Principal Engineer in Bristol

Principal Engineer in Bristol

Bristol Temporary 70000 - 85000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Sanderson

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead engineering activities in a major pricing transformation initiative and modernise core products.
  • Company: Join a leading financial services organisation driving innovation in technology.
  • Benefits: Initial 3-month contract with strong potential for extension and competitive compensation.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for continuous improvement and career growth.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of technology while influencing key business strategies and outcomes.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in complex tech environments and strong leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 85000 £ per year.

  • Principal Engineer/Engineering Manager(Contract) - Pricing Transformation Programme
  • Duration: Initial 3-Month Contract - Strong scope for extension

We're supporting a leading financial services organisation undertaking a major pricing transformation programme focused on modernising core products, platforms and engineering tooling.

They are seeking an experienced Principal Engineer/Engineering Manager to provide technical leadership across a complex technology landscape, balancing the challenges of legacy systems with the adoption of modern cloud-native technologies.

This role will suit an engineering leader who is comfortable operating as a technology generalist, engaging with both technical teams and senior business stakeholders to shape engineering strategy, modernisation plans and delivery outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead engineering activities across a significant pricing transformation initiative.
  • Assess existing legacy systems, applications and codebases to identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Provide technical guidance and recommendations on modernisation strategies and technology investments.
  • Work closely with engineering teams to support the adoption of modern technologies and engineering practices.
  • Partner with non-technical stakeholders to communicate technical challenges, options and recommendations.
  • Influence technical direction across products, platforms and tooling.
  • Support architectural decision-making across both legacy and modern technology environments.
  • Drive engineering excellence, delivery effectiveness and continuous improvement initiatives.

Technical Environment

The organisation is currently operating across a blend of legacy and modern technologies, including:

  • Type Script
  • React
  • AWS
  • PHP
  • Oracle
  • Java

Required Skills & Experience

  • Proven experience operating within complex technology environments.
  • Strong background delivering technology transformation or modernisation programmes.
  • Experience working across both legacy and modern technology stacks.
  • Strong understanding of software engineering principles, architecture and platform design.
  • Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
  • Ability to translate business objectives into technical strategies and actionable plans.
  • Experience influencing technical decisions across multiple teams and workstreams.
  • Comfortable operating as a technology polyglot with broad exposure to different technologies and approaches.

What We're Looking For

  • Strong leadership and problem-solving capabilities.
  • Excellent communication skills with both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Ability to provide strategic technical guidance and direction.
  • Confidence advising and influencing senior stakeholders.
  • Passion for engineering excellence and continuous improvement.
  • Proven track record delivering successful outcomes within large-scale transformation programmes.
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Principal Engineer in Bristol employer: Sanderson

At Sanderson, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of Belfast. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development programmes and opportunities for advancement, ensuring that our team members thrive in their careers while enjoying competitive rewards and a strong focus on health and safety compliance. Join us to take ownership of impactful projects and be part of a supportive environment that values your contributions.

Sanderson

Contact Details:

Sanderson Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer in Bristol

Join Financial Networking Events

Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.

Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance

Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Sanderson.

Connect with Alumni from Your Uni

Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.

Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites

Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Sanderson might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer in Bristol

Technical Leadership
Cloud-Native Technologies
Legacy Systems Modernisation
Stakeholder Management
Software Engineering Principles
Architecture and Platform Design
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!

Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Sanderson will be keen to see in your application.

Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Sanderson. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!

Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Sanderson confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Sanderson

Brush Up on Financial Regulations

Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Sanderson.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills

Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.

Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability

For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Sanderson that you’re a reliable team player.

Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn

In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.