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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 projects while mentoring future tech leaders.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in high-performance software and strong technical leadership skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration with experts.
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 Software Engineer (C++ / Unreal Engine) in Portsmouth employer: Talent Locker
Contact Detail:
Talent Locker Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Software Engineer (C++ / Unreal Engine) in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work with C++ and Unreal Engine. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best projects, especially those involving simulation and autonomy. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your C++ and Unreal Engine knowledge. Practice coding challenges and be ready to discuss your past projects in detail—this is your chance to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Software Engineer (C++ / Unreal Engine) in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills: Make sure to highlight your hands-on experience with C++ and Unreal Engine in your application. We want to see how you've tackled complex software solutions and any cool projects you've led or contributed to.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Principal Software Engineer role. Mention your experience in simulation, autonomy, or any relevant fields that align with what we do at StudySmarter.
Demonstrate Leadership Experience: Since this is a principal-level role, it’s crucial to showcase your technical leadership experience. Share examples of how you've mentored teams or made key architectural decisions in past projects.
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 at StudySmarter!
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 before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've used these technologies, and think about how you can demonstrate your hands-on expertise in a practical way.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Software Engineer, you'll need to show that you can lead teams effectively. Prepare examples of how you've mentored engineers or led technical projects in the past. Highlight your ability to make key architectural decisions and how you've influenced project outcomes.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with the sectors the company operates in, like defence, energy, and health. Think about how your technical skills can solve real-world problems in these areas. This will help you connect your experience to their needs during the interview.
✨Build Relationships with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your strong communication skills by preparing to discuss how you've built trusted relationships with customers and stakeholders in previous roles. Be ready to share strategies you've used to manage expectations and deliver successful outcomes.
