At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and deliver complex software projects using C++ and Rust while mentoring a team.
- Company: Fast-growing tech consultancy focused on data, AI, and innovative software solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, private health insurance, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with international exposure and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-stakes projects with a talented team in a flat structure.
- Qualifications: Strong programming skills in C++ or Rust and experience in software engineering workflows.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 130000 £ per year.
Principal Software Developer - C++ and Rust - 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 involves leading delivery on demanding software projects, focusing 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
- 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
- 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
Principal C++/Rust Lead — Hands-on Delivery employer: Tech4 Limited
Join a dynamic technology consultancy based in Newcastle upon Tyne, where you'll lead a talented team of engineers in delivering high-impact software solutions. With a flat structure that fosters collaboration and innovation, you'll have the opportunity to shape project direction while enjoying excellent benefits such as 25 days' holiday, private health insurance, and a matching pension scheme. The company prioritises employee growth through training and development, making it an ideal environment for those seeking meaningful and rewarding work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal C++/Rust Lead — Hands-on Delivery
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech industry, especially those who work with C++ or Rust. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a GitHub profile showcasing your projects in C++ and Rust. This gives potential employers a taste of your coding style and problem-solving abilities, making you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common technical questions and coding challenges. We recommend using platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to sharpen your skills and boost your confidence before the big day.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to exciting projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal C++/Rust Lead — Hands-on Delivery
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:Make sure to highlight your C++ and Rust expertise in your application. We want to see your technical prowess, so don’t hold back on showcasing your projects or any complex software deliveries you've led.
Be Hands-On:Since this role is all about being hands-on, let us know about your coding experience. Share examples where you’ve been deeply involved in the development process, from design to deployment, and how you’ve tackled challenges along the way.
Lead with Confidence:We’re looking for someone who can lead a team effectively. In your application, mention your leadership style and any mentoring experiences you’ve had. Show us how you’ve helped others grow while delivering high-quality results.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of this role. We love seeing candidates who take the time to understand what we do and how they fit into our vision.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tech4 Limited
✨Know Your Code Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in C++ and Rust. Brush up on your coding skills and be ready to discuss your past projects in detail. Be prepared to write code during the interview, as they’ll want to see your hands-on abilities.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a team, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed projects and mentored engineers. Highlight your experience in setting technical direction and how you’ve helped teams grow.
✨Understand Their Business
Research the company’s focus on AI and software solutions. Familiarise yourself with their industry challenges and think about how your skills can help solve these problems. This will show that you’re genuinely interested in the role and the company.
✨Prepare for Client Interactions
As you'll be working directly with clients, practice articulating complex technical concepts in simple terms. Think of examples where you’ve successfully managed client expectations or built trust, as this will be crucial in your role.