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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of engineers to re-architect products and influence architectural decisions.
- Company: Innovative tech company in Oxford with a focus on transformation projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a collaborative work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on user-facing products while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Strong Java and JavaScript/TypeScript skills, with experience in leadership roles.
- Other info: Opportunity to work hands-on with cutting-edge technologies in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced and driven Principal Engineer focused on Java backend expertise to guide and build one of two brand-new product teams based in Oxford. You’ll serve as both the lead engineer and line manager, taking ownership of our client's core transformation projects. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on critical user-facing products.
Responsibilities
- Lead a new squad of 4 engineers and a Product Manager
- Be responsible for re-architecting an existing product with zero customer downtime
- Remain hands-on in Java and Micronaut, JavaScript/TypeScript, contributing code weekly
- Define and uphold best engineering practices and team standards
- Influence architectural decisions and identify opportunities to simplify complex systems
- Coach and grow your engineering team, fostering a collaborative, low-ego culture
The ideal candidate / Qualifications
- Has strong coding skills in Java and JavaScript/TypeScript, with proficiency in Angular
- Enjoys working with legacy systems and improving them
- Has prior experience as a Tech Lead or Engineering Manager
- Comfortably navigates technical architectural decisions and system design trade-offs
- Understands how to balance high-quality engineering with efficient delivery
- Communicates clearly with technical and non-technical stakeholders alike
Principal Engineer - Java (Oxfordshire) in London employer: SGI
Contact Detail:
SGI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer - Java (Oxfordshire) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who might know about opportunities at companies you're interested in. A personal recommendation can make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common technical questions and scenarios related to Java and system design. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable with the format.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your projects! Whether it's through a portfolio or GitHub, having tangible examples of your work can really impress potential employers. Make sure to highlight any experience with legacy systems and how you've improved them.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer - Java (Oxfordshire) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your Java backend expertise and any experience leading teams. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
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 you can make a tangible impact on our products. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role is all about Java and system design, make sure to mention specific projects where you’ve used these skills. We’re keen to see how you’ve tackled complex systems and what best practices you’ve implemented.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you get all the latest updates from us. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at SGI
✨Know Your Java Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Java skills before the interview. Be prepared to discuss your experience with Java backend development, especially in relation to Micronaut and JavaScript/TypeScript. Practising coding challenges can help you demonstrate your proficiency.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Since this role involves leading a squad of engineers, be ready to share examples of your previous leadership experiences. Talk about how you've coached teams, influenced architectural decisions, and maintained a collaborative culture. Specific anecdotes will make your points more impactful.
✨Understand the Product and Its Users
Research the company’s products and their user base. Understanding the impact of your work on users will help you articulate how you can contribute to the team’s goals. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach re-architecting existing products with zero downtime.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. This role requires clear communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, so being able to convey your ideas effectively is crucial. Mock interviews can help you refine this skill.
