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For Companies 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: Dynamic environment with international exposure and excellent growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on challenging problems with high-calibre colleagues in a flat structure.
- Qualifications: Strong programming skills in C++ or Rust and experience in end-to-end software engineering.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 130000 £ per year.
A Principal Software Engineer – 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
They are looking for a Principal Software Engineer to lead delivery on demanding software projects. This 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 Newcastle upon Tyne.
Principal Software Engineer in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Tech4
Contact Detail:
Tech4 Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Software Engineer in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨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 tech events 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 interviews by practising common technical questions and coding challenges. Use 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! We’re always on the lookout for talented engineers like you. Tailor your application to highlight your leadership experience and hands-on coding skills to stand out.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Software Engineer in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Principal Software Engineer role. Highlight your C++ and Rust expertise, and don’t forget to mention any leadership experience you have in delivering complex software projects.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about software engineering and how your background aligns with our needs. Be sure to mention your hands-on coding experience and your approach to mentoring engineers.
Showcase Your Projects: If you've worked on relevant projects, make sure to include them in your application. Whether it's a personal project or something from your previous job, we want to see how you've tackled demanding problems and delivered results.
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 the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tech4
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your C++ and Rust skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss your past projects in detail, especially those that involved complex software deliveries. They’ll want to see how you’ve tackled challenges and led teams, so have specific examples at the ready.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Since this role involves leading a team, be prepared to talk about your leadership approach. Think about how you've mentored engineers in the past and how you plan to foster growth within your team. Highlight any experiences where you’ve successfully managed technical debt or made tough decisions under pressure.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
You’ll need to demonstrate excellent communication skills, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Whether it’s discussing code reviews or client meetings, show that you can convey complex ideas simply. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can bridge the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
Expect to face some scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about how you would handle ambiguous situations or make trade-offs between speed and quality. Being able to think on your feet and provide practical solutions will set you apart from other candidates.