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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented team in designing and building innovative software products.
- Company: Fast-growing tech business focused on product development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work options, and a culture of learning.
- Why this job: Shape impactful products while mentoring a skilled engineering team.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in software engineering with strong Node.js and TypeScript skills.
- Other info: Join a collaborative environment with excellent growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 90000 £ per year.
A fast-growing, product-focused tech business is looking for a Principal / Lead Software Engineer to guide a skilled engineering team based in Nottingham. This is a primarily on-site role, with some hybrid flexibility, ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on leadership in a collaborative, in-person environment.
You'll guide the development of features and systems across web apps, APIs, and internal tools, working closely with product, design, and engineering teams to bring high-impact ideas to life. You'll combine technical direction with day-to-day coding, team mentorship, and delivery oversight, playing a key role in shaping both the product and the team's growth.
Salary: £75,000 to £90,000 + benefits
Location: Nottingham, Hybrid
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design and build of new product features, services, and technical systems
- Own features end-to-end—from technical design to testing, deployment, and monitoring
- Write production-grade code alongside the team (this is a hands-on role)
- Align technical delivery with business goals through close collaboration with stakeholders
- Mentor and support developers, fostering a culture of learning and improvement
- Maintain high standards for code quality, scalability, and team communication
What You'll Bring
- 7+ years' experience in software engineering, including recent time in a senior or lead role
- Strong experience with Node.js (NestJS) and TypeScript
- A good knowledge of a Front End framework like Vue, React or Angular
- Solid understanding of cloud infrastructure (preferably AWS) and CI/CD practices
- A thoughtful approach to system design, security, and performance at scale
- Great communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Bonus points for experience with AI/ML tools or data-led platforms
Tech Stack Overview
- Backend: NestJS / Node.js / TypeScript
- Frontend: Vue 3 / TypeScript
- Cloud: AWS
- Databases: PostgreSQL / MongoDB
- Tools: Rush (monorepo), GitHub, Notion, Linear
- Comms: Slack, Zoom, Around
If you're a seasoned engineer who thrives in a leadership role and enjoys building great products with great people, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now or get in touch to find out more.
Principal Engineer in Derby employer: Digital Waffle
Contact Detail:
Digital Waffle Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer in Derby
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech industry, especially those who work at companies you're interested in. A friendly chat can lead to referrals or insider info about job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Consider creating a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects, especially those using Node.js, TypeScript, or any relevant tech from the job description. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on both technical and soft skills. Practice coding challenges and be ready to discuss your past experiences leading teams and mentoring developers. We want to see how you can fit into our collaborative environment!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our exciting projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Principal Engineer role. Highlight your hands-on leadership experience and technical expertise, especially in Node.js and TypeScript, to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've led teams and delivered impactful projects, and don’t forget to show your passion for building great products.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, be sure to mention any relevant projects or technologies you've worked with, particularly those related to our tech stack like AWS, CI/CD practices, and front-end frameworks. We love seeing real-world applications of your skills!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Digital Waffle
✨Know Your Tech Stack Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, especially Node.js, TypeScript, and any front-end frameworks like Vue or React. Be ready to discuss your experience with these tools and how you've used them in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves mentoring and guiding a team, prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you helped your team overcome them while maintaining high standards.
✨Align with Business Goals
Understand the company’s mission and how the engineering team contributes to it. Be prepared to discuss how you can align technical delivery with business objectives, showcasing your ability to bridge the gap between tech and business.
✨Prepare for Technical Challenges
Expect to face some coding challenges during the interview. Brush up on your problem-solving skills and be ready to write production-grade code on the spot. Practising common algorithms and system design questions can give you an edge.