Application Deadline : Sunday 27th July at 23:55pm Please note: interviews will be held in person, further information can be found in the selection process section. This role sits in the Shared Applications Service department, with over 650 engineers. This is the engineering capability, developing in all areas including policing, Border Force, and migration. It includes the Automation and Innovation portfolio, which this role is focused on. The Home Office Automation and Innovation portfolio delivers the government's commitment to "set the standard for excellence in the AI age" - harnessing cutting-edge technology to revolutionise public service delivery. As outlined in the Government's Generative AI Framework, we're in "a period of rapid and exciting technological changes, which offers huge potential", and we're turning that potential into reality. What will you be doing? The Principal Engineer may be expected to take charge of engineering work across an ensemble of teams, or in a particular area of the business, such as the Automation Centre. You will be responsible for ensuring that engineering work can be done effectively in your area, relying on context provided by your Lead Engineers and peers. You will be expected to line manage or supervise multiple Lead Engineers. As a Principal Engineer, your work will have an external focus, feeding insights into project/program management to ensure appropriate resourcing decisions are made, including ensuring assurance teams/processes are up to standard. You will be the central point of contact for engineers in your area, ensuring the systems produced are sustainable and meet Digital, Data and Technology strategy. Tools and Technologies we use: We are keen for Engineers to continue learning new technologies, we have a large range in the Home Office including: Backend: Java, Node.js, C#, Python, PHP, Scala, Power Platform. Frontend: React, JavaScript, Typescript, Angular. Data: PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, Mongodb, Apache Cassandra. DevOps/Platforms: Azure, AWS, Kubernetes, Azure, Jenkins, Docker, Ansible, Terraform. AI: Azure ML Studio, Python, Github Copilot, OpenAI. Your skills for this role As a Principal Engineer you will have a demonstrable passion for building and managing teams of engineers and experience of: Ensuring projects adhere to agreed standards, methods, architecture and tools, with a focus on security and privacy (lead sift criteria). Producing complex technical designs in collaboration with architects, whilst ensuring that these are scalable, secure and fit for purpose, and reviewing others’ designs. Using appropriate tooling and a modern programming language (such as Python, C# or Javascript) to code, test and document complex programs/scripts. Monitoring team performance. Coaching colleagues and teams to develop skills and capabilities in line with their goals. Formally defining the need for and/or implementing training plans for engineers to meet the strategic goals of tthe organisation. Controlling, updating and distributing organisational standards including national and international, such as GDPR or OWASP. See advert for full details of the role! Why join us? Exceptional pension : Employer contribution of 28.97%. Generous leave : 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service), 8 public holidays, and 1 day for the King’s Birthday. Flexible working : Options include full-time, part-time, compressed hours, job sharing, and a hybrid model (minimum 60% on-site). Learning and development : Access to training, technical accreditations, and funded qualifications (subject to approval). Inclusion and recognition : A culture that champions diversity, enhanced parental leave schemes, annual bonuses, and recognition awards. Learn more about our benefits: Benefits - Home Office Careers Please note: This role requires SC clearance. To meet national security vetting requirements, you must typically have been resident in the UK for at least five years. Ready to lead and innovate? Click "Apply" to access the full job description and salary details.