Principal Software Engineer

Lead Software Engineer / Technical Lead

Location: Maidenhead (Fully Onsite)

Salary: Competitive + Bonus + Benefits

The Opportunity

Matchtech is supporting a UK defence technology organisation delivering secure communications and cyber solutions used in mission-critical environments.

Their teams develop high-assurance cryptographic and key management technologies that enable the secure exchange of sensitive information across tactical and strategic operations.

If you enjoy solving complex engineering challenges where security, reliability and real-world impact matter, this is an opportunity to take a leading role in the design and delivery of advanced software systems.

Why Join?

• Work on secure, mission-critical technologies
• Lead technical delivery across multiple software programmes
• Influence architecture, engineering standards and development practices
• Mentor and develop talented software engineers
• Work in an environment that values technical excellence and innovation
• Competitive salary, bonus and comprehensive benefits package

The Role

You'll provide technical leadership to software engineering teams delivering a mix of R&D and production programmes.

Working across the full software lifecycle, you'll help shape architecture, guide engineering decisions, and ensure solutions are delivered to the highest standards of quality, security and reliability.

You may also have line management responsibility for a small team of engineers.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead the architecture, design, development and testing of embedded and application software
• Derive software requirements from higher-level system architectures
• Drive best-practice software engineering, including secure development and automated testing
• Promote reusable, maintainable and scalable software solutions
• Support project planning, estimating and technical risk assessment
• Mentor engineers and provide technical oversight on key deliverables
• Contribute to the development of engineering tools, standards and processes
• Work closely with Systems, Hardware and Firmware teams to deliver integrated solutions
• Ensure compliance with programme and information security requirements

What You'll Bring

Essential

• Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)
• Strong C and C++ development experience
• Experience in one or more of the following:
• Embedded software development (Bare Metal and/or RTOS)
• Embedded Linux application, kernel or driver development
• Strong understanding of software architecture and design principles
• Experience applying object-oriented design and SOLID principles
• Knowledge of modern software development practices, including testing and verification
• Experience providing technical leadership, mentoring or team guidance

Desirable

• Rust
• JavaScript, Node.js or React
• TCP/IP and communications protocols
• CI/CD and automated test frameworks
• Secure coding standards (e.g. MISRA)
• UML, SysML or model-based development tools
• Requirements management tools such as DOORS

Security Requirements

Due to the nature of the work:

• Applicants must be eligible for UK Security Clearance
• You must be willing and eligible to obtain and maintain Developed Vetting (DV)
• British citizenship and UK residency requirements will apply

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Annual bonus
• Pension scheme
• Private medical insurance
• Generous holiday allowance
• Security allowance (where applicable)
• Long-term career development opportunities

Working Pattern

This is a fully onsite position in Maidenhead due to the secure nature of the work.

What's My Next Step?

If you're an experienced software engineer looking to step into a senior technical leadership role within a high-assurance engineering environment, apply now.