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- Tasks: Lead the design and evolution of enterprise-scale database infrastructure in a major banking environment.
- Company: Join a leading bank with a focus on innovation and engineering excellence.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping modern database platforms and driving impactful solutions.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in engineering, with deep expertise in database technologies and leadership experience.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a chance to influence large-scale enterprise solutions.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Location: Sheffield, UK (Hybrid)
Contract: 6 months (with possible extension)
We're seeking a highly experienced Principal Engineer to lead the strategy, design, and evolution of enterprise-scale database infrastructure within a major banking environment. This is a senior technical leadership role ideal for someone passionate about modern database platforms, large-scale architecture, and driving engineering excellence.
What You'll Be Doing
- Define and drive the long-term strategy for database infrastructure aligned with business and IT goals
- Act as the go-to expert for database technologies, advising senior stakeholders and engineering teams
- Co-lead the architecture and implementation of shared database platforms (DBaaS/PaaS)
- Partner with Product Owners, Architects, and stakeholders to shape technical requirements and solutions
- Identify and resolve engineering challenges while strengthening cross-functional capabilities
- Champion innovation by evaluating emerging technologies and modern engineering practices
- Serve as a key technical decision-maker, balancing performance, scalability, and risk
- Improve operational efficiency through automation and process optimisation
What We're Looking For
- Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field
- 10+ years of engineering experience, including 5+ years in senior/principal roles
- Deep expertise in database technologies (relational, NoSQL, distributed SQL) across IaaS/DBaaS environments
- Strong experience in infrastructure architecture, performance tuning, and capacity planning
- Hands-on knowledge of microservices, API development, automation, and application design
- Solid understanding of SRE principles, DevOps practices, and Infrastructure as Code
- Experience with modern testing practices and engineering tooling
- Proven success delivering large-scale enterprise solutions
- Strong leadership, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills
- Experience working in global, matrixed organisations
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to simplify complex technical concepts
Principal Engineer in Sheffield employer: Vallum
Contact Detail:
Vallum Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and engage in online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Principal Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare to discuss your experience with database technologies and large-scale architecture in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven engineering excellence in past roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online platforms to refine your answers. Focus on articulating your technical knowledge and leadership skills clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining us. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills align with our needs for the Principal Engineer position.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Engineer role. Highlight your experience with database technologies and large-scale architecture, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your expertise and achievements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for modern database platforms and how you can drive engineering excellence at StudySmarter. Be sure to connect your past experiences with what we’re looking for in this role.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Principal Engineer, leadership is crucial. In your application, emphasise your experience in leading teams and projects. We want to see how you've influenced others and driven successful outcomes in your previous roles.
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 don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vallum
✨Know Your Database Technologies
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of various database technologies, especially relational, NoSQL, and distributed SQL. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past projects and how they can be leveraged in a banking environment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've led teams or projects, particularly in cross-functional settings. Highlight your experience in driving engineering excellence and innovation.
✨Understand the Business Goals
Familiarise yourself with the business and IT goals of the company. Be prepared to discuss how your long-term strategy for database infrastructure aligns with these objectives. This shows that you’re not just technically savvy but also business-minded.
✨Prepare for Technical Challenges
Expect to face questions about engineering challenges you've encountered and how you resolved them. Think about specific instances where you improved operational efficiency or implemented automation. This will showcase your problem-solving skills and technical expertise.
