Principal Software Engineer

Ryanair - Europe's Favourite Airline; Dublin; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Discounted travel to over 250 destinations

Defined Contribution Pension Scheme

Death in Service Benefit

20 Days Annual Leave

Cycle 2 Work Scheme

Unrivalled career progression

Job summary

A leading airline in Europe is seeking a Solution Architect/Principal Engineer to define systems architecture and deliver cutting-edge applications. The role requires over 10 years of experience in large-scale projects, preferably in aviation. The successful candidate will guide teams, collaborate with stakeholders, and ensure compliance with security standards. Benefits include competitive salary, unlimited travel options, and unrivalled career progression opportunities.

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience as a Solutions Architect/Principal Engineer.
• Experience in large-scale enterprise or aviation-related projects.
• Strong background in aviation, aerospace, or heavy engineering environments.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills.
• Experience working on large applications and their underlying databases.
• Experience in system integration (APIs, middleware, data flows).
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Define the systems architecture and deliver applications for the airline.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to shape technical requirements.
• Produce architecture documentation and design scalable solutions.
• Lead workshops with stakeholders and guide development teams.
• Evaluate build-vs-buy options and support vendor selection and RFP processes.
• Produce architecture documentation, data models, and system interface designs.
• Work with project management to create a roadmap and phased delivery plan.

Skills

Problem solving

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Communication

Communication

Education

IT Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

AWS

Azure

Job description

Description

Ryanair Labs are currently recruiting for a Solution Architect/Principal Engineer to join Europe’s Largest Airline Group! This is a very exciting time to join Ryanair as we look to expand our operation to 800 aircraft and 300 million guests within the next 10 years. Ryanair Labs is the technology brand of Ryanair. Labs is a state of-the-art digital & IT innovation hub creating Europe’s Leading Travel Experience for our customers.

The Role

• Define the high-level systems architecture and delivering best-in-class applications for Europe’s largest airline.
• Map out business processes and identify gaps in current systems and opportunities for automation/digitalization.
• Developing high quality, testable and performance software using agile practices.
• Driving best technology and software development practices in the team with passion and enthusiasm.
• Collaborate with analysts and business stakeholders in shaping, estimating and planning new requirements. Lead workshops with stakeholders.
• Evaluate build-vs-buy options, assess vendor solutions, and support vendor selection and RFP processes, including technology evaluations and recommendations.
• Participating in regular showcases of new work to the product owners and business stakeholders.
• Recommend integration approach with enterprise platforms (e.g., HR, finance, procurement).
• Striving for continuous improvement within the team.
• Produce architecture documentation, data models, and system interface designs.
• Work with project management to create a roadmap and phased delivery plan.
• Guide development and integration teams during implementation.
• Design solutions with scalability and performance in mind, ensuring compliance with security, data protection, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee the implementation and adherence to governance frameworks and standards.
• Mitigate risks by designing resilient, maintainable architectures with built-in BCP and DR capabilities.

Requirements

• 10+ years’ experience as a Solutions Architect/Principal Engineer in large-scale enterprise or aviation-related projects.
• IT Bachelor’s degree or equivalent industry experience.
• AWS/Azure experience.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills.
• Experience working on large applications and their underlying databases.
• Experience in system integration (APIs, middleware, data flows).
• Problem solver – the ability to come up with unique solutions to unique problems.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with ability to translate business needs into technical solutions.
• Drive technical excellence within engineering teams.
• Background in aviation, aerospace, or heavy engineering environments, knowledge of MRO systems (aircraft/engine maintenance, inventory, work package management) or familiarity with airline platforms would be a distinct advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Discounted and unlimited travel to over 250 destinations
• Defined Contribution Pension Scheme – Matched up to 5% or €5,000
• Death in Service Benefit – Up to 2 times of annual basic salary
• 20 Days Annual Leave – Increasing to 22 days after 12 months and 25 days after 3 years of continuous service.
• Option for up to 5 additional unpaid leave days per year
• Cycle 2 Work Scheme
• Unrivalled career progression

Competencies

• Attention to Detail
• Creativity/Innovation
• Critical Thinking
• Decision Making/Judgment
• Dependability
• Communication