Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Founding Principal Engineer to tackle engineering challenges and build our observability platform.
- Company: Tracer is revolutionizing high-performance computing for scientists and engineers in regulated industries.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, share options, work-from-anywhere flexibility, and a meal allowance.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, influence product development, and transform the future of computing.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in Software Engineering with a strong background in data infrastructure and cloud computing.
- Other info: Express your interest creatively—any format you choose is welcome!
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Do you get excited by tackling engineering challenges that others deem impossible?
Are you ready to discover the new exciting world of digital biology?
Do you like working in a team with only the absolute best of the best?
If your answers are mostly yes, then you should keep reading.
About Tracer
Tracer is an advanced observability platform for high-performance computing (HPC) systems in regulated industries. We help scientists and engineers to run, maintain, and optimize supercomputing software solutions. Learn more about our mission here:
About the Role
We’re now looking for a Founding Principal Engineer, who together with the other founders will work as a full-stack on building out our core observability platform in London. Your work is a crucial role in influencing not only the product, but also transforming high-performance computing.
Location: UK
Salary: Competitive Base and Shares
Working Hours: Flexible working hours
Contract Type: Full-time Contract
Start Date: December 2024
Our Tech and Tools
- Rust (because we like our code like we like supercomputers – insanely fast)
- ClickHouse (regular databases just can\’t keep up with our data)
- AWS + Terraform (infrastructure that builds itself)
- Next.js + TypeScript (because front-end should be sexy too)
Key Responsibilities:
- Architect and develop our Rust-based client for robust data ingestion
- Design and implement advanced features including:
- Data ingestion connectors
- Logs management systems
- Intuitive observability interfaces
- Sophisticated error resolution tools
What We Are Looking For:
- 5+ or ideally 10+ years veteran in Software Engineering
- Strong background in high-performance data infrastructure, cloud computing, data science, or observability space
- Proven track record of shipping products at high velocity
- Experience working at an early-stage observability/cybersecurity startup and bonus points for having joined earlier.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and wear multiple hats
Our values
Fun in excellence, excellence in fun
Don’t overthink, be bold, go fast
Take on difficult technical problems
Perks and Benefits:
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays – we encourage you to take time off and recuperate
- Share options when you join Tracer
- Work-from-Anywhere Flexibility
- Mental wellbeing and self-care are very important to us
- Meal allowance for working late at the office
- Annual learning & development allowance
How To Apply
Send your CV and a short description of why you want to apply for the above role and what excited you about Tracer to
You are welcome to express your interest in this role through a Notion page, a website, a loom/vimeo/youtube video, an excel/google spreadsheet, a powerpoint slide deck, a Kanban board – any format you choose will be welcome. The only requirement is that you BUILT it yourself to express interest in this role. Please submit the result with your CV to
You’re also welcome to share your previous successful projects, success stories, github pages, and any other way you believe it will support your application.
Application Deadline: We are screening on a rolling basis.
Don’t meet all the qualifications?
If you have taken career breaks and you are looking to return to work full-time, or you feel this job aligns with your experience and expertise, we look forward to hearing from you! We encourage you to apply! If you’re passionate, a fast learner, and motivated to make a difference, we want to hear from you!
Our Recruitment Process
- 15-minute call with our in-house recruiter
- 30-minute first interview to dive deeper into your experience.
- 45-minute technical task, or a case study or a project to demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
Successful candidates will then be invited to our headquarters for on-site interviews and a team lunch, giving you the chance to meet our team and experience our work environment firsthand.
At Tracer we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We believe that different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences drive innovation and growth. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Founding Principal Engineer employer: Tracer
Contact Detail:
Tracer Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Founding Principal Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Showcase your passion for tackling engineering challenges by discussing specific projects where you overcame significant obstacles. Highlight how your innovative solutions contributed to the success of those projects.
✨Tip Number 2
Since Tracer values a culture of engineering excellence, be prepared to discuss how you've mentored or guided other engineers in your previous roles. Share examples that demonstrate your leadership and collaborative skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarize yourself with the technologies mentioned in the job description, especially Rust and ClickHouse. Consider building a small project or contributing to an open-source initiative using these tools to showcase your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience in high-performance computing and cloud environments. Be ready to explain how you've successfully deployed solutions in customer cloud environments and the impact it had on performance and efficiency.
We think you need these skills to ace Founding Principal Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft Your Unique Submission: Since Tracer encourages creativity in applications, think outside the box! Create a Notion page, video, or any format that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Make sure it reflects your personality and technical skills.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and accompanying description, emphasize your experience in software engineering, particularly in high-performance data infrastructure and cloud computing. Mention specific projects or roles that align with the responsibilities of the Founding Principal Engineer.
Express Your Enthusiasm: Clearly articulate why you are excited about Tracer and the role. Discuss what aspects of their mission resonate with you and how you envision contributing to their goals. This will help convey your genuine interest in the position.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: Since the recruitment process includes a technical task, consider including examples of past projects or challenges you've tackled. Highlight your problem-solving approach and any innovative solutions you've implemented in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tracer
✨Show Your Passion for Engineering Challenges
Make sure to express your excitement about tackling engineering challenges, especially those that seem impossible. Share specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully overcame difficult technical problems.
✨Demonstrate Your Full-Stack Expertise
Since the role involves building a core observability platform, be prepared to discuss your experience with full-stack development. Highlight your proficiency in Rust, AWS, Terraform, and any relevant technologies mentioned in the job description.
✨Prepare for Technical Problem-Solving
Expect to engage in a technical task or case study during the interview process. Brush up on your problem-solving skills and be ready to showcase how you approach complex engineering challenges, particularly in high-performance computing.
✨Align with Company Values
Tracer values fun in excellence and encourages boldness. During the interview, convey your alignment with these values by sharing instances where you took initiative, worked collaboratively, and maintained a positive attitude while achieving results.
