Senior Java Developer

Tender description

Summary of the work An experienced Java developer is required to design, implement and test improvements to the performance and features of the DROID file identification tool, starting with enabling DROID to be integrated with cloud-based workflows. Specialist role Developer Expected Contract Length 3 months with a possible extension of up to 3 months Latest start date Monday 31 October 2022 Maximum Day Rate Up to £700 per day. Standard 8 hour working day. Rate includes all expenses e.g. for occasional travel to Kew. Early Market Engagement DROID is an open-source tool created, managed and developed by The National Archives. A well-established and highly engaged external community contribute to its development. TNA value and respect this community, their buy in and continued support is essential. DROID was first released in 2005 and has been continuously developed since to improve performance and add functionality. The last release was May 2020. Who Speclialist Work With The specialist will be the only developer actively working on DROID. The wider team is a Product manager, Technical Architect, Lead and Senior Developers (available for discussion of technical options, code review, acceptance). The specialist will have access to users: Digital Archivists (users of the current tool, available to contribute to testing and acceptance). Developers (internal and external) wishing to use DROID as part of a cloud-based workflow. What Specialists Work On DROID (www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/information-management/manage-information/policy-process/digital-continuity/file-profiling-tool-droid/) is an open source tool (github.com/digital-preservation/droid) created and managed by The National Archives and used by institutions globally. The supplier will explore technical options, design, document, implement and test a series of incremental improvements to DROID, in line with TNA’s priorities and will transfer knowledge to The National Archives’ staff. We need a developer to work on a roadmap in collaboration with TNA. The prioritised roadmap includes: enabling integration of DROID into cloud-based workflows and service infrastructures; unifying the underlying code base for CLI and GUI, improving performance; reducing installation issues and enabling integration with other TNA systems. Skills & Experience • Excellent java development skills and a strong track record of designing, developing, delivering, testing and optimising java applications for public use • Experience of developing applications and/or software libraries for specific use within public cloud services • Experience of working with an iterative, Agile approach to service delivery and being able to apply the Agile philosophy to your day-to-day work • Experience delivering fully unit/integration tested code as part of a continuous build and delivery pipeline • Ability to produce clear technical documentation and ensure appropriate and timely knowledge transfer • Evidence of the ability to plan, manage and take responsibility for your own work Nice to Haves • Experience of relevant cloud technologies, such as AWS, Terraform, Docker • Familiarity with the Government Service Standard • A familiarity with DROID and PRONOM and their use to support digital preservation activities Work Location The National Archives, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU Specialist to work remotely. Occasional on-site meetings or presentations will be required. Working Arrangments The specialist will work remotely with occasional on-site meetings or presentations. The specialist will work Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm with regular active communication. Some flexibility may be possible with mutual agreement. The specialist will provide their own equipment. TNA will provide access to GitHub and Slack. Additional communication will be via Teams and email. We expect the specialist to work in Agile way to scope, plan, implement, test and deliver work incrementally. The specialist will arrange frequent ‘review’ sessions to demonstrate progress and seek feedback. They will produce clear technical documentation and ensure appropriate and timely knowledge transfer. Security Clearance Baseline security clearance will be required. Additional T&Cs Although this has been advertised as a resource, we have checked the role requirements (to the best of our knowledge) using the assessment tool found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-employment-status-for-tax and, in our opinion, for the role(s) as advertised the intermediaries legislation does not apply to this engagement (outside IR35). The National Archives will hold copies of and rights to all source code developed and accompanying intellectual property rights to the code to use, develop further or make changes as it sees fit. No. of Specialists to Evaluate 3 Cultural Fit Criteria • Excellent communication skills and an open and transparent approach • Demonstrate a collaborative and flexible working approach • Able to work with our Subject Matter Experts to ensure the service meets the needs of its users • Examples of delivering transition, knowledge transfer and handover of code • A clear appreciation of the importance of technical documentation as a means of ensuring ongoing maintainability of systems Assessment Method • Reference • Interview • Scenario or test Evaluation Weighting Technical competence 70% Cultural fit 10% Price 20% Questions from Suppliers 1. Hello, is there an incumbent? No. 2. if a candidate has circumstances that means they are unable to do any days on site, would this still be accepted and fully remote working with meetings / presentations held over Teams, Zoom etc.? We would prefer candidates who are willing and able to attend Kew on occasion, possibly once a month. 3. if a candidate has circumstances that means they are unable to do any days on site, would this still be accepted and fully remote working with meetings / presentations held over Teams, Zoom etc.? CORRECTION: We want candidates who are willing and able to attend Kew on occasion, possibly once a month. 4. Hi is the role inside or outside IR35 please? Although this has been advertised as a resource, we have checked the role requirements (to the best of our knowledge) using the assessment tool found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-employment-status-for-tax and, in our opinion, for the role(s) as advertised the intermediaries legislation does not apply to this engagement (outside IR35).