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- Tasks: Lead two engineering teams in developing card and credit systems.
- Company: Join a top UK fin-tech scale-up transforming business funding.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, bonuses, stock grants, and a learning budget.
- Why this job: Shape a high-growth product area with real impact and mentorship opportunities.
- Qualifications: Strong backend engineering experience, preferably in Python, with card product knowledge.
- Other info: Flexible office days in London; no fixed schedule required.
The predicted salary is between 108000 - 162000 £ per year.
Principal Software Engineer – Cards & Credit (Python, Java, Clojure, AWS)
Up to £135,000 + bonus (15-22%) + annual equity
️ Python, Distributed Systems, High-Scale Architecture
London, hybrid working (2 days/week)
Leading business lending platform
I\’m partnered with one of the UK\’s most successful fin-tech scale-ups who have built a platform helping businesses access more than £15 billion in funding.
They\’ve recently launched a new product line which has become the company\’s highest-growth area, with its own dedicated leadership and road map.
They\’re now hiring a Principal Software Engineer to become the technical lead across two core engineering teams working in the card and credit space. This is a critical hands-on IC role driving architecture, mentoring senior engineers, and setting the engineering direction for one of the most commercially important product areas in the business.
What you\’ll be doing…
- Be the senior technical authority across two product teams focused on credit and card systems
- Lead architectural decisions for a high-volume, low-latency backend platform
- Work closely with senior product, platform and engineering stakeholders to define technical direction
- Mentor Lead and Senior Engineers, driving engineering excellence and fostering a high-performance culture
- Play a key role in the migration from legacy technologies to a fully Python-based modern stack
- Bring much-needed domain expertise in cards and credit to a high-growth area with a greenfield mindset
What they\’re looking for…
- Strong engineering background with deep experience in backend systems (Python preferred, Ruby/Java/Clojure/Go also considered)
- Experience working on card-based products – ideally credit, but debit or prepaid also considered
- Strong architectural and system design skills
What\’s in it for you…
- Bonus at approximately 15% (with potential to earn up to 22%)
- Annual stock grant
- Dedicated annual learning budget
- Private medical and dental insurance
- Broad range of benefits including enhanced Paternity/Maternity cover
- Hybrid working – 2 days/week in their London office (no fixed days)
- Be part of a high-ownership role with real scope to shape the success of a growing product
Principal Software Engineer – Cards & Credit (Python, Java, Clojure, AWS)
Burns Sheehan Ltd will consider applications based only on skills and ability and will not discriminate on any grounds.
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Principal Software Engineer employer: Burns Sheehan
Contact Detail:
Burns Sheehan Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Software Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in card and credit systems. Understanding the nuances of these products will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the company. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be a game-changer in your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your architectural and system design skills. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences in these areas, as they are crucial for the Principal Software Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your mentoring experience. Highlighting how you've guided junior engineers in the past can set you apart, as this role involves fostering a high-performance culture within the teams.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Software Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with backend systems, particularly in Python, Java, or Clojure. Emphasise any work you've done on card-based products and your architectural skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background aligns with the company's needs. Mention your experience in mentoring engineers and driving technical direction.
Showcase Relevant Projects: Include specific examples of projects where you've led architectural decisions or migrated legacy systems to modern stacks. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and leadership capabilities.
Highlight Soft Skills: Don't forget to mention your soft skills, such as communication and teamwork. As a Principal Software Engineer, you'll need to collaborate with various stakeholders and mentor other engineers.
How to prepare for a job interview at Burns Sheehan
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As a Principal Software Engineer, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of backend systems, particularly in Python. Be prepared to discuss your previous projects, architectural decisions you've made, and how you've tackled challenges in high-volume environments.
✨Prepare for System Design Questions
Expect to face questions that assess your architectural and system design skills. Practice designing scalable systems on the spot, explaining your thought process clearly, and justifying your choices based on performance and reliability.
✨Highlight Mentorship Experience
Since mentoring is a key part of this role, be ready to share examples of how you've guided junior engineers or led teams. Discuss specific instances where your mentorship has led to improved performance or successful project outcomes.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with the company's products, especially in the card and credit space. Being able to articulate how your technical skills can contribute to their business goals will set you apart as a candidate who understands both technology and its impact on the business.
