Principal Software Engineer

Our client, a leading UK insurance and technology organisation, is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to provide technical leadership across complex enterprise platforms and customer-facing solutions. This permanent role offers a hybrid working pattern, with two days per week based in an office in London, Bournemouth or Stockport, alongside flexible working arrangements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead software delivery across the full development lifecycle, ensuring applications are designed, built, tested, released and supported to high standards
• Provide strategic technical leadership across engineering teams and contribute to architecture decisions and technical direction
• Design and deliver integrated solutions across a diverse technology landscape, aligned with security, operational and business requirements
• Own complex technical challenges, leading root cause analysis and improving the resilience, scalability and stability of business-critical platforms
• Drive continuous improvement through code reviews, technical governance, engineering standards and modern development practices
• Collaborate with architects, product teams, delivery managers, senior stakeholders and third-party partners
• Translate complex business requirements into practical, scalable technical solutions
• Coach and mentor engineers, supporting technical development, innovation and a culture of engineering excellence

Job Requirements:

• Significant experience in software engineering and enterprise-scale Java or JEE application development
• Recognised expertise in Java engineering, object-oriented design and SOLID principles
• Strong understanding of software architecture, systems integration and enterprise technology leadership
• Experience working with AWS cloud technologies, including S3 and Redis
• Solid knowledge of PostgreSQL and SQL, including database design and optimisation
• Experience integrating complex systems and services, with an understanding of LDAP, certificates and related authentication technologies
• Hands-on experience with messaging and event-driven architectures using Kafka, AMQP or equivalent platforms
• Knowledge of DevOps and containerisation tools, including Jenkins, Kubernetes and Docker

Benefits:

• Performance-related bonus scheme
• Employer-supported pension scheme
• Health insurance with access to rewards and wellbeing benefits
• Life assurance
• Flexible hybrid working and support for a healthy work-life balance
• Professional development, career progression and mentoring opportunities
• Inclusive, supportive and purpose-driven working environment
• Opportunities to contribute to positive social and health-focused initiatives

Our client is committed to creating an inclusive culture where people can be themselves, develop their strengths and contribute to meaningful technology solutions. If you are an experienced Principal Software Engineer with strong Java, architecture and systems integration expertise, apply now to take the next step in your career.