At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop scalable systems while mentoring a dynamic tech team.
- Company: Join Autotrader, the UK's leading automotive marketplace and tech innovator.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, share options, 28 days holiday, and comprehensive medical cover.
- Other info: Enjoy hybrid working with remote-first periods and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a vibrant environment with cutting-edge technology and collaborative culture.
- Qualifications: Strong full stack experience with Java, Spring Boot, and modern front-end technologies.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About us You've probably heard of Autotrader, but do you know what we're all about?We're the most trusted, most visited automotive marketplace in the UK.
A heritage brand and a tech innovator.
We bring together vehicle buyers and sellers to give them real choices.
Cars may be what we're best known for but we’re also the place for pretty much everything else on wheels, from e-bikes to caravans.
In the automotive world, change is a constant, that’s why we take our job of untangling the complex car-buying journey very seriously.
At our core, we’re all about people.
We go our own way while embracing diversity and celebrating our differences.
We dedicate ourselves to the idea that we work better together.
Autotrader is a beautiful, surprising and vibrant place to work.
We might not be for everyone, but we could be perfect for you.
About the job We’re looking for Principal Full Stack Engineers to join us!
Our technology teams combine a diverse set of technologies to meet the needs of our users, handling millions of requests a day across over 600 systems.
We build these systems with industry standard frameworks and tools, such as React and Angular on the front end and Java, Spring Boot, Cloud SQL and Apache Kafka on the back end.
All of this runs on our cutting edge cloud delivery platform, facilitating over 60k releases to production a year.
We’re a close-knit tech community where collaboration and knowledge sharing are at the core of what we do.
Regular pair programming, code reviews, and stand-ups ensure that our engineers stay connected and aligned.
As a Principal Engineer, you’ll play a visible, strategic role in driving system design and architecture decisions, mentoring team members, and helping our teams deliver high-quality solutions at scale.
You might think that "Autotrader" means we’re looking for car enthusiasts, but that’s not the case.
We’re looking for people who are passionate about technology, thrive in a collaborative environment, and have a genuine curiosity about solving complex problems.
What we’re looking for: Strong experience working across the stack, from designing scalable back-end systems to developing responsive front-end applications You should be comfortable working with Java, Spring Boot and the Java ecosystem / JVMAbility to architect and design complex, distributed systems that are scalable, maintainable, and performant Experience with modern front-end technologies (e. g., React or Angular, Type Script/Modern Java Script), along with proficiency in building RESTful APIs and web services.
Strong knowledge of relational databases (SQL), along with experience working with document-based storage solutions (e. g., Mongo DB)Experience with Kafka or other event-driven architectures A structured approach to development and testing (including Test-Driven Development) with a focus on continuous delivery and automation Proven experience leading and mentoring teams, helping others grow technically while delivering high-impact projects During our application process, you will be asked two questions to help us learn more about you and how you align with our values.
These will be used as part of our selection criteria, to determine if we progress your application further Benefits We’re offering a salary of 60,000 – 80,000, plus an additional 10% of your salary awarded to you in shares each year.
These awarded shares will become yours in yearly instalments over the next three years, and you can choose to either sell them or keep them as shares.
And you'll receive 28 days holiday, plus bank holidays and comprehensive private medical cover.
That’s not all.
You'll be enrolled in our pension scheme, where our standard contributions are 7% and employee contributions are 5%.
We also have comprehensive private medical cover, enhanced family leave provisions, a car salary sacrifice scheme, share-save options, and much more.
We always want to give you the support you need and help prioritise your wellbeing, that’s why we provide access to 24/7 online GP and dentist, as well as specialist support for assisted fertility, gender dysphoria, menopause, period care plans and lots more.
On top of all that, our hybrid model, Connected Working, combines the best of both worlds – office and home working.
You'll spend a minimum of 3 days a week in the office with your team, focused on collaboration and connection.
Additionally, we have our remote-first periods at set times during summer and winter.
During these periods, you can work remotely anywhere in the UK and from certain locations abroad.
Discover more about our hiring process and explore our Engineering Blog.#LI-CI1#LI-Hybrid
Principal Full Stack Engineer - Full or Part Time in Manchester employer: AutoTrader UK
At Autotrader, we pride ourselves on being a vibrant and inclusive workplace that champions collaboration and innovation. As a Senior Full Stack Engineer, you'll not only work with cutting-edge technologies but also enjoy a wealth of benefits including a competitive salary, share options, and comprehensive health coverage. Our hybrid working model ensures a balanced approach to work-life integration, allowing you to thrive both in the office and remotely while contributing to a team that values your growth and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Full Stack Engineer - Full or Part Time in Manchester
✨Join Local Coding Meetups
Get involved in local coding meetups or tech events. These gatherings are perfect for networking with other software engineers, showcasing your skills, and even getting a chance to meet potential employers face-to-face. Plus, it's a great way to learn about part-time opportunities that might not be widely advertised.
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Dive into some open-source projects on platforms like GitHub. This not only enhances your coding skills but also builds a solid portfolio that shows potential employers your real-world experience. Open-source contributions can lead directly to job offers since many companies scout talent in the community.
✨Utilise University Career Services
If you're in or near university, make the most of those career services! They often have connections with local tech companies looking for part-time developers and can provide valuable resources for finding job leads or prep for interviews.
✨Showcase Your Work
Build a personal website or portfolio that highlights your projects, skills, and any relevant experience. It’s a fantastic way to stand out and we encourage you to link to it in your applications. Don't forget: you can easily apply for part-time roles through our website at AutoTrader UK—just remember to include that link!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Full Stack Engineer - Full or Part Time in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Coding Skills:Make sure to prominently feature your coding skills in your CV. List the programming languages and technologies you're comfortable with, as well as any relevant projects you've worked on. Don’t forget to link to your GitHub profile or any other coding platform where you showcase your work – it's a great way for us at AutoTrader UK to see your skills in action!
Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills:As a part-time software developer, problem-solving is key. In your application, try to include examples of how you've tackled tough coding challenges or bugs. If you can quantify your achievements, even better! This not only shows your technical prowess but also your ability to think critically and creatively.
Tailor Your CV for Part-Time Work:For a part-time role, it’s essential to show that you’re flexible and can manage your time well. Within your CV, highlight any previous experience balancing multiple commitments or projects. It’ll reassure us that you can juggle responsibilities without compromising on quality.
Craft Your Cover Letter with Passion:Your cover letter is your chance to show us your enthusiasm for software development. Share why you're excited about joining AutoTrader UK specifically, and what you hope to gain from this part-time role. Your motivation and eagerness to learn can really set you apart from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at AutoTrader UK
✨Show Off Your Code
Make sure to prepare a few coding samples or projects to share during your interview for the part-time software engineering position at AutoTrader UK. Potential employers love to see tangible evidence of your skills, so having a well-organised GitHub profile or portfolio can really make you stand out.
✨Brush Up on Problem Solving
Expect a few technical questions or coding challenges that assess your problem-solving abilities. Companies like AutoTrader UK often want to see how you think through a problem, so practise common algorithms and data structures to showcase your thought process and technical know-how.
✨Know Your Tools
Familiarise yourself with the specific programming languages and tools relevant to the role. If the job listing mentions languages like Python or JavaScript, make sure you can discuss your experience with them confidently. Knowing frameworks and libraries they use can give you an edge.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
Since this is a part-time position, be ready to discuss how you can manage your time effectively and fit the role around your other commitments. Being able to demonstrate your adaptability and proactivity shows that you can balance work, study, or other responsibilities without dropping the ball for AutoTrader UK.
