Senior Software Engineer II - Java Backend

About Us

Working in technology at Elsevier means that your work really does matter – it changes lives. And you’ll see the real-world impact of your day-to-day efforts.

Our technologists have applied new machine learning models to reduce gender biases against women in academia and developed technology to help medical professionals more accurately diagnose conditions that may have otherwise been missed. Whether you’re supporting the business to be more efficient, building better infrastructure to help things run more smoothly, or if you’re part of a team creating products for the customers we serve, there’s always a new challenge you’ll be helping to solve.

Elsevier is part of RELX Group.

About the Role

We’re looking for a passionate Senior Software Engineer - Java Backendto join our growing engineering team and help build high-performance, scalable backend systems that power our core platform. You’ll work on designing and developing microservices using Java, Spring Boot, and modern cloud technologies (AWS/Azure). This is a hands-on role where you’ll solve complex technical challenges, optimize performance, and collaborate closely with product and DevOps teams to deliver resilient, high-quality software.

We value clean code, strong design principles, and engineers who take ownership from concept to deployment. If you enjoy working in an environment that encourages innovation, continuous learning, and impact at scale — we’d love to talk. Join us and help shape the next generation of our platform’s backend architecture.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop scalable backend systems and microservices

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including product, DevOps, and QA

• Conduct code reviews and provide constructive feedback

• Optimize performance and ensure system reliability

• Implement test-driven development practices

• Troubleshoot and resolve complex bugs

• Contribute to architectural decisions and technical strategy

• All other duties as assigned

Requirements

• 5+ years of Software Engineering experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent

• Advanced knowledge of software development methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall)

• Expertise in Java/J2EE, Spring Boot, Java 17 or higher

• Experience designing and building microservices (must-have)

• Experience with AWS or any cloud technology (must-have)

• Experience with tools like New Relic (strong plus)

• Hands-on experience with relational databases like PostgreSQL

• Strong research and problem-solving skills

• Knowledge of industry best practices in development

• Experience using and developing applicable toolsets

• Ability to interface effectively with technical teams and stakeholders

• Knowledge of test-driven development

• Ability to complete complex bug fixes

• Strong oral and written communication skills

Work in a Way That Works for You

We promote a healthy work/life balance across the organisation. We offer an appealing working prospect for our people. With numerous wellbeing initiatives, shared parental leave, study assistance and sabbaticals, we will help you meet your immediate responsibilities and your long-term goals.

This is a hybrid role. Our teams operate in a flexible hybrid work model, combining in-person collaboration with remote flexibility. You’ll be expected to participate in regular team meetings and engineering rituals in line with your team’s cadence.

Working for You

We know that your well-being and happiness are key to a long and successful career. These are some of the benefits we are delighted to offer:

• Private Medical/Dental Plan

• Savings Fund

• Life Insurance

• Meal/Grocery Voucher

About the Business

A global leader in information and analytics, we help researchers and healthcare professionals advance science and improve health outcomes for the benefit of society. Building on our publishing heritage, we combine quality information and vast data sets with analytics to support visionary science and research, health education and interactive learning, as well as exceptional healthcare and clinical practice. What you do every day will help advance science and healthcare to advance human progress.