Principal Software Development Engineer

ZipRecruiter; St. Neots; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company is seeking a Principal Software Development Engineer to lead exciting projects and mentor a talented team. This role offers the chance to create high-quality software solutions while addressing technical challenges and improving skills through dedicated development time. You will collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams, ensuring that solutions meet customer needs while maintaining high standards in development and quality. Join this vibrant team and enjoy a workplace that values your contributions and offers a variety of perks, including flexible holidays and a supportive environment for professional growth.

Benefits

Flexible holidays

Profit Related Pay (PRP) bonus

Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme

Free fruit

Bean-to-cup coffee

Holiday homes access

Summer and Christmas parties

Qualifications

• Proven experience in C++ software development, ideally in a principal or lead role.
• Strong understanding of software architecture, design patterns, and agile methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Design and refine features, proposing improvements for customer and developer experience.
• Implement features under guidance, ensuring adherence to coding standards and quality.

Skills

Modern C++

C++14

Software Deployment for Multiple Platforms

Knowledge of Algorithms/Data Structures

Scripting – PowerShell & Bash

Embedded Linux – Linux Device Drivers

Job description

Job Description

Key information

Full time – 40 hours a week

St Neots, Cambridgeshire – hybrid working optional (2-3 days a week in the office)

Your role

As a Principal Software Development Engineer, you will work within a multi-disciplinary team, embracing agile methodologies while mentoring Engineers. You’ll create high-quality software solutions that meet the needs of our internal and external customers, always delivered on time and to an exceptional standard. This role allows you to dive into resolving technical challenges, addressing technical debt, and continually improving your skills with dedicated “blue sky” time for professional development. You’ll have the opportunity to lead key projects, contribute to feature design, and help shape the architectural direction of our products. Join us and be part of something exciting!

Main Areas of Responsibility:

The Principal Software Development Engineer will work to design and refine required features, proposing alternative solutions to improve both customer and developer experience. They will acquire and maintain a solid understanding of the product domain to ensure solutions meet customer needs and provide reliable estimates with rationale, identifying potential risks.

The role also involves undertaking research tasks related to the feasibility of approaches or technologies, and potential feature designs. You will implement features under guidance, following coding standards and best practices. They will ensure that all work adheres to company, market, and regulatory quality standards and deliver to an agreed schedule, flagging any delays or impediments early. They will also provide prototypes for proposed features and conduct peer code reviews in a timely manner. Active participation in the software development life cycle, team meetings, and continual improvement activities will be required.

General Responsibilities:

• Work with the Software Lead, Development Managers, and peers to design and refine features, proposing improvements to both customer and developer experience.
• Understand the needs of different project delivery stakeholders, such as hardware developers who may require early prototype support, production test developers who need debug releases for hardware and device acceptance, and full releases for SDK and UI integration.

What we're looking for

The role involves working collaboratively within the Product Line team and the wider organisation, supporting external customers with bug investigations and resolutions, and embracing change.

Skills Required:

• Modern C++ (Essential)
• C++14 (Essential)
• C++17 (Desirable)
• Software Deployment for Multiple Platforms (Essential)
• Knowledge of Algorithms/Data Structures (Desirable)
• Scripting – PowerShell & Bash (Desirable)
• Embedded Linux – Linux Device Drivers (Desirable)

What we're looking for:

• Experience: Proven experience in C++ software development, ideally in a principal, senior or technical lead role.
• Technical Skills: Strong understanding of software architecture and design patterns; experience with agile methodologies; expertise in debugging, technical debt resolution, and risk management.
• Collaboration: Excellent team player who can work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams and mentor junior developers.
• Problem Solver: Ability to propose alternative solutions and make informed technical decisions to improve developer and customer experience.
• Commitment to Quality: Dedication to maintaining high standards in development, testing, and code reviews.
• Professional Development: A commitment to ongoing learning and improvement, utilising designated time to stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends.

What's in it for you?

At Pico, we believe in providing you with a workplace where you can be yourself and work alongside amazing people to enjoy a varied and rewarding career. Enjoy flexible holidays, a chance to relax at one of our three holiday homes, and be part of our annual Profit Related Pay (PRP) bonus! Embrace sustainability with our Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme, and come along to our vibrant Summer and Christmas parties to name just a few! Want to see the full benefits list?

You will find free fruit and five varieties of bean-to-cup coffee in our offices. And if you are up for exploring, St Neots has a variety of shops and eateries to satisfy your cravings.

At Pico, every voice is heard, and you will be valued as an essential part of our team. Join us on this exciting journey where appreciation and opportunity await you.

Are you ready to apply?

If you are as excited as we are, hit the apply button below and let us get your next chapter started.

For any queries, reach out to Georgia Coles at [e-mail]

We cannot wait to welcome you on board!