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- 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: Make a real impact in simulation and autonomy-focused systems while mentoring future tech leaders.
- Qualifications: 15+ years of experience in high-performance software and strong C++ expertise.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with excellent career growth and technical development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 85000 £ per year.
Hit Apply below to send your application for consideration. Ensure that your CV is up to date, and that you have read the job specs first.
Portsmouth | Hybrid, 3 days onsite
£75,000-£85,000 plus bonus and benefits
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++ Software 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++ Software Engineer in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work in software engineering or related fields. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨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 with examples of your work, especially projects that highlight your experience in simulation and autonomy. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨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++ Software 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: In your application, don’t shy away from showcasing your technical leadership skills. We’re looking for someone who can lead teams and make key decisions, so let us know how you've done this in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to hit apply through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and makes a great first impression!
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 specific projects where you've used C++, especially in performance-critical environments. They’ll likely want to hear about your problem-solving techniques and how you’ve optimised code in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
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. Highlight any experience you have with stakeholder management and building trusted relationships.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Unreal Engine
Since this role requires strong expertise in Unreal Engine, make sure you can discuss your experience with it confidently. Be ready to talk about specific features you've implemented or challenges you've faced while using Unreal Engine in your projects.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face some tough technical questions related to modelling, simulation, and autonomy. Brush up on relevant mathematical and computational techniques that apply to real-world problems. Practising coding challenges or system design questions can also be beneficial.
