Principal Cross-Team Software Engineering Lead

Guardian Jobs; London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in London seeks a Principal Cross-Team Software Engineering Lead to provide expert technical leadership across software engineering teams. The role emphasizes technical excellence, mentoring, and guidance in AI and SaaS initiatives, ensuring adherence to best practices and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in technology delivery.
• Strong understanding or passion to learn AI, ML, and Generative AI.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical guidance to multiple software engineering teams.
• Mentor and guide software engineers across teams.
• Contribute to architectural discussions and decisions.

Skills

AI

ML

Generative AI

Communication

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science

Tools

AWS

Job description

Job Title: Principal Cross-Team Software Engineering Lead

Company: BBFC / BBFC Technology (A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the British Board of Film Classification)

Department: Technology & Product

Reports to: Director of Innovation and Emerging Technology

Working Pattern: Hybrid - Central London, 2 days per week or Remote, subject to negotiation and requirement for two monthly “day visit” trips to London office when required.

BBFC Technology is a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC). Its purpose is to generate revenue and make commercially available technologies developed by the BBFC in conjunction with its partners. BBFC Technology plays a crucial role in commercialising the BBFC’s innovative technology solutions and driving revenue to support the wider organisation’s mission of helping families make informed viewing choices and protecting children.

The BBFC is an independent and not-for-profit organisation committed to helping everyone in the UK – especially children and families – choose age-appropriate films, videos, and websites, wherever and however they watch or use them.

We are dedicated to leveraging AI to evolve and enhance over 110 years of experience in media compliance and regulation. Our mission is to harness this extensive knowledge to create scalable solutions that support our goal of enabling audiences to make safe and informed viewing choices.

Job Summary:

The Principal Cross Team Software Engineering Lead will provide expert technical leadership and guidance across BBFC Technology's software engineering teams. This role emphasizes ensuring technical excellence, consistency, and adherence to best practices in developing and delivering technology-based products and services, especially in AI and SaaS initiatives. The individual will act as a technical authority, mentor, and guide across multiple teams.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Provide expert technical guidance and support to multiple software engineering teams, both internally and with partner organisations in Eastern Europe.
2. Act as a technical authority in AI, SaaS, and related technologies, ensuring technical quality and best practices.
3. Mentor and guide software engineers across teams, promoting skill development and knowledge sharing.
4. Contribute to architectural discussions and decisions, ensuring alignment with technical standards and long-term goals.
5. Provide technical oversight during the implementation and deployment of technology projects and initiatives.
6. Ensure technical quality standards are met throughout the development and deployment processes.
7. Support and guide technology teams in their technical execution of projects, addressing complex technical challenges.
8. Provide hands-on technical expertise as needed, including code reviews, debugging, and troubleshooting.
9. Contribute to the development and refinement of technical standards, guidelines, and documentation.
10. Stay informed about industry trends and emerging technologies, sharing knowledge and insights across teams.
11. Provide technical input for budget management and financial planning related to technology development and infrastructure.
12. Advise on technical feasibility and potential challenges related to project proposals and resource allocation.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in technology delivery, including software development and cloud-based deployments.
• Strong understanding or passion to learn AI, ML, Generative AI, and LLMs.
• Experience with SaaS development, implementation, and operations.
• In-depth knowledge of data engineering principles and practices.
• Strong knowledge of AWS cloud infrastructure.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in media asset management, delivery, and metadata (desirable).
• Experience in Data Engineering and Data Management.

Desired Attributes:

• A proactive and self-motivated individual.
• A strategic technical thinker with a hands-on approach.
• Ability to build strong working relationships with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple technical priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Passion for technology and innovation.
• A lifelong learner eager to stay abreast of technological advancements and share knowledge with the team.