Principle Software Engineer

JR United Kingdom; Gloucester; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer / Architect to join their team following the departure of a long-standing veteran. This senior-level position involves maintaining a bespoke platform, developing in Java and Perl, and collaborating with various teams to ensure a smooth transition and continued innovation. With flexible working options and a significant role in architecture planning, this opportunity promises both challenge and support.

Benefits

Matched pension up to 5%

Double pay after 8pm or time in lieu

On-call: 1 week in 4

Qualifications

• 10+ years' experience in system-level engineering roles.
• Strong experience in Java and Perl development.
• Collaborative skills with CMS and networking teams.

Responsibilities

• Developing and maintaining systems in Java and Perl.
• Working on a self-built, proprietary platform.
• Contributing to architecture planning and decision-making.

Skills

Java

Perl

System-Level Engineering

Networking

Kubernetes

KVM

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

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!