At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and delivery of innovative software solutions in defence.
- Company: Fast-growing consultancy at the forefront of defence technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private healthcare, generous holiday, and pension contributions.
- Other info: Opportunity for structured mentoring and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on groundbreaking projects with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in high-performance software, strong C++ and Unreal Engine skills.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 85000 £ per year.
Portsmouth | Hybrid, 3 days onsite
£75,000–£85,000 plus bonus and benefits
Want to work on groundbreaking projects within the defence industry? Are you a hands-on technical leader with strong C++ and Unreal Engine expertise and want to work at the forefront of complex, performance-critical software delivery within defence? The role combines advanced engineering with genuine technical authority, shaping how simulation-driven and autonomy-focused systems are designed, built and evolved. The position sits within a fast-growing software and data science consultancy delivering end-to-end solutions in the defence industry.
You will work closely with subject matter experts and senior stakeholders on high-impact programmes spanning modelling and simulation, autonomy, geospatial systems, synthetic environments and digital twins. This is a true principal-level role. You will remain deeply technical while setting direction, leading teams and acting as the technical authority across projects.
What you will be doing:
- Leading the design and delivery of complex software solutions using C++ and Unreal Engine
- Acting as technical lead across modelling and simulation, wargaming and autonomous systems
- Applying mathematical and computational techniques to solve real-world problems
- Owning key technical decisions across architecture, tooling and performance
- Mentoring engineers and enabling high-performing delivery teams
- Delivering technical consultancy engagements and leading selected projects
- Building trusted relationships with customers and stakeholders
- Supporting bids, proposals and technical reporting
What you will bring:
- Extensive experience, typically 15+ years, delivering high-performance software
- Proven technical leadership at Principal or Technical Lead level
- Strong hands‑on expertise in C++ and Unreal Engine
- Background in simulation, autonomy, robotics or game-engine-driven environments
- Experience working with large, complex codebases and performance constraints
- Strong stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills
What’s on offer:
- Salary up to £85,000, flexible for exceptional technical leaders
- 7% employer pension contribution
- Vitality private healthcare
- 25 days holiday with the option to buy or sell additional days
- Life assurance
- EV salary sacrifice scheme
- Discretionary bonus linked to company performance
- Structured mentoring and ongoing technical development
Principal Software Engineer in Portsmouth employer: Talent Locker Ltd
Join a dynamic and innovative software and data science consultancy in Portsmouth, where you'll be at the forefront of the defence industry, working on groundbreaking projects that shape the future of simulation and autonomy. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will benefit from structured mentoring, ongoing technical development, and a supportive work culture that values collaboration and high performance. Enjoy a competitive salary, generous benefits including private healthcare and a flexible holiday policy, all while making a meaningful impact in a fast-growing sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Software Engineer in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the defence industry. Attend meetups, webinars, or even local tech events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving C++ and Unreal Engine. This is your chance to demonstrate your hands-on expertise and technical leadership. Make sure it’s easy to access and share!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with complex software solutions and how you've led teams in the past. Practice common interview questions and scenarios related to modelling and simulation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience and how you can contribute to our groundbreaking projects in the defence sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Software Engineer in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your extensive experience in C++ and Unreal Engine. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your technical leadership and any relevant projects you've worked on.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about working in the defence industry and how your skills can contribute to our groundbreaking projects. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality!
Showcase Your Technical Authority:In your application, highlight instances where you've acted as a technical lead or made key architectural decisions. We’re looking for someone who can shape projects and mentor others, so share examples that demonstrate your influence and expertise.
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. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Talent Locker Ltd
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your C++ and Unreal Engine skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've applied these technologies, as well as any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Software Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your technical leadership. Prepare examples of how you've led teams, mentored engineers, and made key architectural decisions in past roles. This will show that you're not just a tech whiz but also a great leader.
✨Understand the Defence Industry
Familiarise yourself with the defence sector and its unique challenges. Research current trends in simulation, autonomy, and geospatial systems. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these topics will impress your interviewers and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Build Relationships with Stakeholders
Prepare to discuss how you've managed relationships with stakeholders in previous roles. Think about times when you've influenced decisions or collaborated on high-impact projects. This will highlight your communication skills and ability to work effectively with others.
