Principal Software Developer - C++ and Rust

Tech4; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days’ holiday allowance plus bank holidays

Matching pension contributions up to 6%

Private health insurance through Bupa

Discretionary bonus

Job summary

Tech4, based in Newcastle upon Tyne, is seeking a Principal Software Developer with expertise in C++ and Rust. This hands-on role involves leading a team in delivering complex software projects while maintaining coding responsibilities. Candidates should possess a strong background in software engineering and experience mentoring others. The position offers a competitive salary of £90-130,000 plus bonuses and benefits such as private health insurance and a pension plan.

Qualifications

• Track record of leading complex software deliveries.
• Experience in modern software engineering workflows.
• Ability to mentor engineers and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of complex software projects.
• Set technical direction and write code.
• Work directly with clients to shape requirements.

Skills

C++ programming

Rust programming

Software delivery leadership

Excellent communication

Education

First-class degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics or Mathematics

Tools

Linux

AI-assisted tools

Job description

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.

Basic salary £90‑130,000 + bonus + excellent benefits