven project management expertise. The ideal candidate will lead engineering teams, drive technical solutions, and ensure successful delivery of high-quality projects. Key Responsibilities • Lead and manage a team of engineers to deliver high-quality software solutions • Design, develop, and maintain scalable applications using Java technologies • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including product, design, and stakeholders • Drive the adoption of AI/ML-based solutions where applicable • Oversee end-to-end project delivery, including planning, execution, and monitoring • Ensure best practices in coding, testing, and deployment • Mentor team members and support their technical growth • Manage stakeholder communication and expectations Required Skills & Qualifications • 8+ years of experience in software development • Strong expertise in Java (Spring Boot / Microservices architecture preferred) • Basic to intermediate understanding of AI/ML concepts or tools • Experience in project management (Agile/Scrum preferred) • Strong problem-solving and leadership skills • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills Preferred Skills • Experience with cloud platforms (AWS / Azure / GCP) • Familiarity with DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines • Exposure to data engineering or analytics projects • Certifications in Project Management (PMP, Scrum Master) are a plus Key Competencies • Leadership and team management • Strategic thinking • Decision-making ability • Stakeholder management • Delivery-focused mindset Eligibility • Candidates must be currently based in the UK • UK Residents / ILR / Dependent Visa holders preferred Nice to Have • Experience working with global teams • Prior experience handling replacement or transition projects • Domain experience in enterprise-level applications