Principal Software Developer – C++ and Rust
We are a highly successful and fast growing technology consultancy that builds data, AI and software solutions for clients across a broad range of industries, working on demanding problems in challenging environments.
The role
We are looking for a Principal Software Developer to lead delivery on demanding software projects. This role is focused on C++ and Rust development. It’s a hands‑on role for an experienced developer who wants to stay close to the code. You’ll lead a team of 6 to 12 engineers, own delivery end to end, and spend a meaningful share of your time writing code, reviewing designs, and unblocking the team. It’s a delivery role, not a strategy role. You’ll shape how we build things and how the team grows around you.
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 team’s workflow, from unit tests through to integration and acceptance testing
What makes a great candidate
* 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 makes the engineers around them better
* Comfortable operating in ambiguous environments and making decisions with incomplete information
* Excellent communicator, equally at home in a code review, a client meeting, or a one‑to‑one with a junior engineer
* 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
Why join them
* Work alongside high‑calibre colleagues from organisations known for engineering excellence
* High‑impact work on complex problems with direct consequences for clients
* A flat structure and a small, growing team, where you’ll help shape how we work
* Newcastle base with international exposure across our global office network
* 25 days’ holiday allowance plus bank holidays
* Matching pension contributions up to 6%
* Private health insurance through Bupa
* Discretionary bonus
Excellent training and career development opportunities exist for the right candidate.
Basic salary £90‑130,000 + bonus + excellent benefits
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