Principal Software Engineer (C++ - Cloud Video Framework)

Hawk-Eye Innovations; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible & Remote Working

Generous Annual Leave

Company Reward Schemes

Onsite Gym

Free Access to Unmind App

Sony Discounts

Pension Scheme

Health & Wellness Activities

Job summary

Hawk-Eye Innovations seeks a Principal Software Engineer to lead the development of our next-generation video services. This leadership role will shape core C++ video frameworks, ensuring performance, frame-accuracy, and reliability across local and distributed environments.

You'll mentor senior and mid-level engineers, collaborate with product teams and customers, and solve complex synchronization and transcoding challenges using FFmpeg in a hybrid edge-to-cloud setting.

Qualifications

• Mastery of modern C++ (up to C++20) with extensive multithreaded, high-performance code for demanding environments.
• Proficiency with Git, Visual Studio, and advanced debugging workflows for complex, distributed systems.
• Proven ability to lead people and technical direction, navigating stakeholders with credibility.

Responsibilities

• Own the technical roadmap for core C++ video frameworks, ensuring modularity, scalability, and edge-to-cloud adaptability.
• Write and review high-performance, multithreaded code that sets the standard for the organization.

Skills

C++

Multithreading

Video codecs

FFmpeg

Leadership

Tools

Git

Visual Studio

Debugging

Job description

• Hi, I’m Tim Seals, Principal Software Engineer and C++ Apps Discipline Lead
• At Hawk-Eye, we build systems that power some of the most exciting and critical moments in sport—from instant replays to high-stakes officiating decisions seen by millions around the world
• Our Cloud Video Framework team is the engine behind these moments
• We are looking for a Principal Software Engineer to lead the development of our next-generation video services
• While our heritage is in-stadia hardware, our future is a hybrid ecosystem where “the edge” meets the cloud
• This is a high-impact leadership role focused on building the foundational frameworks that ensure our video remains performant, frame-accurate, and rock-solid in any environment
• Architectural Leadership: You’ll own the technical roadmap for our core C++ video frameworks, ensuring they are modular, scalable, and optimized for both local and distributed environments
• Engineering Excellence: Write and review high-performance, multithreaded C++ code that serves as the gold standard for the rest of the organization
• Video Mastery: Leverage deep knowledge of video codecs and containers—specifically using FFmpeg—to solve complex synchronization and transcoding challenges
• Strategic Mentorship: Lead technical discussions, contribute to design decisions, and act as a force multiplier by mentoring Senior and Mid-level engineers
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with product teams and customers to refine and deliver the best solutions for live global sports

Benefits

• Flexible & Remote Working
• Generous Annual Leave
• Company Reward Schemes
• Onsite Gym
• Free Access to Unmind App
• Sony Discounts
• Pension Scheme
• Health & Wellness Activities

C++ Authority: Mastery of modern C++ (ideally up to C++20) with extensive experience writing multithreaded, performance-optimized code for high-pressure environmentsTooling & Workflow: Total comfort with Git, Visual Studio, and advanced debugging workflows for complex, distributed systemsLeadership Gravity: Proven ability to lead people and technical directions. You have the soft skills to navigate stakeholders and the technical depth to win the respect of elite developersDeep Video Expertise: Significant experience “under the hood” with video. You should have experience using FFmpeg and understand the trade-offs between different compression standards and bitstreamsProblem-Solving Mindset: A proactive approach to solving real-world problems and an eagerness to contribute to a culture of continuous improvement