Principal Software Engineer (C++/Unreal)

Electus Recruitment Solutions; England; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing consultancy in the UK is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to lead the design of complex digital twins and provide strategic advice to key defense stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have over 7 years of software engineering experience, strong proficiency in C++ and Unreal Engine 5, along with a solid foundation in mathematical principles. This role offers a hybrid working pattern with 25 days of annual leave and a 7% employer pension contribution.

Benefits

Comprehensive private healthcare scheme

25 days annual leave

7% employer pension contribution

Life insurance

Discounted gym memberships

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in software engineering.
• Experience managing stakeholders, influencing and conflict management at a senior level.
• Familiarity with a variety of software modelling and simulation techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end design and delivery of software solutions involving Wargames, Robotics, and Digital Twins.
• Provide key advice on emerging techniques and innovation to defence stakeholders.
• Lead small delivery teams and oversee performance of engineering staff.

Skills

C++

Unreal Engine 5

Mathematical principles

Statistical problem-solving

Education

Degree in a STEM or computing discipline

Job description

Principal Software Engineer

This is a pivotal technical leadership role within a rapidly growing consultancy. You will spearhead the design of complex digital twins and synthetic environments, providing high-level strategic advice on innovation to key UK defence stakeholders.

Essentials

• Sole British nationality is required for this position.
• At least 7+ years of experience in software engineering
• Proficient in C++ and Unreal 5
• Strong background in mathematical principles or statistical problem-solving within scientific fields.

Package

A comprehensive private healthcare scheme and health cash plan.

Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership: Lead the end-to-end design and delivery of software solutions involving Wargames, Robotics, Autonomous systems, and Digital Twins.
• Strategic Influence: Provide key advice on emerging techniques and innovation to a wide range of defence stakeholders.
• Operational Management: Lead small delivery teams and oversee the line management and performance of engineering staff.
• Commercial Growth: Coordinate bid management activity and author technical proposals to secure new projects.
• Problem Solving: Apply advanced computational methods to tackle real-world challenges, developing novel approaches where standard tools fall short.

Profile

• A proven track record of managing stakeholders, including influencing and conflict management at a senior level.
• Extensive experience with a variety of software modelling and simulation techniques.
• Familiarity with videogame engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Godot) or event-based simulation.
• Confident in navigating, understanding, and modifying large, varied codebases.
• Educated to degree level in a STEM or computing discipline.
• Willingness to travel across the UK to work at various client sites as required.

Benefits & Balance

• Pension Scheme: 7% employer contribution.
• Time Off: 25 days annual leave.
• Security: Life insurance coverage for peace of mind.
• Health: Private healthcare and a health cash plan.
• Discounts: Access to lifestyle and shopping discounts plus discounted gym memberships.

Location & Setup

The role is based in Portsmouth with a hybrid working pattern of three days on site per week. You will join a small, agile team where your drive for rapid advancement is directly linked to the company's growth.

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