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- Tasks: Lead and mentor teams while coding and architecting scalable software solutions.
- Company: Join a tech-driven company focused on high-performance, resilient software solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy hands-on coding, flexible work options, and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Perfect for tech leaders who love coding and want to make an impact.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Principal Engineer with strong skills in .NET, AWS, and team management.
- Other info: Work with cutting-edge technologies like AI tools, Docker, and Kubernetes.
The predicted salary is between 57600 - 84000 £ 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 Software Development 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 Software Development 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 software development, 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 their experiences can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, helping you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with managing and mentoring teams. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've guided engineers in their career growth and technical excellence, as this is a key aspect of the Principal Engineer position.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in AI-driven development tools and cloud technologies. Being able to discuss how these tools can enhance productivity and improve software solutions will set you apart as a forward-thinking candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Software Development 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 software development and how your experience aligns with the role of Principal Engineer. Mention specific projects where you demonstrated technical leadership and mentoring.
Showcase Technical Skills: Include a section in your application that showcases your technical skills, particularly in areas like Test-Driven Development (TDD), CI/CD pipelines, and cloud infrastructure. Use examples to illustrate your expertise.
Highlight Leadership Experience: Since the role involves managing and mentoring Staff Engineers, be sure to highlight any relevant leadership experience. Discuss how you've supported team growth and driven best practices in previous positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at AJ Bell Management Limited
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to demonstrate your hands-on coding abilities during the interview. Expect to discuss your experience with .NET, SQL Server, and other technologies mentioned in the job description. You might even be asked to solve a coding problem on the spot, so brush up on your skills!
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
As a Principal Engineer, you'll be managing and mentoring Staff Engineers. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams, supported career growth, and enforced best practices in software development. This will show your potential employer that you can drive technical excellence.
✨Discuss Architectural Design
Prepare to talk about your experience in architecting scalable systems. Be ready to explain your approach to designing high-performance applications and how you ensure non-functional requirements like security and reliability are met. This is crucial for the role.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Collaboration with cross-functional teams is key in this role. Share examples of how you've worked with different departments to align technical solutions with business needs. Highlight your communication skills and ability to influence others positively.
