Salary: £100,000 - 100,000 per year Requirements: A track record of technically leading complex software deliveries Excellent programming skills in C++ or Rust Experience of modern end-to-end software engineering workflows, including requirements management, design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance Experience integrating AI-assisted tools into development workflows without compromising on quality, security, or compliance Experience developing for Linux, ideally with exposure to industrial computing platforms, single-board computers, or real-time environments A leader who enjoys delivery and enhances the skills of engineers around them Comfortable operating in ambiguous environments and making decisions with incomplete information Excellent communicator, adept in code reviews, client meetings, or one-to-one sessions with junior engineers Strong academic foundations, typically a first-class degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics from a leading university Experience in defence or national security is a strong plus Responsibilities: Lead the delivery of complex software projects Work alongside other leads to set direction for the defence function Stay hands-on: set technical direction, design software and write code, leaning in where needed Mentor engineers across experience levels Plan and estimate delivery, manage technical debt, and make pragmatic trade-offs between speed, quality, and long-term maintainability Work directly with clients to shape requirements, manage expectations, and build trust Run code and design reviews, set the bar for quality, and hold the team to it Embed strong testing practices in the teams workflow, from unit tests through to integration and acceptance testing Technologies: AI Linux Rust Security C++ Network More: We are a highly successful and fast-growing technology consultancy, building data, AI, and software solutions for clients across a broad range of industries. Our team works on demanding problems in challenging environments. As a Principal Software Engineer focusing on C++ and Rust development, you will lead delivery on complex software projects while remaining hands-on with the code. We offer a collaborative environment with high-calibre colleagues, a flat structure, and an opportunity to shape how we work. Our Newcastle base provides international exposure. You will enjoy benefits such as 25 days holiday allowance plus bank holidays, matching pension contributions up to 6%, private health insurance through Bupa, and excellent training and career development opportunities. The basic salary ranges from £90,000 to £130,000 with a discretionary bonus. last updated 19 week of 2026