A fast-growing, product-focused tech business is looking for a Principal / Lead Software Engineer to guide a skilled engineering team based in Derby. This is a primarily on-site role, with some hybrid flexibility, ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on leadership in a collaborative, in-person environment. You’ll guide the development of features and systems across web apps, APIs, and internal tools, working closely with product, design, and engineering teams to bring high-impact ideas to life. You'll combine technical direction with day-to-day coding, team mentorship, and delivery oversight, playing a key role in shaping both the product and the team’s growth. Salary: £80,000 to £95,000 benefits Location: Derby, Hybrid Key Responsibilities Lead the design and build of new product features, services, and technical systems Own features end-to-end—from technical design to testing, deployment, and monitoring Write production-grade code alongside the team (this is a hands-on role) Align technical delivery with business goals through close collaboration with stakeholders Mentor and support developers, fostering a culture of learning and improvement Maintain high standards for code quality, scalability, and team communication What You’ll Bring 7 years’ experience in software engineering, including recent time in a senior or lead role Strong experience with Node.js (NestJS) and TypeScript A good knowledge of a Front End framework like Vue, React or Angular. Solid understanding of cloud infrastructure (preferably AWS) and CI/CD practices A thoughtful approach to system design, security, and performance at scale Great communication and stakeholder engagement skills Bonus points for experience with AI/ML tools or data-led platforms Tech Stack Overview Backend: NestJS / Node.js / TypeScript Frontend: Vue 3 / TypeScript Cloud: AWS Databases: PostgreSQL / MongoDB Tools: Rush (monorepo), GitHub, Notion, Linear Comms: Slack, Zoom, Around If you're a seasoned engineer who thrives in a leadership role and enjoys building great products with great people, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now or get in touch to find out more.