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- Tasks: Lead the development of Back End Python systems for sustainable energy.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company focused on critical energy systems and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, enhanced pension, private medical, and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK's transition to low-carbon energy while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Strong Python API design experience and cloud knowledge required; SC clearance needed.
- Other info: Full-time onsite in Derby; ideal for UK nationals only.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
If you're looking for a Principal-level engineering role where you can drive real technical change while working on critical energy systems, keep reading!
In this role you'll still be building, but you'll also be making architecture decisions, coaching engineers, and guiding delivery standards across a growing digital capability. The focus is on Back End Python systems that underpin the UK's transition to sustainable, low-carbon energy. From secure APIs and cloud deployments to DevOps pipelines and data management, you'll be responsible for ensuring high standards, modern engineering practices, and long-term scalability.
What you'll be doing:
- Driving technical direction across Back End Python services (Django/Flask)
- Shaping cloud infrastructure on AWS, Azure or GCP using Terraform and Kubernetes
- Mentoring a cross-functional team of developers and engineers
- Working closely with product, DevOps, and senior stakeholders to align delivery
- Ensuring systems are secure, resilient, scalable and built with long-term maintainability in mind
Who they're looking for:
- Strong experience designing and building Python APIs in enterprise environments
- Comfortable with system architecture, DevOps tooling and infrastructure-as-code
- Cloud experience with AWS, Azure or GCP (preferably more than one)
- Someone who's led teams or coached engineers, but still gets stuck into code
- Well-versed in Agile and CI/CD delivery - Git, automated testing, deployment pipelines
- Must be a sole UK national - SC clearance required
Desirable extras:
- Experience with high-assurance or safety-critical software
- Exposure to GDS digital service standards
- Familiarity with big data, ETL, or ML/AI pipelines
- Background in energy, defence, Embedded or industrial software a bonus
Why this role?
- You'll have real influence on how key infrastructure software is built and delivered
- The engineering culture is moving towards high trust, DevOps-first, cloud-native
- You'll be working with experienced developers, architects, and delivery leads
- Long-term investment in your growth with clear routes into Head of Engineering or Enterprise Architecture roles
Benefits:
- £70,000 to £80,000 basic salary
- Full-time onsite in Derby (due to project security and collaboration)
- Enhanced pension and private medical
- Annual holiday bonuses and a vibrant Employee Committee
- Huge investment in training, leadership coaching, and internal promotion
- Work that directly supports the UK's clean energy and net-zero goals
For more information please apply now or contact job poster directly.
Contact Detail:
Xpertise Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Python Software Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific technologies mentioned in the job description, such as Django, Flask, and cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience with these tools during interviews will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience you have in mentoring or leading teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully guided engineers or influenced technical decisions, as this is a key aspect of the Principal Python Software Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on best practices in DevOps and CI/CD processes. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these practices in past projects, as the role requires a strong understanding of modern engineering methodologies.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the energy sector or those who have experience with safety-critical software. Engaging with industry-specific communities can provide insights and connections that may help you stand out as a candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Python Software Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with Python, particularly in building APIs and working with frameworks like Django or Flask. Emphasise any leadership roles you've held and your familiarity with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for sustainable energy and how your technical skills can contribute to the company's goals. Mention specific projects where you've driven technical change or mentored teams, showcasing your ability to lead while still being hands-on.
Showcase Relevant Projects: Include examples of past projects that demonstrate your expertise in back-end development, DevOps practices, and system architecture. Highlight any experience with Terraform, Kubernetes, or CI/CD pipelines, as these are crucial for the role.
Prepare for Technical Questions: Anticipate technical questions related to Python development, cloud infrastructure, and Agile methodologies. Be ready to discuss your approach to problem-solving and how you ensure code quality and system security in your projects.
How to prepare for a job interview at Xpertise
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with Python, particularly in building APIs and working with frameworks like Django or Flask. Highlight specific projects where you made architectural decisions or implemented modern engineering practices.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since the role involves mentoring and guiding a team, share examples of how you've led teams or coached engineers in the past. Discuss your approach to fostering collaboration and aligning delivery with stakeholders.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Cloud Technologies
Brush up on your knowledge of cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP, especially in relation to Terraform and Kubernetes. Be ready to explain how you've used these technologies to shape cloud infrastructure in previous roles.
✨Understand Agile and CI/CD Practices
The company values Agile methodologies and CI/CD delivery. Prepare to discuss your experience with Git, automated testing, and deployment pipelines, and how these practices have contributed to successful project outcomes.
