Principal Engineer (db & Distributed Compute)

Principal Engineer (Database & Distributed Compute) - 6 months+ - Hybrid/Sheffield - Umbrella £550/£570

We're recruiting a Principal Engineer to play a defining role in our client's Global Database Platform - a mission-critical capability operating at scale in a highly regulated environment.

This is a hands-on leadership role for a senior technologist with deep database expertise, strong distributed systems and compute knowledge, and the credibility to lead, advise, challenge, and influence at the highest levels.

What you'll be doing

• Setting technical direction and driving engineering excellence across the Global Database Platform
• Acting as a trusted SME in database technologies, distributed compute, virtualisation, and operating systems
• Designing and delivering services with availability, resiliency, safety, and security at their core
• Leading and embedding modern DevOps practices, from CI/CD to observability and automation
• Influencing architecture and investment decisions using data, metrics, and evidence
• Working closely with engineering, product, security, and risk stakeholders in a regulated environment
• Mentoring senior engineers and raising the technical bar across the organisation

To apply you should bring the following skills and experience:

• 5+ years Principal/Senior Engineering position
• Deep expertise in database platforms (at scale, business-critical, and always-on)
• Strong background in distributed compute, including virtualisation technologies and operating systems
• Solid understanding of DevOps principles and implementation, not just theory
• The gravitas and confidence to challenge constructively and influence senior technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Experience delivering technology in regulated or compliance-heavy environments
• A pragmatic mindset: strategic thinker, but comfortable getting hands-on when needed

Why this role?

• 2 years worth of work
• High visibility, high impact - shaping the future of a global platform
• Work on complex, large-scale systems that really matter
• Influence strategy, not just execution
• Collaborate with experienced engineers and leaders across the organisation

If you're a seasoned Principal Engineer who thrives on scale, complexity, and responsibility - and you want a role where your judgement genuinely matters - we'd love to hear from you.

Interviews ASAP, start February/beginning of March 2026.