Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and delivery of complex software solutions using C++ and Unreal Engine.
- Company: Fast-growing software and data science consultancy with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private healthcare, generous holiday, and pension contributions.
- Why this job: Be a technical leader shaping cutting-edge simulation and autonomy systems.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in high-performance software with strong C++ and Unreal Engine skills.
- Other info: Mentorship opportunities and a dynamic environment for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 85000 £ per year.
This Principal Software Engineer role is designed for a hands-on technical leader with strong C++ and Unreal Engine expertise, working at the forefront of complex, performance-critical software delivery. 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 across defence, energy, transport and health. 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 percent 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 C++ Engineer in Portsmouth employer: Talent Locker
Contact Detail:
Talent Locker Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal C++ Engineer in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work at companies you're interested in. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your C++ and Unreal Engine skills. We recommend doing some mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable with the types of questions you might face.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository that highlights your best projects and contributions. This gives potential employers a tangible sense of your skills and experience.
✨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 the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal C++ Engineer in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Keep Your CV Fresh: Make sure your CV is up to date and highlights your C++ and Unreal Engine expertise. We want to see your most relevant experience front and centre, so tailor it to match the job specs!
Show Off Your Technical Leadership: This role is all about being a hands-on technical leader. In your application, don’t shy away from showcasing your leadership skills and any experience you have mentoring others. We love seeing how you've shaped teams and projects!
Be Specific About Your Experience: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific projects where you’ve delivered high-performance software. We’re looking for concrete examples of your work in simulation, autonomy, or game-engine-driven environments.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to hit 'Apply' on our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Talent Locker
✨Know Your C++ Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your C++ skills before the interview. Be prepared to discuss advanced concepts and demonstrate your problem-solving abilities with real-world examples. Practising coding challenges can help you feel more confident.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Principal C++ Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your technical leadership. Prepare specific examples of how you've led teams, made key architectural decisions, and mentored junior engineers. This will show that you're not just technically proficient but also capable of guiding others.
✨Understand the Company’s Focus Areas
Familiarise yourself with the company's projects in defence, energy, transport, and health. Being able to discuss how your experience aligns with their work in simulation-driven systems and autonomy will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare Questions for Your Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the company’s culture, team dynamics, and future projects. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
