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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead software projects from concept to production, shaping architecture and technical strategy.
- Company: High-growth software organisation delivering complex digital platforms globally.
- Benefits: Fully remote role with ownership over system design and delivery.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global projects while working with cutting-edge technologies.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in software engineering, strong JavaScript/TypeScript, and Node.js experience.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on innovation and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity for an experienced Principal Engineer / Technical Lead to join a high-growth, product-led software organisation delivering complex digital platforms for global clients. This is a senior, hands-on role for a systems-focused engineer who enjoys owning technical direction, shaping architecture, and leading delivery from concept through to production. This role is fully remote but requires candidates to be based in Northern Ireland.
Responsibilities
- Leading the end-to-end delivery of software projects, from architecture and planning through to implementation and production.
- Owning technical strategy, system design, and architectural decisions across multiple projects.
- Designing scalable, maintainable distributed systems with a strong focus on performance, reliability, and cost trade-offs.
- Building full-stack solutions using modern frontend frameworks (React and/or Angular) and backend services (primarily Node.js).
- Designing and implementing APIs and integrations using REST and GraphQL.
- Architecting microservices and event-driven systems with clear service boundaries and strong observability.
- Leveraging AI-assisted development tools to improve development speed, quality, and documentation.
- Acting as a senior technical authority through code reviews, mentoring, and architectural guidance.
- Collaborating closely with product managers, designers, and stakeholders to translate business requirements into technical solutions.
- Taking ownership of delivery quality, production stability, and long-term system health.
Technical Competencies (Essential)
- 10+ years of professional software engineering experience, with significant experience in senior or lead roles.
- Strong expertise in JavaScript/TypeScript with deep experience in React and/or Angular.
- Solid backend experience with Node.js and at least one additional language (Python, Java, Go, or .NET).
- Proven experience designing and delivering distributed systems and complex architectures.
- Hands-on experience with microservices and event-driven architectures.
- Strong API design experience (REST and GraphQL).
- Cloud experience with AWS or similar (deployment, scaling, monitoring).
- Track record of building systems from scratch and owning delivery end-to-end.
Behavioural Competencies
- Systems thinker with a pragmatic approach to problem-solving.
- Comfortable making architectural decisions and taking ownership of outcomes.
- Strong communicator, able to influence both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Natural technical leader who enjoys mentoring and raising engineering standards.
- Proactive, accountable, and delivery-focused.
What Sets This Role Apart
- Genuine ownership over how systems are designed and delivered.
- Strong emphasis on architecture and systems thinking, not just coding.
- Opportunity to work on global projects with real-world scale and complexity.
- Fully remote role while remaining embedded in the Northern Ireland tech ecosystem.
Principal Engineer in Belfast employer: Ocho People
Contact Detail:
Ocho People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech world, especially those in Northern Ireland. Attend virtual meetups or webinars related to software engineering to get your name out there and learn about potential job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving React, Node.js, and distributed systems. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can do and how you approach complex problems.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on system design and architecture principles. Be ready to discuss your past experiences in leading projects and making architectural decisions, as this is key for a Principal Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented engineers who are passionate about shaping technical direction and delivering high-quality solutions. Your next big opportunity could be just a click away!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Principal Engineer role. Highlight your expertise in JavaScript/TypeScript, React, and Node.js, and don’t forget to mention any experience with distributed systems and microservices.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Be sure to mention your experience in leading technical direction and shaping architecture.
Showcase Your Projects: If you’ve worked on relevant projects, make sure to include them in your application. Whether it’s a complex digital platform or a scalable system you designed, we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios.
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’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ocho People
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, especially JavaScript/TypeScript, React, Angular, and Node.js. Be ready to discuss your past projects where you’ve used these technologies, focusing on your role in architecture and system design.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Engineer, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor. Prepare examples of how you've guided teams through complex projects, made architectural decisions, and influenced both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
✨Prepare for System Design Questions
Expect to tackle questions about designing scalable and maintainable systems. Brush up on microservices, event-driven architectures, and API design (REST and GraphQL). Practise explaining your thought process clearly and concisely.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication
This role requires close collaboration with product managers and designers. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve successfully translated business requirements into technical solutions and how you’ve maintained strong communication across teams.
