Principal Software Engineer

Principal Software Engineer – Go | Distributed Systems

💵 £140,000-170,000 + 15% bonus + Equity

⚙️ Go/Python/Rust - Kubernetes, AWS, Distributed Systems

📍 Hybrid (Central London, 3 days a week in office)

💻 Broad/Complex Technical Environment

📈 Well-funded Series B deep-tech company

We’re partnered with a well-funded deep-tech scale-up transforming the life sciences industry by Accelerating scientific discovery.

They blend hardware, software and AI as a platform to increase efficiencies in an industry where time can truly save lives.

They're hiring a Principal Software Engineer to act as technical authority across a number of small product teams.

You’ll lead technical direction, shape system architecture, mentor other Staff Engineers and play a key role in how the platform evolves over the next few years.

This role suits someone who naturally sets technical direction. You’ll be expected to unblock teams, initiate projects, and take ownership in a high-autonomy environment where technical people lead technical people.

They’re looking for someone ambitious who wants a broader leadership role while staying hands-on.

This is an opportunity to build foundational systems that sit at the intersection of software, data, AI and physical robotics, in a company genuinely redefining how science gets done.

Ideal Profile:

  • 10+ years of software engineering experience
  • Operated as technical authority across 4+ SWE teams
  • Experience building complex core engines/systems - not just APIs
  • Solid production experience with GO
  • Comfortable working across multiple languages (Rust or Python exposure a plus)
  • Experience designing and owning complex distributed systems
  • Has led architecture, produced technical designs and run deep technical discussions and workshops

Bonus Points For:

  • Experience close to AI infrastructure or machine coordination
  • → Go migration experience
  • Exposure to robotics, automation or hardware-adjacent products

Job Details

Company
Burns Sheehan
Location
United Kingdom
Posted