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, flexible holidays, private healthcare, and mentoring opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career growth and technical leadership opportunities.
- 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
Join a dynamic and innovative software and data science consultancy in Portsmouth, where you will lead groundbreaking projects in the defence industry as a Principal Software Engineer. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, our collaborative work culture fosters technical excellence and mentorship, while offering competitive benefits such as a generous pension contribution, private healthcare, and flexible holiday options. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a fast-growing sector, working alongside experts on cutting-edge technologies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Software Engineer in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the defence industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. Attend meetups or webinars related to software engineering and make sure to engage with others – you never know who might have a lead on that perfect Principal Software Engineer role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving C++ and Unreal Engine. This will not only demonstrate your technical prowess but also give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their team.
✨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. Practising common interview questions can help you feel more confident when it’s time to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at StudySmarter!
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 hands-on expertise!
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 relevant!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, highlight specific examples where you've applied mathematical and computational techniques to solve real-world problems. We love seeing how you tackle challenges head-on!
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 don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Talent Locker
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your C++ and Unreal Engine skills. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've used these technologies, and think about the challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will show your hands-on expertise and technical authority.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your experience in mentoring engineers and driving high-performance delivery. Companies want to see that you can not only lead technically but also inspire and guide your team.
✨Understand the Defence Industry
Familiarise yourself with current trends and challenges in the defence sector, especially around simulation and autonomy. Being able to discuss how your skills can contribute to solving real-world problems in this field will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Build Relationships with Stakeholders
Think about how you've managed relationships with customers and stakeholders in previous roles. Be prepared to discuss your communication strategies and how you've influenced decisions. This is crucial for a principal-level role where collaboration is key.
