At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor teams while coding and architecting scalable software solutions.
- Company: Join a tech-driven company focused on high-performance, resilient software development.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible work options, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Perfect for tech leaders who love coding and want to make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Principal Engineer with strong skills in .NET, AWS, and team management.
- Other info: Work with cutting-edge technologies and drive innovation in AI-powered engineering.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
We are a technology-driven company building high-performing, scalable, and resilient software solutions. Our teams work with a modern tech stack including .NET, MongoDB, AWS, Jenkins, SQL Server, and streaming technologies. We’re looking for a hands-on Principal Engineer who can code, design scalable systems, manage Staff Engineers, and drive technical excellence across multiple teams. This role is perfect for a technical leader who still enjoys writing code while shaping architecture and mentoring engineers.
About the role
- Architecting scalable, high-performance systems
- Coding and reviewing mission-critical features (at least 60% hands-on)
- Managing and mentoring Staff Engineers & Senior Developers
- Driving best practices in software development and AI-powered engineering
- Owning non-functional requirements (NFRs) such as security, scalability, and reliability
- Optimising cloud infrastructure and CI/CD pipelines
If you thrive on solving complex technical challenges, leading by example, and empowering teams, this is the role for you!
Key responsibilities
- Hands-on coding (at least 60% of the time), working on core application components and system architecture
- Technical leadership – guiding multiple teams and ensuring best practices
- Managing & mentoring Staff Engineers – supporting career growth and technical excellence
- Architecting and scaling distributed systems and cloud-native applications
- Defining and enforcing non-functional requirements (NFRs) – scalability, security, performance
- Implementing Test-Driven Development (TDD) and automation best practices
- Optimising CI/CD pipelines with Jenkins & AWS
- Leading containerisation efforts with Docker & Kubernetes
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to align technical solutions with business needs
- Research and implement AI-driven development tools to boost productivity
What we’re looking for
- Proven experience as a Principal Engineer / Lead Engineer / Software Architect
- Proven hands-on coding experience with .NET, SQL Server, MongoDB, Angular/NextJS, AWS, and streaming technologies
- Strong experience in building scalable and high-performance applications
- Strong experience managing Staff Engineers & Senior Developers
- Solid understanding of Test-Driven Development (TDD) and modern testing frameworks
- Experience with Docker & Kubernetes for containerisation and cloud deployment
- Strong knowledge of CI/CD pipelines, automation, and deployment best practices
- Experience with AI-assisted development tools is a plus
- Excellent leadership and communication skills – able to coach and influence team
Principal Engineer employer: AJ Bell Management Limited
Contact Detail:
AJ Bell Management Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Showcase your hands-on coding skills by contributing to open-source projects or personal coding initiatives. This not only demonstrates your technical abilities but also highlights your passion for coding, which is crucial for a Principal Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current and former employees of StudySmarter on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging in conversations about the company culture and technical challenges can give you valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing and mentoring teams during interviews. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've guided engineers and fostered their growth, as this is a key aspect of the Principal Engineer position.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends in cloud technologies and AI-driven development tools. Being knowledgeable about these areas will not only enhance your technical discussions but also show your commitment to driving innovation within the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with the technologies mentioned in the job description, such as .NET, SQL Server, and AWS. Emphasise your hands-on coding experience and any leadership roles you've held.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you are passionate about the role of Principal Engineer. Discuss your approach to technical leadership and how you have successfully mentored teams in the past.
Showcase Relevant Projects: Include specific examples of projects where you architected scalable systems or implemented CI/CD pipelines. Highlight your contributions and the impact they had on the organisation.
Highlight Soft Skills: Since the role requires excellent leadership and communication skills, make sure to mention instances where you effectively guided teams or influenced stakeholders. This will demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor others.
How to prepare for a job interview at AJ Bell Management Limited
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with the technologies mentioned in the job description, such as .NET, SQL Server, and AWS. Bring examples of projects where you've architected scalable systems or implemented CI/CD pipelines to demonstrate your technical prowess.
✨Emphasise Leadership Skills
As a Principal Engineer, you'll be managing and mentoring Staff Engineers. Share specific instances where you've successfully led teams, guided engineers, or influenced best practices in software development. Highlight your ability to empower others and foster a collaborative environment.
✨Discuss Non-Functional Requirements
Prepare to talk about how you've defined and enforced non-functional requirements like security, scalability, and reliability in your previous roles. This will show that you understand the importance of these aspects in building high-performance applications.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to face complex technical challenges during the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've approached problem-solving in past projects, particularly in optimising cloud infrastructure or implementing Test-Driven Development. This will highlight your critical thinking and analytical skills.