Principal Software Developer (Java)
Principal Software Developer (Java)

Principal Software Developer (Java)

North East Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead technical projects, mentor teams, and drive client relationships in a dynamic environment.
  • Company: Join Thoughtworks, a leading tech consultancy known for innovation and impactful solutions.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible work options, continuous learning opportunities, and a supportive team culture.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by solving complex problems and empowering others in a collaborative setting.
  • Qualifications: Experience in Java, .NET, and full-stack development with strong leadership skills required.
  • Other info: Frequent travel is part of the role; embrace growth in a unique career path.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Principal Developers at Thoughtworks can wear many hats. Depending on the client situation, you could be playing the role of a technical advisor to senior client executives, guide and direct solution architecture for large technical programs of work or drive technical implementation hand-on with our delivery teams.

Principal Developers also provide strategic and tactical leadership on accounts, establishing and maintaining trusted advisor status through high-impact client interactions. By empowering Thoughtworker engagement through cultivating high-performing teams, you will continuously deliver undeniable value to our clients, contributing to the growth and scale of our evolving business. Ultimately, the health of an account is a reflection of the capability and efficiency that you cultivate.

Job responsibilities

  • You will champion and adopt best practices like writing clean and reusable code using TDD, pair programming and design patterns.
  • You will exemplify Thoughtworks’ technical excellence, thought leadership and capabilities to our clients and inside Thoughtworks.
  • You will act as a trusted technical advisor to your client by building key relationships and understanding the market and trends that could impact them.
  • You can sense opportunities for improvement and are comfortable proposing and leading systemic change in organizations.
  • You will assess client needs and develop the account strategy and proactive proposals needed to deliver value to our client.
  • You can speak to the value of our delivery and how it maps to client vision, goals, and initiatives.
  • You will continuously deliver undeniable value by ensuring the high performance of Thoughtworks teams on the account and proactively manage risk with the client.
  • You will cultivate Thoughtworker growth and development by encouraging feedback and fostering an inclusive, supportive team culture.
  • You will ensure security, privacy and legal compliance across the account.
  • Frequent travel and on-site work is required for this position.

Job qualifications

Technical Skills

  • You have experience with Java, .NET, Full-Stack Development.
  • You have a track record of managing the scope and shape of programs of work.
  • You have experience with account management, third party contractual agreements, client management & pre-sales, client reporting and up-selling.
  • You are comfortable chairing meetings, conducting reports, providing technical sales support and keeping budgets in check.
  • You are comfortable helping delivery teams whenever is needed.
  • You are knowledge of delivery approaches such as TDD, continuous integration, pairing and infrastructure automation.

Professional Skills

  • You have a natural ability to establish and nurture relationships with senior leaders across the organization.
  • You have excellent context-switching capabilities.
  • You thrive in situations where you are given little to no direction and have the ability to lead, organize and deliver commitments on time and within budget.
  • You’re resilient in ambiguous situations and can adapt your role to approach challenges from multiple perspectives. You don’t shy away from risks, instead you take them on and skillfully manage them.
  • You’re empathetic and use this ability to build solid working relationships and resolve issues quickly and thoughtfully.

Other things to know

Learning & Development

There is no one-size-fits-all career path at Thoughtworks: however you want to develop your career is entirely up to you. But we also balance autonomy with the strength of our cultivation culture. This means your career is supported by interactive tools, numerous development programs and teammates who want to help you grow. We see value in helping each other be our best and that extends to empowering our employees in their career journeys.

Country: UK
City: Newcastle
Date Posted: 07-18-2025
Industry: Information Technology
Employment Type: Regular

About Thoughtworks

Thoughtworks is a dynamic and inclusive community of bright and supportive colleagues who are revolutionizing tech. As a leading technology consultancy, we’re pushing boundaries through our purposeful and impactful work. For 30+ years, we’ve delivered extraordinary impact together with our clients by helping them solve complex business problems with technology as the differentiator. Bring your brilliant expertise and commitment for continuous learning to Thoughtworks. Together, let’s be extraordinary.

Thanks for your interest in joining Thoughtworks. A member of our Recruiting team will review your application as soon as possible.

In the meantime, check out our Consultant Life page to learn more about the extraordinary impact Thoughtworkers make on clients, the tech industry and each other.

Please note that we value privacy: all information submitted to us via your online application will be kept confidential to Thoughtworks.

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Principal Software Developer (Java) employer: Thoughtworks Inc.

Thoughtworks is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, empowering Principal Software Developers to lead impactful projects while nurturing their professional growth. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, continuous learning, and autonomy, employees are supported through various development programmes and a community of like-minded colleagues. Located in Newcastle, this role offers the unique advantage of working in a vibrant city known for its rich history and innovative spirit, making it an ideal place for tech enthusiasts to thrive.
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Contact Detail:

Thoughtworks Inc. Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Software Developer (Java)

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Thoughtworks' core values and culture. Understanding their emphasis on collaboration, inclusivity, and continuous learning will help you align your approach during interviews and discussions.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare to discuss your experience in leading technical teams and managing client relationships. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated complex projects and fostered high-performing teams.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your knowledge of best practices in software development, particularly around TDD and agile methodologies. Being able to articulate how you've implemented these practices in past roles will demonstrate your fit for the Principal Developer position.

✨Tip Number 4

Network with current or former Thoughtworks employees if possible. Gaining insights from their experiences can provide you with valuable information about the company and help you tailor your approach when applying.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Software Developer (Java)

Java Programming
.NET Development
Full-Stack Development
Technical Advisory Skills
Solution Architecture
Account Management
Client Relationship Management
Pre-Sales Support
Budget Management
Test-Driven Development (TDD)
Continuous Integration
Pair Programming
Infrastructure Automation
Risk Management
Leadership Skills
Empathy and Conflict Resolution
Adaptability in Ambiguous Situations
Context-Switching Capabilities
Team Cultivation and Development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with Java, .NET, and full-stack development. Emphasise your account management skills and any relevant projects that showcase your ability to lead technical implementations.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, demonstrate your understanding of Thoughtworks' values and how you can contribute to their mission. Mention specific examples of how you've acted as a trusted advisor and led teams to success in previous roles.

Showcase Technical Skills: Be explicit about your technical expertise, especially in TDD, continuous integration, and design patterns. Provide examples of how you've applied these practices in past projects to deliver value to clients.

Highlight Leadership Experience: Discuss your experience in managing teams and fostering a supportive culture. Share instances where you've successfully navigated ambiguous situations and led teams through challenges, showcasing your resilience and adaptability.

How to prepare for a job interview at Thoughtworks Inc.

✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise

As a Principal Software Developer, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of Java and full-stack development. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've implemented best practices like TDD and design patterns, as well as how you've contributed to the technical excellence of your previous teams.

✨Emphasise Relationship Building

Highlight your ability to establish and nurture relationships with senior leaders. Share examples of how you've acted as a trusted advisor in past roles, focusing on your communication skills and how you've understood client needs to deliver value.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

Prepare to discuss your experience in leading teams and managing projects. Talk about how you've empowered team members, fostered an inclusive culture, and navigated challenges to ensure high performance and successful outcomes.

✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in ambiguous situations. Think of examples where you've taken risks, proposed systemic changes, or adapted your approach to meet client goals, showcasing your resilience and adaptability.

Principal Software Developer (Java)
Thoughtworks Inc.

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