Principal Software Engineer

The best engineers are rarely motivated by job titles.

They're motivated by difficult problems, talented colleagues, meaningful impact and the opportunity to build things properly.

I'm working with an emerging technology consultancy built by leaders from the investment and consulting sectors. They've created a business around one simple idea: hire exceptional engineers and give them genuinely challenging problems to solve.

Their projects sit at the intersection of software engineering, AI, data and national security. You'll work on systems that matter, building solutions used in demanding operational environments where quality, performance and reliability are critical.

This is not a role where you'll spend years maintaining legacy applications.

What you'll be doing

• Designing and building software from database to browser
• Delivering full-stack solutions using modern engineering practices
• Developing proof-of-concepts and production systems
• Working across cloud, on-premise and secure environments
• Solving complex technical problems for defence and government customers
• Influencing technical decisions alongside highly capable engineers

We're particularly interested in engineers who

• Have strong software fundamentals and genuinely enjoy problem solving
• Have client-facing experience in a technology consultancy or agency
• Can demonstrate excellence in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or similar disciplines
• Have experience with C#, .NET, Java or Python
• Enjoy working across the full stack, including React and TypeScript
• Understand cloud platforms such as Azure or AWS
• Care about writing high-quality, maintainable software
• Thrive in environments where curiosity and technical rigour are valued

What makes this opportunity different?

• Teams with significant technical ownership
• Exposure to defence, AI and advanced software engineering challenges
• The opportunity to learn from highly accomplished engineers and technologists
• A collaborative, low-ego culture focused on solving problems rather than protecting territory
• The chance to accelerate your development alongside some of the strongest engineering talent in the UK

The environment

This role is primarily based in Newcastle, with travel to client sites across the UK as projects require.

The business believes the best engineering happens when talented people work closely together, solve problems collaboratively and learn from one another in person. As a result, the culture is highly interactive and predominantly office based, with client-facing project work forming a key part of the role.

It's ideally suited to engineers who enjoy working directly with customers, understanding real-world challenges and seeing first-hand how their software is used.

Why engineers are joining

This is an opportunity to work on technically demanding projects that have real-world consequences, alongside people who care deeply about engineering quality.

If you're the type of engineer who enjoyed the hardest parts of your degree, still builds things because you're curious, and wants to solve problems that genuinely matter, I'd be interested in speaking with you.

You must be eligible for UK Security Clearance