Job Title: Senior Lead Java Developer – Soil 2050 Project
Location: Flanders, Belgium (Hybrid / Remote options available)
Contract Type: Framework Contract
Assignment Duration: 05/10/2026 – 15/07/2027
Language Requirement: Dutch – Native / C2 Level (Mandatory)
Project Overview
The Soil 2050 initiative focuses on driving sustainable waste, materials, and soil management policies in Flanders. As part of a long-term environmental vision, this project supports circular economy goals, soil contamination prevention, and effective remediation across the region.
We are seeking a Senior Lead Java Developer to drive the technical development, testing, and implementation of critical software applications supporting public soil and environmental initiatives.
Role Overview
As the Senior Lead Java Developer, you will take full ownership of designing, building, and maintaining Java-based applications, while leading and mentoring a dedicated team of software developers. You will operate within an Agile environment, shaping modern architecture (microservices, REST APIs, cloud-native deployments), integrating GIS/geographic data, and maintaining high technical standards through modern CI/CD practices.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership & Coaching: Guide, mentor, and coach software developers; foster technical excellence in coding, testing, and debugging.
Full-Stack Java Development: Design, implement, and maintain scalable, robust Java/J2EE applications utilizing Spring Boot on the backend and React / TypeScript on the frontend.
API Development & Integration: Architect and build high-performance REST APIs; interact with spatial datasets and geospatial databases.
Database Management: Manage and optimize queries across PostgreSQL, SQL, and DB2 systems
Agile Leadership: Play an active, leading role in Agile processes, sprint ceremonies, and team planning using Atlassian Tools (Jira, Confluence).
Deployment & CI/CD: Support deployment pipelines using Bamboo and manage application configurations via Helm charts.
Profile & Candidate Requirements
Must-Have Requirements (Mandatory)
Languages: Dutch at C2 level (Native or fluent, spoken and written).
Core Java Experience: Minimum 5+ years of senior-level experience developing enterprise JAVA-based applications.
Frameworks & API: Minimum 5+ years of senior-level experience with Spring Boot and implementation of REST APIs.
Certifications / Experience: Formal Java/J2EE certification or equivalent proven hands-on experience.
Frontend Tech: Proven work experience with React and TypeScript.
Database Management: Proven experience working with PostgreSQL, DB2, and relational SQL.
Leadership & Coaching: Proven track record in leading development teams and coaching developers.
Should-Have Requirements (Strong Assets)
Public Sector Context: Prior experience working within the Flemish Government or Belgian public sector organisations.
Geospatial Data: Hands-on experience developing applications that consume or process geographic/GIS data.
Tools & Infrastructure: Experience with Atlassian Tools (Jira, Confluence), Bamboo CI/CD, and Helm charts for Kubernetes package management.
