Software Engineer (Java)

  • Meritus
  • Dorchester, Dorset
  • 11/02/2026
Contractor Information Technology Telecommunications

Job Description

Software Engineer (Java) Defence Consultancy 6 Month Contract Up to 600 per day (Inside IR35) Dorchester (3 days per week on-site)

MERITUS are excited to be partnered with a growing Defence Consultancy. They're supporting a large Defence Client based in Dorchester. They're looking for an experienced SC Cleared Java Developer to join on a key project.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a skilled Java Software Engineer with strong experience in microservices, service-oriented architecture (SOA), APIs, and containerised environments to work on secure, mission-critical systems.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative technical team delivering high-performance, scalable Java applications within a complex networked environment. This role requires on-site working three days per week.

Active Security Clearance (SC) is required.

Main Responsibilities:

  • Design and develop Java-based microservices within a Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA)
  • Define, build and integrate RESTful APIs for internal and third-party systems
  • Produce technical designs using UML and follow best practice software engineering standards
  • Develop and maintain containerised applications (e.g. Docker/Kubernetes environments)
  • Work with SQL databases and support TCP/IP-based networked applications


Required Skills:

  • Strong commercial experience in Java development within enterprise environments
  • Proven expertise in Microservices Architecture and Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA)
  • Experience designing and implementing APIs (REST, open APIs, third-party integrations)
  • Solid understanding of TCP/IP networking and network programming
  • Hands-on experience with Containerisation (Docker, Kubernetes) and SQL databases

Got your attention?

If you believe that you have the skills and experience for the Software Engineer role - then please get in touch. We also offer a referral scheme for any candidates whose details are passed to us that we successfully place. If you have any further questions then please contact Ryan Harris at MERITUS.