Principal Software Engineer - C++ and Rust

Principal Software Engineer – C++ and Rust - is required by highly successful and fast growing technology consultancy..They build data, AI and software solutions for clients in a broad range of industries, working on demanding problems in challenging environments. The role They are looking for a Principal Software Engineer to lead delivery on demanding software projects. This role is focused on C++ and Rust development. This is a hands-on role for an experienced engineer who wants to stay close to the code. You'll lead a team of 6 to 12 engineers, own delivery end to end, and spend a meaningful share of your time writing code, reviewing designs, and unblocking the team. It's a delivery role, not a strategy role. You'll shape how we build things and how the team grows around you. Responsibilities * Lead the delivery of complex software projects * Work alongside other leads to set direction for the defence function * Stay hands-on: set technical direction, design software and write code, leaning in where needed * Mentor engineers across experience levels * Plan and estimate delivery, manage technical debt, and make pragmatic trade-offs between speed, quality and long-term maintainability * Work directly with clients to shape requirements, manage expectations and build trust * Run code and design reviews, set the bar for quality, and hold the team to it * Embed strong testing practices in the team's workflow, from unit tests through to integration and acceptance testing What makes a great candidate * A track record of technically leading complex software deliveries * Excellent programming skills in C++ or Rust * Experience of modern end-to-end software engineering workflows, including requirements management, design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance * Experience integrating AI-assisted tools into development workflows without compromising on quality, security or compliance * Experience developing for Linux, ideally with exposure to industrial computing platforms, single-board computers or real-time environments * A leader who enjoys delivery and makes the engineers around them better * Comfortable operating in ambiguous environments and making decisions with incomplete information * Excellent communicator, equally at home in a code review, a client meeting, or a one-to-one with a junior engineer * Strong academic foundations, typically a first-class degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics or Mathematics from a leading university * Experience in defence or national security is a strong plus Why join them * Work alongside high-calibre colleagues from organisations known for engineering excellence * High-impact work on complex problems with direct consequences for clients * A flat structure and a small, growing team, where you'll help shape how we work * Newcastle base with international exposure across our global office network * 25 days’ holiday allowance plus bank holidays * Matching pension contributions up to 6% * Private health insurance through Bupa * Discretionary bonus Excellent training and career development opportunities exist for the right candidate. Basic salary £(phone number removed) + bonus + excellent benefits Based Newcastle upon Tyne