Principal Software Engineer

Innovate Recruitment Ltd; Oxford; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment company in the UK seeks a Principal Software Engineer to lead software design and development in the Intelligence and Defence sector. The role requires expertise in C/C++ and embedded systems, with responsibilities including mentoring and applying best practices. Competitive salary and benefits package offered, with opportunities for training and progression.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Strong pension and flexible benefits

Hybrid working

Opportunities for progression and training

Qualifications

• Strong experience in C/C++ and embedded or Linux development.
• Skilled in object-oriented design and software lifecycle management.
• Familiar with real-time systems, testing frameworks, and modern development tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to software design, development, and verification.
• Define architectures, review code, and ensure quality delivery.
• Apply modern engineering practices like CI/CD and DevSecOps.
• Mentor junior engineers and drive best practice.

Skills

C/C++

Embedded systems

Linux development

Object-oriented design

Software lifecycle management

Education

Degree in Engineering or Computer Science

Job description

Role: Principal Software Engineer

Location: BerksHIRE (Onsite)

Industry: Intelligence, Defence

Salary: Competitive + Allowance + Bonus + Benefits

Join a cutting edge engineering team developing high-performance embedded and application software for complex systems in the Intelligence/Cyber world. As a Lead Software Engineer, you ll provide technical leadership across the full software lifecycle from requirements and architecture through to design, implementation, and test.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to software design, development, and verification for embedded and application systems.
• Define architectures, review code, and ensure delivery to quality, cost, and schedule.
• Apply modern engineering practices (CI/CD, DevSecOps, TDD/BDD).
• Mentor junior engineers and drive best practice across the team.
• Support bids, proposals, and technical reviews.

About You

• Degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• Strong experience in C/C++ and embedded or Linux development.
• Skilled in object-oriented design and software lifecycle management.
• Familiar with real-time systems, testing frameworks, and modern development tools.

What s on offer

• Competitive salary, bonus & allowance.
• Strong pension and flexible benefits.
• Hybrid working and excellent site facilities.
• Opportunities for progression, training, and innovation.

Please note that candidates must be eligible to obtain SC clearance and eventually DV.