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- Tasks: Lead complex software projects using C++ and Rust while mentoring a dynamic 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.
- Other info: Join a small, growing team with international exposure and excellent training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-stakes projects with talented 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 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
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 employer: Tech4
Contact Detail:
Tech4 Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Software Engineer
✨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 sneak peek into your coding style and problem-solving abilities, making you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your coding skills. Practice common algorithms and data structures in C++ and Rust. We recommend using platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get in the zone!
✨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 and engaged in their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Software Engineer
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!
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 makes you the perfect fit for our team. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Projects: If you've worked on any relevant projects, whether personal or professional, make sure to include them. We love seeing real examples of your work, especially if they involve complex software deliveries or innovative solutions.
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. This is your chance to showcase your technical expertise and how it aligns with the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully mentored engineers and managed project delivery. Highlight your experience in setting technical direction and how you've helped teams overcome challenges.
✨Understand the Client's Needs
Familiarise yourself with the types of clients the company works with and the industries they serve. Be ready to discuss how you would approach shaping requirements and managing client expectations, as this will demonstrate your ability to build trust and deliver value.
✨Emphasise Quality and Testing Practices
Talk about your experience with embedding strong testing practices in your workflow. Discuss specific methodologies you've used, such as unit tests or integration testing, and how these have contributed to maintaining high-quality code in your previous projects.