At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead real-time software development and mentor engineers in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a growing tech business focused on autonomous systems and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on Agile methodologies and technical leadership.
- Why this job: Make an impact in safety-critical projects and shape the future of technology.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in Embedded C, C++, Python, and real-time systems required.
We're looking for an experienced Principal Software Engineer to join a growing technology business developing complex autonomous systems.
Reporting directly to the CTO, you'll combine hands-on engineering with technical leadership, shaping architecture, supporting engineers and facilitating Scrum delivery.
Experience developing software in mission-critical or safety-critical real-time environments is essential.
Ideally, you'll bring experience in autonomous systems, robotics or flight software, within aviation, aerospace, drones/UAVs, autonomous vehicles, MOD/defence or similar.
This role could also be suited to Quant Engineers with experience working across real-time systems.
What you'll be doing
Leading real-time software development and architectural decisions.
Translating technical priorities into clear engineering plans.
Facilitating sprint planning, stand-ups and retrospectives.
Mentoring engineers, reviewing code and maintaining software quality.
What we're looking for
Senior, Lead or Principal-level experience, with development skills in Embedded C, C++ and Python.
Experience with embedded software, real-time systems and hardware/software integration.
Strong technical leadership and Agile/Scrum facilitation skills.
Understanding of software architecture, testing and controlled development lifecycles.
Familiarity with DO-178C, ISO 26262 or IEC 61508 (nice to have)
Apply via the advert or email your CV to for a confidential chat.
Spectrum IT Recruitment (South) Limited is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy
Principal Software Engineer (Safety-Critical) in London employer: Spectrum IT Recruitment
Join a leading international managed services provider that values your expertise and offers a fully remote position with the flexibility to maintain a healthy work-life balance. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to take ownership of high-profile compliance projects while enjoying a supportive work culture that encourages continuous improvement and innovation. The monthly visits to the Milton Keynes office foster collaboration and connection, making this an attractive workplace for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Software Engineer (Safety-Critical) in London
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Spectrum IT Recruitment or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Spectrum IT Recruitment.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Spectrum IT Recruitment.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Spectrum IT Recruitment that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Software Engineer (Safety-Critical) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Spectrum IT Recruitment.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Spectrum IT Recruitment and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Spectrum IT Recruitment
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Spectrum IT Recruitment uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
