Technical Lead

Principal / Technical Lead – Software Architecture

Lead the team. Shape the architecture. Deliver software that connects with the real world.

Some software lives entirely in the cloud. Other software has to work on a train or bus, process passenger payments, communicate with onboard devices and keep transport operations running reliably.

That's the kind of engineering challenge we're talking about here.

We are searching for a Principal / Technical Lead to lead software delivery across projects in the public transport sector.

This is a role for someone with a strong software engineering background who has progressed into technical leadership. You'll work closely with customers, lead a team of engineers and take ownership of architectural decisions and delivery.

You don't need to be coding every day to make an impact (unless you want to). Your value comes from knowing the technology, making good decisions, helping others solve problems and ensuring the team delivers the right solution.

What you'll be working on

You'll lead teams building software that supports the day-to-day operation of public transport networks, from ticketing and fare collection to onboard computers, fleet management and operational control systems.

These aren't just standalone applications. Solutions can span cloud platforms, web applications, mobile devices, hardware and third-party integrations. Reliability, security and maintainability are essential because the software supports real-world operations and needs to work for years to come.

The business has a strong track record in bespoke software development and is expanding its portfolio of standardised products and services. With new customer projects on the horizon, you'll have the opportunity to influence how solutions are designed, how teams operate and how successful delivery is achieved.

What you'll be responsible for

• Technical leadership and architecture
• Team leadership
• Customer relationships
• Delivery ownership
• Continuous improvement

The central challenge is balancing the customer, the team and the technology. You need to keep all three moving in the right direction without becoming the person who has to do everything themselves.

The technical environment

You'll work across systems that combine software, cloud services, mobile devices and physical hardware.

Depending on the project, the technology includes:

• Kotlin and JVM-based server-side development.
• AWS and cloud-based services.
• Android applications and managed devices.
• MQTT and external system integrations.
• Relational databases and the ELK stack.
• React or Vue for web applications.
• Legacy systems and integrations with physical devices.

You don't need to be an expert in every technology listed. A strong software engineering foundation, sound architectural judgement and the ability to guide technical teams are more important than ticking every box.

Who I'm looking for

You might currently be a Technical Lead, Principal Engineer, Software Architect or experienced Lead Developer. You've built your technical foundations and have moved towards leading people, shaping architecture and taking responsibility for delivery.

This is not a software development management role - You enjoy the technical side of software and will still contribute technically when needed

You'll ideally bring:

• A strong background in software development and system architecture.
• Experience leading or guiding software engineering teams.
• The ability to make architectural decisions and communicate technical trade-offs.
• Confidence working directly with customers and managing competing priorities.
• A practical, service-minded approach to delivery and problem-solving.
• The ability to delegate, coach and create an environment where teams can work autonomously.
• Experience in public transport, logistics, fintech, payments, IoT or other environments where software interacts with physical assets would be useful, but it's not essential.
• Fluent English plus Dutch or German would be useful but not essential

You don't have to be the person writing the most code in the room. You do need to be the person who can help the team make the right technical decisions and deliver successfully.

Why consider it?

You'll have real ownership of your team's technical direction and delivery, working directly with customers while shaping architecture and engineering decisions. Enjoy varied challenges across cloud platforms, connected devices and operational systems, with the autonomy to decide how your team works. You'll join a supportive business that values technical expertise, invests in professional development and offers flexible hybrid working.

• Salary range is upto €103k including holiday
• Laptop, phone, pension
• 26 days of annual leave.
• Free lunch in the office