Job Specifications
We’d all like amazing work to do, and real work-life balance. That’s waiting for you at Sainsbury’s. Think about the scale it takes to feed the nation. The level of data, transactions and variety involved. Then you’ll realise this is a modern software engineering environment, because it has to be. We’ve made significant investment in the standards and principles that shape how we work. We iterate, learn, experiment and champion ways of working such as Agile, Scrum and XP. So you can look forward to exciting opportunities across everything from AI to reusable tech.
Join Us
At Sainsbury’s Tech, you’ll help power one of the UK’s largest and most-loved multi-channel, multi-brand retailers. As a Principal Engineer, you will drive engineering excellence, shape modern technology standards, and influence the future of retail technology for millions of customers.
You’ll work in a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative engineering community—one that values experimentation, innovation, and evidence-based decision making. If you’re passionate about modern engineering practises and want the freedom to explore, lead, and deliver at scale, this is the place to thrive.
What You’ll Do
Setting and evolving engineering strategy, standards, and best practises across your domain.
Influencing innovation, modern ways of working, and technical direction across engineering teams.
Leading by example through deep technical expertise, supporting Staff Engineers and teams to deliver scalable, high‑performance technology solutions.
Guiding engineers and senior leaders with expert insight on technical risk, impact assessment, and prioritisation.
Designing and overseeing the delivery of large‑scale, high‑availability systems using cutting‑edge technologies.
Driving the adoption and continuous improvement of engineering practises, using data and evidence to support decision‑making.
Leverage AI and intelligent automation to modernise our systems, streamline decision making, and ensure the organisation remains future fit in a rapidly evolving technology landscape.
Shaping engineering culture by developing talent, mentoring engineers, and contributing to a thriving community of practise.
Essential Criteria
Technical Excellence:
Deep hands‑on expertise in at least one modern backend language (e.g., Java, .NET, Golang, Node.js, Python, Kotlin).
Strong understanding of engineering ecosystems, software architectures, and scalable system design.
Experience leading the development of complex, high‑performance, distributed systems.
Proven ability to define, evolve, and govern technical standards and engineering best practises.
Leadership & Influence:
Proven experience in a senior or principal engineering role within a modern technology organisation.
Proven ability to influence engineering strategy and shape technology direction across multiple teams or domains.
Experience working with Senior Engineering Managers and technical leaders to guide engineering vision and delivery.
Ways of Working:
Strong advocate for agile methodologies and modern engineering practises.
Proven ability to build collaborative, inclusive relationships across engineering communities.
Comfortable making data‑driven decisions and evaluating trade-offs at scale.
Culture & Mentorship:
Strong experience developing colleagues, mentoring engineers at all levels, and contributing to engineering culture.
Passion for innovation, continuous improvement, and enabling others to succeed.
Why Sainsbury’s Tech?
Influence technology used by millions of customers every day
Freedom to innovate, experiment, and drive real change
Supportive engineering community and career‑long development
Flexible working and strong work‑life balance
Be part of shaping the future of retail technology
What’s In It For You
Flexible working with a balanced approach to home and office
Colleague discounts across Sainsbury’s, Argos and Habitat
Private health cover
Generous holiday allowance
Bonus scheme
Car allowance
Pension plan
Discounts on gyms, restaurants, holidays, retail and more
" We are committed to being a truly inclusive retailer, so you’ll be welcomed whoever you are and wherever you work. Around here, there’s always the chance to try something new - whether that’s as part of an evolving team or somewhere else across the business - and we take development seriously and promise to support you. We also recognise and celebrate colleagues when they go the extra mile and, where possible, offer flexible working. When you join our team, we’ll also offer you an amazing range of benefits. Here are some of them: Starting off with colleague discount, you'll be able to get 10% off at Sainsbury's, Argos, TU and Habitat after 4 weeks. This increases to 15% off at Sainsbury’s every Friday and Saturday and 15% off at Argos every pay day. We've also got you covered for your future with our pensions scheme and life cover. You'll also be able to share in our success as you may be eligible for a performan
About the Company
Over 150 years old and still going strong, we’re the UK’s second-biggest retailer. Every day, the nation shops with us because they know they’ll get affordable, good food and excellent service.
We focus on great value and convenient shopping across our family of brands, from Argos, Nectar and Habitat to Sainsbury’s Bank, Smart Charge and Tu.
What’s next for Sainsbury’s?
We've put food back at the heart of our business and we’re taking Sainsbury’s to the next level. We’re investing in technology and people and we’re thinki...
Know more