Principal Software Engineer - Belfast

MCS Group; Belfast City District; Hybrid; GBP 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Job summary

MCS Group in Belfast is seeking a Principal Software Engineer with strong Python and AI expertise to stay hands-on while shaping the technical direction of the software platform. You’ll own complex challenges, influence architecture, and help evolve engineering practices.

The role emphasizes hands-on coding, collaboration with senior leaders, and leveraging AI-powered tools to improve development speed without compromising quality.

Qualifications

• Strong background in Python and enjoy high-quality engineering.
• Experience with TDD, pair programming, software architecture and modern development practices.
• Experience with AI coding tools would be interesting.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of complex technical challenges and influence architecture and release practices.
• Work with senior engineers on technical direction and future improvements.
• Stay hands-on with Python and AI-powered development tools to balance speed and quality.
• Mentor other engineers and share knowledge across the team.

Skills

Python

AI

Test-Driven Development

Pair programming

Software architecture

Modern development practices

Job description

Principal Software Engineer | Python & AI | Belfast

Love solving complex technical challenges? Want to have a real influence on how engineering is done, without stepping away from the code?

I'm working with a really exciting technology company in Belfast that is continuing to invest in its engineering team as it develops and scales its software platform.

They're now looking for a Principal Software Engineer who can bring strong technical expertise, fresh ideas and a passion for building great software.

This isn't a role where you'll spend your days sitting in meetings or managing people. It's an opportunity to remain hands-on while helping shape the bigger technical picture.

What makes this opportunity interesting?

You'll be joining a talented engineering team where your ideas and technical decisions will genuinely matter.

You'll have the opportunity to:

• Take ownership of complex technical challenges and help shape how solutions are built.

• Work closely with senior engineering leaders on architecture, technical direction and future improvements.

• Stay hands-on with Python, developing high-quality, scalable software.

• Help the team get the most out of AI-powered development tools, balancing speed with engineering quality.

• Share your knowledge, challenge existing approaches and support other engineers in their development.

• Influence engineering practices, from testing and code quality through to how software is released and maintained.

What am I looking for?

I'm keen to speak with experienced engineers who have a strong background in Python and enjoy working in environments where engineering quality really matters.

You'll ideally bring experience with Test-Driven Development (TDD), pair programming, software architecture and modern development practices.

Just as importantly, you'll be someone who enjoys solving problems, isn't afraid to challenge ideas and can bring other engineers along with you.

Experience using AI coding tools would be particularly interesting, especially if you've been exploring how they can improve development without compromising quality.

What's on offer?

• Competitive salary

• Private medical insurance

• Pension and life assurance

• 22 days' annual leave plus 11 public holidays

• Option to purchase additional annual leave

• Hybrid working - 3 days per week in the Belfast office

This could be a brilliant move for a Senior or Principal Engineer who wants more technical ownership, the chance to influence engineering decisions and the opportunity to work on some genuinely interesting software challenges.