Principal Software Development Engineer (C++)

Pico Technology Limited; St. Neots, Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Principal Software Development Engineer to join their innovative team. This role offers the chance to lead key projects, mentor engineers, and create high-quality software solutions that meet customer needs. You'll be immersed in a collaborative environment, tackling technical challenges and improving your skills with dedicated time for professional development. With a focus on agile methodologies, this position allows you to influence architectural decisions and enhance both customer and developer experiences. If you're passionate about software development and eager to make a difference, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Flexible holidays

Access to holiday homes

Profit Related Pay (PRP) bonus

Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme

Summer and Christmas parties

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Design and refine features, proposing improvements to customer experience.
• Lead key projects and contribute to feature design and architectural direction.

Skills

C++ Software Development

Software Deployment for Multiple Platforms

Knowledge of Algorithms/Data Structures

Scripting Languages – PowerShell & Bash

Embedded Linux – Linux Device Drivers

Job description

Principal Software Development Engineer (C++)

St. Neots, Cambridge, UK

Software Engineering

Full Time - Permanent

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.

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:

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

Experience:

• Proven experience in C++ software development, ideally in a principal, senior or technical lead role.
• Strong understanding of software architecture and design patterns; experience with agile methodologies; expertise in debugging, technical debt resolution, and risk management.
• Excellent team player who can work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams and mentor junior developers.
• Ability to propose alternative solutions and make informed technical decisions to improve developer and customer experience.
• Dedication to maintaining high standards in development, testing, and code reviews.
• 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!

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.