Principal Software Engineer (AI & Innovation Squad)

Tes; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A global Edtech leader is seeking a Principal Software Engineer for their AI & Innovation Squad in Sheffield. The successful candidate will lead the design and implementation of innovative AI tools and scalable software systems. Responsibilities include building MVPs, mentoring teams, and ensuring high-quality code. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of software engineering experience, strong AI knowledge, and excellent problem-solving skills. This role offers a hybrid working environment and various benefits, including 25-30 days annual leave.

Benefits

25 days annual leave rising to 30

State of the art offices

Free eye care cover

Life Assurance

Cycle to Work Scheme

Employee assistance programme

Quarterly company socials

Access to extensive Learning and Development

Qualifications

• 10+ years of professional software engineering experience.
• Strong knowledge of building and training AI models.
• Experience mentoring technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Build rapid Innovative MVPs.
• Lead design and implementation of high-performance software systems.
• Mentor engineers and foster innovation.

Skills

Software engineering

AI and machine learning

Microservices

Cloud architecture and services

Java

Springboot

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

AWS

CI/CD

DevOps practices

Job description

Principal Software Engineer (AI & Innovation Squad)

Norfolk St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 2JE, UK

Job Description

Posted Tuesday 3 February 2026 at 06:00

Job Title: Principal Software Engineer (AI & Innovation Squad)

Department: Technology

Location: Sheffield or Talbot Green

Working Pattern: Hybrid, includes 3 days each week in the office

Contract Type: Full time, permanent

Salary: Up to £120,000 per annum

At Tes we are on a mission to power schools and enable great teaching worldwide, by delivering EdTech solutions that give educators the tools to succeed. From safeguarding and compliance to staff and pupil management, our innovative and flexible software and services help teachers and school leaders worldwide to provide the best education to millions of children.

With more than 13 million educators in our community, combined with our working relationships with 25,000 schools in over 100 countries, we have been making a difference for over 100 years.

Role overview

Tes’s dedicated AI & Innovation team has been formed to focus on creating the innovative tools, product MVP’s and use of AI that will drive the future of its products. The team has a broad remit to drive innovation and creativity, and to investigate outside the normal parameters of our technology organisation. With opportunities available in both the external customer-facing products and within the tools the business uses, we’re seeking those people with the ability and willingness to think outside of the normal parameters.

Recognised as a strategically important initiative, this team has dual reporting lines to both the CEO and CTO, ensuring that the time and resources are available as needed, but without the fear of being pulled into the BAU of the business.

As such, a successful candidate will have a proven track record of delivering innovative AI solutions. A good working knowledge of frameworks, cloud services, and AI is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Build rapid Innovative MVPs
• Lead the design and implementation of scalable, high-performance software systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Product, Design, QA, and other Engineering groups.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies, frameworks, and tools.
• Mentor and coach engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement
• Oversee code reviews and ensure high-quality, maintainable code is delivered.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues
• Participate in strategic planning and help align technology with business goals.

What will you need to succeed?

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field
• 10+ years of professional software engineering experience
• Practical working knowledge of AI, building and training LLM, etc
• Strong understanding of microservices and modern web architectures
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Proven track record of driving technical initiatives and delivering results
• Strong knowledge of Cloud Architecture and Services in AWS
• Very Deep expertise of programming languages such as, Java, Springboot, or other frameworks
• Experience mentoring and guiding technical teams, where required for execution at pace
• Experience with DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines
• Familiarity with security best practices in software development
• Contributions to open-source projects
• Prior experience in a Principal or Senior Engineer role

What do you get in return?

• 25 days annual leave rising to 30
• State of the art offices
• Access to a range of benefits via My Benefits World
• Free eye care cover
• Life Assurance
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• EAP (Employee assistance programme)
• Quarterly Tes Socials
• Access to an extensive Learning and Development menu

Who are Tes?

Tes is a global Edtech leader, on a mission to empower schools and educators to deliver impactful, inspiring learning experiences worldwide. We understand the unique challenges faced by schools, and our ecosystem is specifically designed to address these needs head-on.

Our intuitive technology streamlines complex tasks, enhances learning experiences, and alleviates the administrative burdens that often overwhelm schools.

By working closely with schools, we provide up-to-date resources, expert guidance, and a technology ecosystem dedicated to innovation and excellence in education. Whether simplifying administrative workflows, creating dynamic classrooms, or advancing professional development, Tes is the trusted partner for schools worldwide.

Join the hundreds of schools already benefiting from the Tes ecosystem. Together, we empower educators to achieve more, ensuring every student thrives in a supportive, well-managed learning environment.

With Tes, excellence in education is not just a goal - it's a sustainable and rewarding reality. For more information about Tes, our products, and our team, visit: www.tes.com .

Norfolk St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 2JE, UK