Principal Software Engineer
- Belfast, United Kingdom
Posted 2 days ago
About the role
Location
Belfast
Address
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Employment Type
Full time
Location Type
Hybrid
Department
Product Development
OverviewApplication
The Role
We’re looking for experienced Principal Software Engineers who enjoy solving complex technical challenges, building scalable systems, and helping engineering teams deliver high-quality software in production environments.
This role sits at the intersection of software engineering, architecture, and cloud/platform engineering. You’ll be designing, building, and guiding the delivery of modern software solutions using technologies such as Java, Python, C#/.NET and TypeScript, while working closely with engineering teams to ensure solutions are scalable, secure, and maintainable.
It’s a strong fit for someone who enjoys taking ownership of technical direction, mentoring engineers, and helping shape how systems are designed, built, and operated. We're also looking for engineers who embrace modern engineering practices, including AI-assisted development and agentic ways of working, to help teams work more effectively and deliver greater value.
What You'll Be Doing
Design, build, and guide the delivery of software solutions using Java, Python, C#/.NET and/or TypeScript
Develop cloud-native applications across AWS, Azure, or GCP
Provide technical leadership on complex projects and programmes of work
Contribute to system architecture and make key technical decisions
Work with distributed systems, APIs, and event-driven architectures
Collaborate with platform teams to ensure reliable, scalable deployments
Contribute to CI/CD pipelines and improve engineering workflows
Leverage AI-assisted development tools and agentic workflows to improve productivity and software quality
Identify opportunities to automate engineering tasks through intelligent tooling and AI
Mentor engineers and support technical growth across teams
Work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver production-ready software
Help establish and promote engineering standards, best practices, and ways of working
Required
Extensive experience building production systems using Java, Python, C#/.NET or TypeScript
Significant experience working with cloud platforms (AWS preferred, Azure or GCP also considered)
Strong understanding of system design, distributed systems, and scalable architectures
Experience building and consuming APIs (REST and event-based systems)
Experience making architectural decisions and providing technical guidance on complex projects
Comfortable working across the full software delivery lifecycle (build, deploy, operate)
Strong understanding of software engineering fundamentals and best practices
Ability to take ownership and drive technical solutions from concept through to delivery
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
Experience mentoring engineers and supporting team development
Interest in modern AI-enabled engineering practices and continuous improvement
Nice to Have
Experience with React, Angular, or Vue
Experience with infrastructure-as-code tools such as Terraform or CloudFormation
Exposure to containerisation and orchestration technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes
Familiarity with CI/CD tooling such as GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, or Azure DevOps
Experience with serverless architectures
Experience integrating AI services, LLMs, or agent-based systems into software products
Experience working across multiple teams, projects, or customer engagements
Interest in improving engineering standards, tooling, and ways of working through automation and AI-assisted development
Please note: We offer flexible hybrid working, but candidates should be based in Northern Ireland and able to attend our Belfast office when required.
Why Join Instil?
At Instil, we believe great work starts with happy, motivated people. That’s why we’ve built a benefits package that supports your wellbeing, growth, and life outside of work, because when you thrive, so do we.
Recognition That Matters: A discretionary annual performance bonus that rewards your impact and contribution to our success.
Flexibility Built In: Flexible working arrangements and summer hours, because life isn’t 9 to 5, and balance matters.
Financial Security: A highly competitive pension scheme with generous employer contributions, private healthcare, and life assurance for peace of mind.
Health & Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme, mental health support, cycle-to-work scheme, and regular social events to keep our culture vibrant.
Time to Recharge: 35 days holiday, enhanced maternity pay, and family-first policies so you can focus on what matters most.
Learning Never Stops: From courses to certifications, we’ll invest in your development so you can keep growing and shaping what’s next.
Community & Culture: Opportunities to volunteer, give back, and be part of initiatives that make Instil a truly inclusive and connected workplace.
And that’s just the start, drop us a note to find out more.
Company Description
Instil has been delivering world-class software engineering and technology solutions for over 20 years, trusted by global brands to solve complex challenges and drive innovation. From modernising legacy systems to building cutting-edge applications, we help our clients navigate an ever-changing digital landscape with confidence and agility.
We’re proud to be an award-winning employer, reflecting how our people are at the heart of everything we do:
Recognised as a Great Place to Work® for three consecutive years, and in 2024 ranked in the Top 20 Best Workplaces in the UK for medium-sized companies.
Winner of Company of the Year at the Digital DNA Awards 2022, celebrating excellence in Northern Ireland’s tech sector.
Driven by a love for technology and a commitment to excellence, we bring together people who want to make a difference. We’ll support your journey, because your success is part of ours.
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