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 work with a focus on work-life balance and professional growth.
- Why this job: Own the design and delivery of impactful systems while mentoring future tech leaders.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in software engineering with expertise in JavaScript, React, and Node.js.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and work on global projects with real-world impact.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ 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.
As Principal Engineer / Tech Lead, you will be responsible for both technical leadership and hands-on delivery, including:
- 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.
Skills: React, Angular, Typescript, AWS
Benefits: Work From Home
Principal Engineer in Belfast employer: Ocho
Contact Detail:
Ocho 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 industry, especially those in Northern Ireland. A personal recommendation can make all the difference when you're aiming for that Principal Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving React, Angular, and Node.js. This is your chance to demonstrate your hands-on experience and architectural prowess.
✨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 key decisions—this is what will set you apart as a tech lead.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Plus, it gives you a better chance to stand out in the application process.
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 showcase your experience with distributed systems and microservices.
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 your past projects, especially those where you led technical direction or made architectural decisions. We love a good story!
Show Off Your Technical Skills: In your application, be sure to mention any relevant tools or technologies you've used, like AWS or GraphQL. If you’ve leveraged AI-assisted development tools, let us know! We want to see how you can bring value to our team.
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 the role. Plus, it’s super easy and straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ocho
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
As a Principal Engineer, you’ll need to demonstrate your deep understanding of JavaScript/TypeScript, React, and Node.js. Brush up on your knowledge of distributed systems and microservices, and be ready to discuss your past projects in detail, focusing on architecture and design decisions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong technical leadership, so prepare examples of how you've led teams or projects. Think about times when you mentored others or made significant architectural decisions. Be ready to explain your thought process and how you influenced outcomes.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
You’ll be working with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, so practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. During the interview, focus on being clear and concise, ensuring that your communication style reflects your ability to bridge the gap between tech and business.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect to face technical challenges during the interview. Prepare by reviewing common system design problems and thinking through your approach to solving them. Highlight your systems-thinking mindset and how you balance performance, reliability, and cost in your solutions.