Director, Principal Engineer in London

Director, Principal Engineer in London

London Full-Time 63000 - 77000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
The Bank of New York Mellon

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design and delivery of a cutting-edge Corporate Actions Processing Engine.
  • Company: Join BNY, a top global financial services company driving innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible resources, generous leave, and wellbeing programs.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in finance with advanced technology and innovative solutions.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in software engineering leadership, expertise in Java, and financial services experience.

The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.

At BNY, our culture allows us to run our company better and enables employees’ growth and success. As a leading global financial services company at the heart of the global financial system, we influence nearly 20% of the world’s investible assets. Every day, our teams harness cutting-edge AI and breakthrough technologies to collaborate with clients, driving transformative solutions that redefine industries and uplift communities worldwide.

We’re seeking a future team member for the role of Director, Principal Engineer to join our team. This role is located in London.

Role Overview

BNY is seeking an exceptional Principal Engineer to drive the architecture, design, and hands-on delivery of a greenfield Corporate Actions Processing Engine – a mission-critical, enterprise platform for BNY. In this high-visibility individual contributor role, you will apply deep technical expertise with architectural leadership to transform our Corporate Actions processing capabilities and have a significant influence on the technology direction of our platform. This role carries no day-to-day people management responsibilities.

In this role, you’ll make an impact in the following ways:

  • Drive the design, development, and delivery of a greenfield Corporate Actions Processing Engine, a mission-critical enterprise platform for BNY.
  • Combine hands-on technical expertise with architectural leadership to transform Corporate Actions processing capabilities.
  • Influence the technology direction of the platform through innovative solutions and best practices.
  • Lead engineering teams through complex, multi-year transformation programs ensuring successful delivery.

To be successful in this role, we’re seeking the following:

Technical Skills

  • Significant software engineering experience with at least 5 years in leadership roles (e.g. Head of Engineering, Technical Lead).
  • Expert-level proficiency in Java and frameworks like Spring Boot for building microservices.
  • Strong expertise with relational databases (Oracle) and data modelling expertise (canonical data models, JSON).
  • Deep experience with enterprise messaging platforms (Kafka, IBM MQ).
  • Proven experience implementing AI/ML solutions (using Python or other frameworks) to solve business problems.
  • Full-stack development experience (RESTful APIs, front-end frameworks such as Angular).
  • Experience with Cloud and Containerization technologies.
  • CI/CD pipelines, DevOps practices, and automated testing frameworks.

Domain Expertise

  • Significant experience in financial services, specifically:
  • Post-trade processing and settlement.
  • Custody and asset servicing operations.
  • Corporate actions lifecycle (dividends, stock splits, mergers, tender offers, etc.).
  • Proven track record delivering mission-critical systems in banking environments.

Leadership & Delivery

  • Demonstrated success leading engineering teams through complex, multi-year transformation programs.
  • Strong Agile/Scrum methodology experience.
  • Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills at senior levels.
  • Ability to operate in a matrixed, global organization.

BNY offers highly competitive compensation, benefits, and wellbeing programs rooted in a strong culture of excellence and our pay-for-performance philosophy. We provide access to flexible global resources and tools for your life’s journey. Focus on your health, foster your personal resilience, and reach your financial goals as a valued member of our team, along with generous paid leaves, including paid volunteer time, that can support you and your family through moments that matter. BNY is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer - Underrepresented racial and ethnic groups/Females/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans.

Full time

Posting Date: 2026-04-15

Director, Principal Engineer in London employer: The Bank of New York Mellon

At BNY, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, making us an exceptional employer for those seeking to make a meaningful impact in the financial services sector. Located in Manchester, our team enjoys access to competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional growth, all while working with cutting-edge technology to drive transformative solutions. Join us and experience a workplace where your contributions are valued, and your career can flourish in a supportive environment.

The Bank of New York Mellon

Contact Details:

The Bank of New York Mellon Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Director, Principal Engineer in London

Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

Get Certified

Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.

Connect on Professional Platforms

Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.

Apply Directly and Be Proactive

Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like The Bank of New York Mellon. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Director, Principal Engineer in London

Software Engineering
Java
Spring Boot
Microservices
Relational Databases
Oracle
Data Modelling

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to The Bank of New York Mellon.

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on The Bank of New York Mellon's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Bank of New York Mellon

Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with The Bank of New York Mellon.

Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at The Bank of New York Mellon will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former The Bank of New York Mellon employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.