Lead Software Engineer, Back-End
Likely
Sponsorship likelihood
This employer has issued visas recently
Pro only
Salary
Pro sees the advertised pay
£54,700
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2134 (85% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £54,700, and SYMPHONY COMMUNICATION SERVICES UK LTD is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
This could also be SOC 2132 (IT managers, Lead role with mentoring and guiding engineers could be managerial) or SOC 2133 (IT business analysts, architects and systems designers, Strong architectural and system design focus). We read the code off the advert, so it is our best guess, not the employer's.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2134 Programmers and software development professionals Most likely code | £38,300 Clears | £43,700 Clears | £49,200 Clears | £54,700 Clears |
2132 IT managers Also possible | £38,500 Clears | £44,000 Clears | £49,500 Clears | £55,000 Clears |
2133 IT business analysts, architects and systems designers Also possible | £38,400 Clears | £43,900 Clears | £49,400 Clears | £54,900 Clears |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. A mark is for the top of the advertised pay. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
About us @Symphony
Secure. Connected. Intelligent.
Symphony is an AI-powered communication and technology company fueled by interconnected platforms: messaging, voice, directory and analytics.
Our end-to-end encrypted technologies enable over 1,400 institutions to accelerate AI impact, prioritize data security, navigate complex regulatory compliance and optimize business interactions.
Role Description:
We are seeking an experienced and driven Lead Software Engineer to join and guide our development organisation. In this role, you will take ownership of designing, developing, and delivering high-quality software solutions that align with our strategic goals. You will lead technical initiatives, mentor engineers, and work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure the successful execution of projects.
If you are passionate about technology leadership, architectural design, and fostering high-performing teams, we would love to hear from you!
Responsibilities:
- Lead the design, development, testing, and maintenance of scalable software applications.
- Provide technical leadership and guidance to software engineers through mentoring, code reviews, and best practice sharing.
- Collaborate with product managers, designers, and stakeholders to define technical requirements and deliver robust solutions.
- Drive architectural decisions, ensuring systems are secure, reliable, and scalable.
- Proactively identify technical risks and implement effective mitigation strategies.
- Champion software development best practices, including continuous integration, code quality, and automated testing.
- Stay current with emerging technologies and drive innovation within the engineering team.
- Ensure adherence to security, data protection, and compliance standards across all software deliverables.
Required Qualifications:
Technical Skills:
- Proven expertise in Java programming, with strong architectural and system design skills.
- Hands-on experience with modern frameworks and technologies (e.g., Spring Boot, Quarkus).
- In-depth understanding of database systems such as SQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Elasticsearch or similar.
- Strong background in cloud services architecture and deployment (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud).
- Proficient with version control and collaborative development tools (e.g., Git, GitHub, GitLab).
- Solid understanding of Agile development methodologies and DevOps practices.
Soft Skills:
- Demonstrated experience in a senior/lead role on multiple software projects.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to influence and align technical direction across teams.
- Commitment to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing engineering culture.
- Proactive, self-driven, and passionate about continuous learning and improvement.
Education & Experience:
- Master’s or Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- 10+ years of professional software development experience
Compensation:
- Salary Range: £65,000 - 80,000 base salary per year
- Bonus Plan
Benefits and Perks:
- Regional specific competitive benefits
- Build your own Benefits (BYOB) perk
- Local events, team building, and development opportunities
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with SYMPHONY COMMUNICATION SERVICES UK LTD, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Programmers and software development professionals (SOC 2134) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~399k in sample- Middle half £42,536–76,752
- Median £56,784
- Going rate £54,700
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £38,300–49,200
Similar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at SYMPHONY COMMUNICATION SERVICES UK LTDAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. SYMPHONY COMMUNICATION SERVICES UK LTD holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2134 going rate of £54,700. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.