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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 focused 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 and coach a talented engineering team.
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) employer: SGI
Contact Detail:
SGI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer - Java (Oxfordshire)
✨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 referral can make all the difference in getting noticed.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common technical questions and scenarios related to Java and system design. We recommend setting up 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 contributions to legacy systems and how you 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 take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer - Java (Oxfordshire)
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 excited about this Principal Engineer role and how you can make a tangible impact on our products. Keep it engaging and personal.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since we’re looking for someone hands-on with Java and Micronaut, include specific examples of projects where you’ve used these technologies. We love seeing real-world applications of your skills!
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. Don’t miss out!
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, including any specific projects you've worked on. They’ll likely want to hear about your hands-on coding experience, so be ready to share examples of how you've tackled challenges in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Engineer, you'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Think of examples where you've successfully managed a team or influenced architectural decisions. Highlight how you foster collaboration and maintain a low-ego culture within your teams.
✨Understand Their Products
Take some time to research the company’s existing products and their transformation projects. Being able to discuss how you can contribute to re-architecting these products will show that you're genuinely interested and invested in their success. It also gives you a chance to suggest improvements based on your expertise.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to system design and architectural trade-offs. Brush up on best engineering practices and be ready to discuss how you balance quality with efficient delivery. Practising common technical interview questions can help you feel more confident during this part of the interview.
