Principle Software Engineer

JR United Kingdom; Cheltenham; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer / Architect to take on a critical role within a collaborative team following the departure of a long-time architect. This position offers autonomy in a senior engineering capacity focused on maintaining and evolving a bespoke platform while working closely with various teams. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in Java and Perl, along with a background in system-level engineering.

Benefits

Matched pension up to 5%

Overtime double pay after 8pm

On-call duty (1 week in 4)

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience in system-level engineering roles.
• Strong experience in Java.
• Experience with Perl.

Responsibilities

• Developing and maintaining systems in Java and Perl.
• Collaborating closely with CMS and network teams.
• Contributing to future architecture planning and decision-making.

Skills

Java

Perl

System-level engineering

Networking

Kubernetes

KVM or broader system architecture

Job description

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I'm working with a long-standing client who’s looking to backfill a Principal Systems Engineer / Architect position after their 20-year veteran system architect just handed in his notice. Big shoes to fill - but a genuinely exciting opportunity for someone senior to step into a critical technical role within a supportive, collaborative team.

They've got a bespoke, self-built platform that's integral to their operations - and this role plays a key part in maintaining and evolving that system alongside both the CMS and networking teams.

? What You'll Be Doing

This is a senior-level engineering role with plenty of autonomy and architectural input. The day-to-day will involve:

• Working on a self-built, proprietary platform
• Developing and maintaining systems in Java and Perl
• Collaborating closely with CMS and network teams
• Contributing to future architecture planning and decision-making

Must-haves:

• Strong experience in Java
• Experience with Perl
• 10+ years’ experience in system-level engineering roles

Nice-to-haves:

• Background in networking
• Familiarity with Kubernetes
• Understanding of KVM or broader system architecture

? Work Setup

• Hybrid model: 3 days from home, 2 days in office
• Office location: Gloucester preferred, London acceptable
• Flexibility around start/finish times (e.g. 8am–4pm is fine)
• Expectation to be on-site during the initial onboarding period

? Salary & Benefits

• Matched pension up to 5%
• Overtime: Anything after 8pm is double pay, or time in lieu
• On-call: 1 week in 4

? Why It’s Urgent

The current architect is handing over after 20 years — this is a rare opportunity to step into a lead engineering role with history, ownership, and support already in place.

? If this sounds like your kind of role - apply below!