At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and optimisation of scalable systems for a cutting-edge FinTech platform.
- Company: Exciting FinTech carve-out backed by significant investment, building a tech organisation from scratch.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Innovative culture focused on automation, ownership, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape the future of payments infrastructure in the UK.
- Qualifications: Experience in building complex systems, cloud infrastructure mastery, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
I’m thrilled to announce that Numi has been retained to find a Principal Platform Engineer for one of the most exciting FinTech carve‑outs in the UK right now. Backed by a massive, multi‑hundred‑million‑pound strategic investment from a global private‑equity powerhouse, this newly formed entity processes billions of pounds annually, providing critical payments infrastructure to the UK economy. They are currently building a standalone tech organisation from the ground up, meaning a greenfield opportunity backed by enterprise scale. Our client’s Platform & Infrastructure team provides the hardened, high‑velocity foundations that allow product teams to ship code confidently. We need a Principal Engineer who is both an architect of engineering principles and a hands‑on build engineer.
What You’ll Do
- Owning Developer Experience (DX): Designing, operating, and refining an Internal Developer Platform (IDP) that scales with a rapidly growing set of product teams.
- Distributed Systems: Leading the migration toward and optimisation of highly available, low‑latency systems.
- Frictionless Compliance: Creatively integrating controls and compliance into the SDLC so they empower engineers to ship multiple times a day, rather than acting as blockers.
- Observability: Building the tooling (monitoring, logging, incident response) that allows teams to see around corners.
- Mentorship & Leadership: Leveling up the engineering org through RFCs, workshops, and fostering communities of practice.
What You Bring to the Table
- Battle‑Tested Experience: You’ve built complex, scalable systems, seen things break at scale, and know exactly how to prevent them.
- Cloud & Infra Mastery: Deep command of cloud infrastructure, Kubernetes, and the broader CNCF ecosystem.
- Polyglot Mindset: Expertise in at least two modern languages (e.g., Rust, Go, Kotlin) and a strict “right tool for the job” philosophy.
- Product Thinking: You treat the platform as a product, viewing your fellow engineers as your primary customers.
- Exceptional Communication: You can translate complex technical trade‑offs to non‑technical stakeholders effortlessly.
Engineering Culture
- Strong opinions, weakly held: Objective, pragmatic decision‑making.
- Automate everything: Everything‑as‑code. If you do it three times, it’s a feature for the back‑end.
- Logging simplicity is a feature: Boring, reliable tech > flavour of the week.
- Absolute Ownership: You build it, you run it, you fix it.
Location London (Hybrid – 3 days a week in a brand‑new office space).
Principal Software Engineer (platform) employer: numi
Join a pioneering FinTech carve-out in London, where you will be part of a dynamic team building a cutting-edge tech organisation from the ground up. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, mentorship, and a culture that values pragmatic decision-making and automation, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of payments infrastructure while enjoying the benefits of a hybrid work model in a brand-new office space. Experience a collaborative environment that empowers engineers to innovate and excel, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Software Engineer (platform)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the FinTech space and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that Principal Software Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects, especially those involving cloud infrastructure and distributed systems. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of Kubernetes and the CNCF ecosystem. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting roles, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications that way!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Software Engineer (platform)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience with scalable systems and cloud infrastructure, as these are key for the Principal Software Engineer role. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about building developer platforms and how your past experiences have prepared you for this role. Let us know how you can contribute to our engineering culture.
Showcase Your Projects:If you've worked on relevant projects, don’t hold back! Include links or descriptions of your work that demonstrate your expertise in distributed systems and observability tools. We love seeing practical examples of your skills in action.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get the best experience possible. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at numi
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, especially cloud infrastructure and Kubernetes. Brush up on your knowledge of distributed systems and be ready to discuss your experience with scalable systems. This will show that you’re not just a candidate but a potential leader in their tech stack.
✨Showcase Your Product Mindset
Prepare to talk about how you view the platform as a product. Think of examples where you’ve treated engineering challenges as opportunities to enhance developer experience. This will resonate well with the interviewers, as they’re looking for someone who can empathise with fellow engineers and improve their workflow.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. You’ll likely encounter non-technical stakeholders during the interview, so being able to translate your ideas effectively is crucial. Use analogies or real-world examples to make your points clearer and more relatable.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Mentorship Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in mentoring others and fostering a collaborative engineering culture. Share specific instances where you’ve led workshops or contributed to RFCs. This will highlight your ability to elevate the engineering organisation and align with their emphasis on mentorship.
