Principal Software Developer C++ and Rust

Principal Software Developer C++ and Rust

Full-Time 90000 - 130000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Tech 4

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead complex software projects using C++ and Rust while mentoring a talented team.
  • Company: Fast-growing tech consultancy focused on data, AI, and innovative software solutions.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, private health insurance, generous holiday allowance, and career development opportunities.
  • Other info: Join a flat structure team based in Newcastle with international exposure.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on challenging problems with high-calibre colleagues in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Strong programming skills in C++ or Rust and experience in leading software deliveries.

The predicted salary is between 90000 - 130000 £ per year.

A Principal Software Developer is required by a highly successful and fast-growing technology consultancy. They build data, AI, and software solutions for clients in a broad range of industries, working on demanding problems in challenging environments.

The role is focused on C++ and Rust development. This is a hands-on role for an experienced engineer who wants to stay close to the code. You'll lead a team of 6 to 12 engineers, own delivery end to end, and spend a meaningful share of your time writing code, reviewing designs, and unblocking the team. It's a delivery role, not a strategy role. You'll shape how we build things and how the team grows around you.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the delivery of complex software projects
  • Work alongside other leads to set direction for the defence function
  • Stay hands-on: set technical direction, design software and write code, leaning in where needed
  • Mentor engineers across experience levels
  • Plan and estimate delivery, manage technical debt, and make pragmatic trade-offs between speed, quality and long-term maintainability
  • Work directly with clients to shape requirements, manage expectations and build trust
  • Run code and design reviews, set the bar for quality, and hold the team to it
  • Embed strong testing practices in the team's workflow, from unit tests through to integration and acceptance testing

What makes a great candidate

  • A track record of technically leading complex software deliveries
  • Excellent programming skills in C++ or Rust
  • Experience of modern end-to-end software engineering workflows, including requirements management, design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance
  • Experience integrating AI-assisted tools into development workflows without compromising on quality, security or compliance
  • Experience developing for Linux, ideally with exposure to industrial computing platforms, single-board computers or real-time environments
  • A leader who enjoys delivery and makes the engineers around them better
  • Comfortable operating in ambiguous environments and making decisions with incomplete information
  • Excellent communicator, equally at home in a code review, a client meeting, or a one-to-one with a junior engineer
  • Strong academic foundations, typically a first-class degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics or Mathematics from a leading university
  • Experience in defence or national security is a strong plus

Why join them

  • Work alongside high-calibre colleagues from organisations known for engineering excellence
  • High-impact work on complex problems with direct consequences for clients
  • A flat structure and a small, growing team, where you'll help shape how we work
  • Newcastle base with international exposure across our global office network
  • 25 days holiday allowance plus bank holidays
  • Matching pension contributions up to 6%
  • Private health insurance through Bupa
  • Discretionary bonus
  • Excellent training and career development opportunities exist for the right candidate.

Basic salary £90-130,000 + bonus + excellent benefits based in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Principal Software Developer C++ and Rust employer: Tech 4

Join a highly successful and fast-growing technology consultancy based in Newcastle upon Tyne, where you'll work alongside high-calibre colleagues on complex software projects that have a direct impact on clients. With a flat structure and a small, dynamic team, you will have the opportunity to shape the delivery process while enjoying excellent training and career development opportunities, a competitive salary, and a generous benefits package including private health insurance and a matching pension scheme.

Tech 4

Contact Details:

Tech 4 Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Software Developer C++ and Rust

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech industry, especially those who work with C++ and Rust. Attend meetups or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a GitHub profile showcasing your projects in C++ and Rust. This gives employers a chance to see your coding style and problem-solving abilities in action.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your coding skills and understanding of software engineering workflows. Practice common coding challenges and be ready to discuss your past projects in detail.

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 Developer C++ and Rust

C++
Rust
Software Development
Team Leadership
Code Review
Mentoring
Requirements Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience with C++ and Rust. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects and achievements!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about software development and how you can lead our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a team, make sure to highlight any previous leadership experiences. Share examples of how you've mentored others or led projects to success – we want to know how you can help us grow!

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. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own platform!

How to prepare for a job interview at Tech 4

Know Your Code Inside Out

As a Principal Software Developer, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in C++ and Rust. Brush up on your coding skills and be ready to discuss your past projects in detail. Be prepared to solve coding challenges on the spot, showcasing your problem-solving abilities.

Lead with Confidence

This role is all about leadership and delivery. Think about examples where you've successfully led a team through complex software projects. Be ready to share how you managed technical debt and made trade-offs between speed and quality, as this will show your ability to lead effectively.

Communicate Clearly

Strong communication skills are key for this position. Practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to interact with clients and mentor junior engineers. Prepare to discuss how you've built trust with clients and managed their expectations in previous roles.

Embrace Testing Practices

The job requires embedding strong testing practices into the team's workflow. Be ready to talk about your experience with unit tests, integration testing, and how you've ensured quality in your projects. Highlight any experience with AI-assisted tools and how you've integrated them without compromising standards.