Principal Engineer - Core Java, GCP

Robert Walters UK; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job description

This is a hands-on Principal Software Engineer role within a team working on secure, scalable, and high-performance systems that support critical financial operations. We are looking for a highly skilled individual with computer science expertise, problem-solving skills, and a passion for innovation. This role offers progression to Director while remaining an individual contributor, making it ideal for someone who wants to grow as a technical leader without moving into line management.

Key Responsibilities

Drive the engineering strategy, architecture, and technical direction of banking platforms and financial applications, ensuring compliance with regulatory and security standards.

Deep expertise in Google Cloud Platform (GCP) with strong knowledge of cloud-native solutions, networking, storage, and infrastructure provisioning, particularly for financial services applications.

While this is not a people-management role, mentoring engineers and fostering a high-performing engineering culture is a key part of the job.

Strong understanding of data engineering, backend systems, and distributed architectures, particularly within banking, payments, and financial transactions. Experience with Kafka, CI/CD, and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) is highly valued.

Background in integrating complex banking systems, ensuring seamless data flow and compliance with industry standards.

Key Skills:

Strong Computer Science Foundations: Deep knowledge of algorithms, data structures, system architecture, and their application in banking technology.

Experience working across financial systems, transaction processing, and secure banking APIs, with expertise in backend, data, and cloud infrastructure.

Ability to design creative solutions to engineering challenges in banking and financial services.

Strong experience with GCP (preferred), AWS, or Azure, along with modern DevOps and automation tools.

Experience coaching and mentoring engineers without necessarily managing them.

1. Master’s or PhD in Computer Science or a related field

About the job

Contract Type: FULL_TIME

Specialism: Information Technology

Focus: Software Engineering

Workplace Type: Hybrid

Experience Level: Mid Management

Location: City of London

Salary: £100,000 - £130,000 per annum + bonus + benefits

Job Reference: NFAAAF-53D1856F

Date posted: 24 March 2025

Consultant: Albertine Hedley

Come join our global team of creative thinkers, problem solvers, and game changers. We offer accelerated career progression, a dynamic culture, and expert training.