Build real-world Java desktop software in a small, supportive engineering team where your ideas, problem-solving ability, and practical coding skills will genuinely matter.

We are looking for someone who can learn quickly, contribute early, and grow with the team as we move into upcoming projects.

About Us

Semantics 21 is a multi-award-winning UK software company developing specialist desktop software used internationally within public safety and investigative environments.

Our technology helps organisations process and review digital evidence more effectively, supporting work that can have genuine real-world impact in areas including child protection and public safety.

We are growing our engineering team and are looking for a Java Software Engineer to help develop large-scale desktop applications used operationally by organisations internationally.

Despite the sensitive environments our software supports, development staff are never exposed to illegal or disturbing material as part of their role.

The Role

This is a software engineering role focused on desktop application development - not web development.

You will work on real commercial desktop software products within a supportive and experienced engineering team, contributing to applications used operationally by organisations internationally.

This role is ideal for someone with strong Java skills, good problem-solving ability, and the motivation to develop quickly within a long-term engineering environment.

You will be involved in:

• Developing Java desktop applications using Java Swing and Core Java
• Working within larger commercial codebases
• Debugging, testing, and improving application performance
• Designing and improving desktop user interfaces
• Database integration and data handling
• Learning how long-term commercial desktop products are built, maintained, and improved
• Contributing ideas, improvements, and innovation across the development team

We value strong problem-solving ability, initiative, and modern development workflows. Candidates who use AI-assisted development tools effectively and responsibly, such as Codex, are encouraged to apply.

Why Join Us / What We Offer

We are a smaller engineering team where developers are encouraged to contribute ideas, improvements, and innovation - not simply complete assigned tasks.

Developers work directly with the CEO within a flat management structure. This gives the development team direct access to someone with hands-on software development, architecture, customer, and investigator experience.

Your work and input will have visible impact across products used internationally, and you’ll have genuine influence over future development and technical improvements.

This is not a role where you will be just another number in a large organisation. Your ideas, approach, and technical judgement will matter.

This role suits developers who enjoy building real, long-term software products rather than short-lived web, marketing, or internal dashboard projects.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone with:

• Good practical Core Java and object-oriented programming skills - essential. Ability to discuss Java projects you have personally built or significantly contributed to
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
• Ability to write clear, practical, maintainable code
• Good communication skills
• Initiative and willingness to keep learning
• Eligibility to work in the UK

Any experience with the following would be beneficial:

• Java Swing or JavaFX
• SQL databases
• Git
• Desktop application development
• Personal software projects
• AI-assisted development workflows

A degree in Computer Science or equivalent practical experience would be beneficial, though we are open to candidates from different backgrounds who can demonstrate strong technical ability.

This is not a graduate-only role. We are open to strong early-career applicants, but candidates should be able to demonstrate practical Java ability and the confidence to contribute to real commercial software quickly.

Strong personal projects, GitHub work, or demonstrable practical coding ability are valued more highly than formal qualifications alone.

Please include links to previous work, GitHub, portfolio projects, screenshots, or other examples in your CV or application where available.

Working Environment

• Based from our Stafford (ST18) office
• This is a full-time, office-based role at our Stafford office. Any occasional home working would be by exception only and subject to business needs
• Shortlisted candidates may be invited into the office as part of the process
• Full-time, permanent role
• Free onsite parking
• We support flexible working hours where possible. Most roles are based around a 7.5-hour working day, Monday-Friday, during normal office hours, with start and finish times agreed around team and business needs. Typical patterns may include 08:00-16:00, 09:00-17:00, or 10:00-18:00.

What We Offer

• £30,000 - £35,000 depending on experience
• Mentoring and support from experienced developers
• Genuine opportunities for progression and increased responsibility
• Long-term product-focused development work
• Friendly and supportive engineering environment
• Exposure to real commercial software projects from day one
• Direct access to leadership and technical decision-making
• Sensible use of AI-assisted development tools

Important Note

This role is specifically focused on Java desktop software engineering.

Applicants focused primarily on web development frameworks are unlikely to be suitable for this position.

Please include an up-to-date CV. A formal cover letter is not required, but a short note explaining your relevant Java desktop experience, project examples, or links to previous work is welcome.

To help us assess applications fairly, please answer the application questions and include relevant links or examples where available. Applications with incomplete information may be harder for us to assess and may not be progressed.

We review applications as they arrive and aim to contact suitable candidates promptly rather than waiting until the closing date. The role may close once we find the right candidate, so early applications are encouraged.

Direct applicants only - no recruitment agencies.

You can learn more about our products, videos, and webinars at:
https://www.semantics21.com

Job reference: S21-JAVA-ID2-2026

Pay: £30,000.00-£35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Employee mentoring programme
• Flexitime
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Stafford ST18 0WL: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

• This role is focused on Java desktop applications rather than web development. Please briefly describe your Java desktop, Swing, JavaFX, or other desktop software experience.
• Please share any links to GitHub, personal projects, university projects, portfolio examples, screenshots, or examples of software you have built. If you do not have links, briefly describe one project you are proud of.
• Briefly describe the most technically challenging software problem you have solved, what made it difficult, and how you approached it.
• Please briefly describe how you use AI-assisted development tools, such as Codex, ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, or similar, if applicable.
• If you are currently in the UK on a visa, time-limited right-to-work status, graduate visa, skilled worker visa, dependant visa, BN(O) visa, student visa, or any other immigration permission, please provide brief details, including the visa type and expiry date. If this does not apply, please write “N/A”.

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person