Principal Software Engineer in Manchester
Principal Software Engineer

Principal Software Engineer in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design and delivery of scalable software solutions in a hands-on role.
  • Company: Join a forward-thinking financial services organisation at the forefront of engineering.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to influence engineering standards.
  • Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on continual development and innovation.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on critical infrastructure and drive genuine engineering transformation.
  • Qualifications: Strong experience in backend systems with modern languages and cloud environments.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

An opportunity to join one of the most forward-thinking financial services organisations in the UK, operating at the forefront of modern engineering and platform transformation.

We’re looking for a Principal Software Engineer to join a critical infrastructure engineering team responsible for building the internal platforms that power large-scale, enterprise systems. This is a hands-on technical leadership role, where you’ll take ownership of designing and delivering scalable software solutions, shaping architecture, and driving engineering standards across a modern, product-led environment.

You’ll be working across backend-led systems (Golang/Python), with React on the frontend, within a microservices, API-first architecture focused on automation and platform engineering.

The Why? (Top 3)

  • High-impact engineering: Work on platforms that underpin critical infrastructure used across a large-scale organisation, with real visibility and impact.
  • Genuine engineering transformation: Be part of a shift towards fully automated, API-driven platforms, replacing legacy manual processes with modern, scalable systems.
  • Technical ownership & influence: A role with real autonomy to shape architecture, influence engineering direction, and drive best practices across teams.

The What?

  • Strong experience building scalable backend systems using modern languages (Golang, Python or similar).
  • Experience working in microservices, API-first, or event-driven architectures.
  • Exposure to cloud environments (AWS/Azure), containerisation, and CI/CD pipelines.
  • Ability to contribute to system design and architecture decisions.
  • Experience mentoring engineers and influencing technical direction without direct line management.
  • Strong understanding of clean code, testing practices, and engineering standards.
  • Comfortable working in complex, enterprise-scale environments.

Above all, we’re looking for someone who enjoys solving complex problems, building high-quality systems, and driving continuous improvement.

And finally… Who are we?

FORT – Future of Recruiting Technologists is a specialist technology search consultancy focused on connecting high-calibre engineers with some of the most exciting opportunities across the North of England. We go beyond skills, taking the time to understand both the technical and cultural fit to ensure long-term success for both candidates and clients. Our values are built around Continual Development, Compassion, and Consistency.

If this sounds of interest, please get in touch.

Principal Software Engineer in Manchester employer: FORT

Join a pioneering financial services organisation that champions innovation and engineering excellence in the heart of the UK. As a Principal Software Engineer, you'll thrive in a collaborative work culture that prioritises continuous development and offers ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. With a focus on impactful projects and technical ownership, you'll play a vital role in transforming critical infrastructure while enjoying the benefits of a supportive environment that values compassion and consistency.
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Contact Detail:

FORT Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Software Engineer in Manchester

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and engage in online communities. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Principal Software Engineer role.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving Golang, Python, or microservices. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their team.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on system design and architecture principles. Practice coding challenges and be ready to discuss your past experiences with scalable backend systems and cloud environments.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re all about connecting talented engineers with amazing opportunities, so make sure you get your application in and let us help you land that dream job.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Software Engineer in Manchester

Golang
Python
React
Microservices Architecture
API-first Architecture
Event-driven Architecture
Cloud Environments (AWS/Azure)
Containerisation
CI/CD Pipelines
System Design
Architecture Decisions
Mentoring Engineers
Clean Code Practices
Testing Practices
Continuous Improvement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Principal Software Engineer role. Highlight your experience with Golang, Python, and any cloud environments you've worked in. We want to see how you can contribute to our engineering transformation!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about building scalable systems and how your technical leadership can influence our engineering direction. Let us know what excites you about this opportunity!

Showcase Your Projects: If you've worked on relevant projects, don’t hold back! Share examples of your work with microservices, API-first architectures, or any automation you've implemented. We love seeing real-world applications of your skills!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved!

How to prepare for a job interview at FORT

✨Know Your Tech Stack

Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, especially Golang and Python. Brush up on your knowledge of microservices and API-first architectures, as these will likely come up during technical discussions.

✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've tackled complex problems in your previous roles. Highlight how you approached the issue, the solutions you implemented, and the impact it had on the project or team.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience

Since this role involves technical leadership, be ready to talk about your experience mentoring others and influencing engineering decisions. Share instances where you’ve shaped architecture or driven best practices within a team.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the company’s engineering transformation. Inquire about their current challenges with automation and how they envision the future of their platforms. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.

Principal Software Engineer in Manchester
FORT
Location: Manchester

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