Principal Software Developer - C++ and Rust

Newcastle upon Tyne Source: WhatJobs

£90,000–£130,000

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.