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.